Pennsylvania will play a crucial role in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming election, as Democrats seek to gain four seats to take control of the chamber. The state is also important in determining control of the White House and Senate, with five competitive House races at stake. Pennsylvania is home to one of the “Biden 16” districts that President Joe Biden won but are currently represented by Republicans, as well as one of the eight districts won by former President Donald Trump but represented by Democrats.
Candidates and outside groups have already poured more than $60 million into the Pennsylvania races, and that number is expected to increase as the election approaches. For Republicans, there is an opportunity to flip districts where incumbent Democrats won by a small margin in the previous election. The state has five key races to watch, each with its own unique dynamics that could impact the balance of power in the House.
In the 1st District, Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is a top target for Democrats as one of the “Biden 16” districts. Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent, has a strong base of support in the district and is endorsed by prominent labor unions. His opponent, Ashley Ehasz, is a former Army helicopter pilot who lost to Fitzpatrick in the previous election. The race has focused on key issues such as tax cuts, impeachment, and abortion rights, with Fitzpatrick leading in fundraising and support.
In the 7th and 8th Districts, Democratic U.S. Reps. Susan Wild and Matt Cartwright are facing tough reelection battles in their eastern Pennsylvania districts. Both incumbents have been targeted by Republicans in the past but have managed to hold onto their seats by narrow margins. Wild and Cartwright represent neighboring districts with similar demographics, and their races are shaping up to be the most expensive in the state.
The 10th District race features six-term Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a staunch conservative who has been a target for Democrats due to his ties to the Freedom Caucus and support for Trump. Perry faced controversy over his involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results but has not been charged with a crime. His opponent, Janelle Stelson, is a well-known local TV news anchor who has switched parties and criticized Perry on key issues like abortion rights and election integrity.
In the 17th District, Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio is being challenged by state Rep. Rob Mercuri in western Pennsylvania. Deluzio, a freshman congressman, has outraised his opponent and has the advantage of a larger number of registered Democrats in the district. The race has not attracted much attention from outside groups, but could still impact the overall balance of power in the House. Pennsylvania’s role in the upcoming election is crucial, and the outcomes of these key races will be closely watched as the country awaits the results on November 5th.
