The year 2026 is shaping up to be a significant election year in Pennsylvania, featuring crucial races for governor and seats in the House of Representatives. The Senate race will follow in 2028.
Pennsylvania's political landscape is known for its mixed allegiances. The state voted for Democrat Barack Obama in both 2008 and 2012, before shifting to Republican Donald Trump in 2016. The state then swung back to the Democrats in 2020, only to return to the Republican side in 2024.
Incumbent Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator John Fetterman, also a Democrat, are both up for reelection. Shapiro's reelection bid is next year, while Fetterman's is in 2028.
Governor Shapiro will be campaigning in a state that favored Trump in the 2024 election. Shapiro won his first term in 2022 by a significant margin, though this victory may have been influenced by the quality of his Republican opponent. He may face challenges if Republicans succeed in passing legislation that would ban males from participating in women's sports in Pennsylvania schools. Shapiro has also drawn criticism for joining a lawsuit to block restrictions on juvenile gender surgeries and for his stance on the sports ban bill.
Shapiro, who is rumored to have presidential ambitions for 2028, has faced scrutiny over his communications staff and his handling of a sexual harassment claim against an aide, which was settled using taxpayer funds. He also vetoed school choice legislation, despite having previously supported the concept.
Senator Fetterman could potentially face a primary challenge in 2028. Conor Lamb, a former Pennsylvania congressman who previously ran against Fetterman, was recently profiled discussing his efforts to understand voter concerns. Fetterman has received praise from some for his support of Israel, while facing criticism from some left-leaning Democrats. Lamb also criticized Fetterman in the profile.
The 2026 midterm elections will also include the reelection of all members of Pennsylvania's House delegation. Some Republican representatives, including Rob Bresnahan and Brian Fitzpatrick, are in vulnerable districts. Fitzpatrick voted against the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" that the Trump administration used to advance its policy priorities. Bresnahan received positive news in June when his 2024 Democratic opponent announced they would not seek to reclaim their seat.
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