HARRISBURG, Pa. — While many voters remain focused on the upcoming Presidential Election on Tuesday, Democrats and Republicans will be vying for control over a divided legislature.
In the State House, Democrats hold a 102-101 seat majority, while the GOP holds a 28-22 seat majority in the State Senate. All 203 House seats will be up for grabs, however only 112 are contested races. The Senate, meanwhile, has 25 seats that will be up for the taking.
In Cumberland County, State Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) spent the day going door-to-door in Hampden Township on Friday. The 16-year incumbent is seeking reelection in the 88th Legislative District over her Democratic challenger, Sara Agerton.
She said many races across Pennsylvania are competitive entering Election Day.
“This house seat in the 88th District is a purple seat," said Rep. Delozier. "It is a seat where we compete for every vote, and I think you’ll see that in a lot of the districts.”
In Dauphin County, State Rep. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) is looking to flip the 15th Senatorial District, after Republican Senator John DiSanto announced his retirement. Senator DiSanto had held the district since 2016.
Dan Mallinson, an associate professor of Public Policy and Administration at Penn State Harrisburg, said the 15th Senatorial District is among a handful of battleground districts up for grabs.
“The last round of redistricting, as well as the 2018 redistricting that proceeded it after a Supreme Court decision about the last lines, has made several of these districts more competitive," said Mallinson.
Pennsylvania is one of two states with a divided legislature. Several bills championed by Governor Josh Shapiro have died in the Senate due to the Republican majority, including marijuana legalization and pre-canvassing of mail-in ballots.
Mallinson said this election will greatly shape the last two years of Governor Shapiro's first term.
“If the Senate ties and the Democrats get that tie-breaking vote with the Lieutenant Governor, you could see some of that legislation make it to the governor’s desk," said Mallinson. "Alternatively, if the Republicans retain the Senate and take back the House, that gives Republicans more leverage in negotiations."
Mallinson said there are six battleground districts for House races, including the 16th, 72nd, 118th, 137th, 142nd, and 160th Legislative Districts.
Meanwhile, the 5th, 9th, 15th, 37th, 45th, and 49th Senatorial Districts are considered battleground districts.