2021 Pennsylvania elections explained

The 2021 Pennsylvania elections were held on November 2, 2021, to fill judicial positions on the Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Commonwealth Court, to allow judicial retention votes, and to fill numerous county, local and municipal offices.

The necessary primary elections were held on May 18. In addition, special elections for legislative vacancies were held at various times in 2021.

Special elections

Pennsylvania State Senate

22nd senatorial district

On February 14, Democratic state senator John Blake announced he would be resigning from the Senate to take a position with Congressman Matt Cartwright.[1] A special election was announced by Lieutenant Governor (and Senate President) John Fetterman for May 18, in conjunction with the 2021 primary election.[2]

Democrats held a special convention during which State Representative Marty Flynn won the party's nomination.[3] Republicans nominated Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak.[4] The Libertarian Party nominated Nathan Covington, and the Green Party nominated Marlene Sebastianelli.[5] Flynn defeated the field the special election.

48th senatorial district

Following the death of State Senator Dave Arnold, a special election was announced by Lieutenant Governor (and Senate President) John Fetterman to coincide with the 2021 primaries on May 18.[6]

The Libertarian Party nominated York County business owner and farmer Timothy McMaster.[7] Former state representative Edward H. Krebs announced he would launch an independent bid for this seat.[8] Democrats nominated Dr. Calvin Clements, a retired veterinarian.[9] Republicans nominated Lebanon County businessman Christopher Gebhard.[10]

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

59th legislative district

Following the death of Republican state representative Mike Reese, House Speaker Bryan Cutler announced that a special election for the 59th legislative district would take place on May 18 (in conjunction with the 2021 primary).[11]

Democrats nominated Ligonier Borough Councilwoman Mariah Fisher.[12] Republicans held a special convention and nominated Leslie Rossi, a Latrobe native and creator of the "Trump House".[13] The Libertarian Party nominated Robb Luther.[14]

Rossi defeated Fisher and Luther in the special election to become the district's first female representative.[15]

60th legislative district

On March 16, State Representative Jeff Pyle announced his retirement due to health issues.[16] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 60th legislative district on May 18, in conjunction with the 2021 primary.[17]

Republicans nominated Pyle's chief of staff Abby Major. Libertarians nominated Waynesburg University senior Drew Hreha.[18] Democrats nominated Dr. Frank Prazenica Jr., a retired colonel in the United States Army Reserve.[19]

113th legislative district

As a result of his State Senate special election victory, Marty Flynn resigned from his State House seat on June 9. House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 113th legislative district on November 2, in conjunction with the 2021 general election.[20]

Democrats nominated Flynn's chief of staff Thom Welby.[21] Republicans nominated Dominick Manetti, a former deputy sheriff of Lackawanna County.[22]

164th legislative district

On July 22, State Representative Margo L. Davidson resigned her seat after being charged with stealing from the Commonwealth by filing fraudulent overnight per diem requests and various other expenses through the State House Comptroller's Office as well as hindering a state prosecution.[23] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 164th legislative district on November 2, in conjunction with the 2021 general election.[24]

Democrats nominated Upper Darby School District board member Gina Curry. Republicans nominated Brian Sharif Taylor, a United States Army veteran. Libertarians nominated community activist Aniket Josan.[25]

Justice of the Supreme Court

Election Name:2021 Pennsylvania Supreme Court election
Country:Pennsylvania
Type:presidential
Ongoing:No
Previous Election:2017 Pennsylvania elections#Justice of the Supreme Court
Previous Year:2017
Next Election:2023 Pennsylvania elections#Justice of the Supreme Court
Next Year:2023
Image1:3x4.svg
Nominee1:Kevin Brobson
Party1:Republican
Popular Vote1:1,397,100
Percentage1:50.45%
Nominee2:Maria McLaughlin
Party2:Democratic
Popular Vote2:1,372,182
Percentage2:49.55%
Map Size:240px
Justice
Before Election:Thomas Saylor
Before Party:Republican
After Election:Kevin Brobson
After Party:Republican

A seat was up for election due to the impending mandatory retirement of Chief Justice Thomas G. Saylor on December 31, 2021.[26]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Withdrawn

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

General election

Results

Judge of the Superior Court

Election Name:2021 Pennsylvania Superior Court election
Country:Pennsylvania
Type:presidential
Ongoing:No
Previous Election:2019 Pennsylvania elections#Judge of the Superior Court
Previous Year:2019
Next Election:2023 Pennsylvania elections#Judge of the Superior Court
Next Year:2023
Image1:3x4.svg
Nominee1:Megan Sullivan
Party1:Republican
Popular Vote1:1,478,252
Percentage1:53.6%
Nominee2:Timika Lane
Party2:Democratic
Popular Vote2:1,278,771
Percentage2:46.4%
Map Size:240px
Judge
Before Election:Susan P. Gantman
Before Party:Republican
After Election:Megan Sullivan
After Party:Republican

One vacancy was created when President Judge Emeritus Susan P. Gantman took senior status on April 1, 2020.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

General election

Results

Judge of the Commonwealth Court

Election Name:2021 Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court election
Country:Pennsylvania
Type:legislative
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2017 Pennsylvania elections#Judge of the Commonwealth Court
Previous Year:2017
Next Election:2023 Pennsylvania elections#Judge of the Commonwealth Court
Next Year:2023
Seats For Election:2 seats of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
Candidate1:Stacy Wallace
Drew Crompton
Party1:Pennsylvania Republican Party
Last Election1:7
Seats1:1
Seat Change1: 1
Popular Vote1:2,630,344
Percentage1:51.54%
Party2:Pennsylvania Democratic Party
Candidate2:Lori Dumas
David Spurgeon
Last Election2:2
Seats2:1
Seat Change2: 1
Popular Vote2:2,473,227
Percentage2:48.46%

There were two seats up for election on the Commonwealth Court. Judge Mary Hannah Leavitt, a Republican, declined to run for retention for an additional 10-year term.[36] Had Judge Leavitt won retention, she would have only been eligible to serve for one year before her mandatory retirement by December 31, 2022. A second seat was up for election due to the retirement of Judge Robin Simpson, a Republican, on December 31, 2019.[37] [38] Governor Tom Wolf appointed Judge Drew Crompton[39] to fill the vacancy, who opted to run for reelection.[40]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

General election

A recount was triggered because Dumas and Crompton finished within half a percentage point of each other in the initial tally. On November 23, counties completed the recount, and Crompton conceded to Dumas. The following day, statewide recount results were published, which affirmed Dumas's lead.[47]

Results

Judicial retention

Superior Court

Judges John T. Bender and Mary Jane Bowes were up for retention in 2021.

Commonwealth Court

Judges Anne Covey and Renee Cohn Jubelirer were up for retention in 2021.

Mayoral elections

Pittsburgh

See main article: 2021 Pittsburgh mayoral election.

Allentown

See main article: 2021 Allentown mayoral election.

Harrisburg

See main article: 2021 Harrisburg mayoral election.

Ballot questions

Pennsylvania voters considered three constitutional amendments and one statewide referendum in the May 18 primary.

Constitutional amendments

Restricting emergency disaster declarations and powers

See also: COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania. In 2020, Governor Tom Wolf declared a disaster emergency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several Republicans, led by state representative Russ Diamond, opposed these public-health measures and introduced two amendments (2021-01 and 2021–02) to the Pennsylvania Constitution to restrict the emergency powers of the governor.[48] Resolutions 2021-01 and 2021-02 were placed on the May primary ballot.

Racial equality

A third constitutional amendment (2021-03) was proposed to create a prohibition against denying an individual's rights because of race or ethnicity.[49] Resolution 2021-03 was included on the May primary ballot.

Statewide referendum

Act 91 of 2020 placed before the electorate a question about allowing municipal fire companies, ambulance services, and rescue squads to use loans which are usually only allowed for volunteer companies.[50] The Act 91 referendum was placed on the May primary ballot.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Caruso. Stephen. 2021-02-14. Scranton Democratic state Sen. John Blake set to resign office for job with Cartwright. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210214224200/https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/scranton-democratic-state-sen-john-blake-set-to-resign-office-for-job-with-cartwright/ . February 14, 2021 . 2021-02-15. Pennsylvania Capital-Star. en-US.
  2. Web site: Cole. John. 2021-03-16. SD22: Special Election To Take Place On May 18. live. 2021-03-16. PoliticsPA. https://web.archive.org/web/20210315211631/https://www.politicspa.com/sd22-special-election-to-take-place-on-may-18/97658/ . March 15, 2021 .
  3. Web site: Hofius. Sarah. 2021-03-13. Local Democrats choose Flynn to run for state Senate seat. live. 2021-03-15. Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210313235538/https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-democrats-choose-flynn-to-run-for-state-senate-seat/article_8a5a8da8-ecda-5135-8e1e-1d1143b71407.html . March 13, 2021 .
  4. Web site: Wilkes Lesnefsky. Frank. 2021-03-25. GOP picks Chermak to run for 22nd seat. live. 2021-03-29. Scranton Times-Tribune. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210326050448/https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/gop-picks-chermak-to-run-for-22nd-seat/article_5e9dc655-ea83-55e0-9658-9b2658d69a16.html . March 26, 2021 .
  5. News: Lange . Stacy . State senate candidates debate . 6 May 2021 . . 1 May 2021.
  6. News: Murphy . Jan . Special election date set to fill seat left vacant by Sen. Dave Arnold's death . 25 January 2021 . pennlive . 25 January 2021 . en.
  7. Web site: Murphy . Jan . Open 48th Senatorial District seat draws interest from 13 candidates . PennLive . 26 March 2021 . 4 March 2021.
  8. Web site: Cole. John. 2021-03-10. SD48: Krebs Launches Bid for Special Election As An Independent. live. 2021-03-11. PoliticsPA. https://web.archive.org/web/20210310214406/https://www.politicspa.com/sd48-krebs-launches-bid-for-special-election-as-an-independent/97620/ . March 10, 2021 .
  9. Web site: Murphy. Jan. 2021-03-14. Democrats recommend veterinarian to vie for open Senate seat. live. 2021-03-18. PennLive. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210316040057/https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/democrats-recommend-veterinarian-to-vie-for-open-senate-seat.html . March 16, 2021 .
  10. Web site: Murphy. Jan. 2021-03-06. GOP chooses Lebanon County businessman to run for open Senate seat. live. 2021-03-18. PennLive. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210306181039/https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/gop-chooses-lebanon-county-businessman-to-run-for-open-senate-seat.html . March 6, 2021 .
  11. Web site: Cole. John. 2021-01-12. HD59: Special Election Set for May 18. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210123045631/https://www.politicspa.com/hd59-special-election-set-for-may-18/97065/ . January 23, 2021 . 2021-01-21. PoliticsPA.
  12. Web site: Signorini. Renatta. 2021-02-06. Ligonier councilwoman selected as Democratic nominee for 59th District seat. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210206201432/https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/ligonier-councilwoman-selected-as-democratic-nominee-for-59th-district-seat/ . February 6, 2021 . 2021-02-11. TribLIVE.com.
  13. Web site: Johnson. Dylan. 2021-02-23. Trump House owner gets GOP nod to run for Pa. 59th district seat. live. 2021-02-23. York Daily Record. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20210307093916/https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/02/23/gop-trump-house-owner-leslie-rossi-candidate-mike-reese-vacant-seat-pa/4554672001/ . March 7, 2021 .
  14. News: Delano . Jon . Jon Delano . Voters In Part Of Westmoreland Co. Will Pick New State Rep. In Special Election On May 18 . 6 May 2021 . . 4 May 2021.
  15. News: Matoney . Nick . Westmoreland County's Leslie Rossi, creator of Trump House, to fill seat of late Rep. Mike Reese . 20 May 2021 . . 19 May 2021.
  16. Web site: 2021-03-16. Pa. state Rep. Jeff Pyle will retire, citing health issues. 2021-03-16. WTAE. en.
  17. Web site: Cole. John. 2021-03-17. HD60: Special Election Set for May 18. live. 2021-03-17. PoliticsPA. https://web.archive.org/web/20210317155600/https://www.politicspa.com/hd60-special-election-set-for-may-18/97676/ . March 17, 2021 .
  18. Web site: Thomas. Mary Ann. 2021-03-25. Former state Rep. Jeff Pyle's staffer wins GOP nomination for special election, Dems choose Thursday night. live. 2021-03-26. Tribune Review. https://web.archive.org/web/20210326155828/https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/former-state-rep-jeff-pyles-staffer-wins-republican-nomination-for-special-election/ . March 26, 2021 .
  19. Web site: Cloonan. Patrick. 2021-03-26. Parties choose candidates to succeed Pyle. live. 2021-03-26. The Indiana Gazette. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210512080700/https://www.indianagazette.com/news/local/parties-choose-candidates-to-succeed-pyle/article_8bbf899e-8c84-5b8c-9f8a-815da5f61f90.html . May 12, 2021 .
  20. Web site: Cole. John. 2021-06-09. HD113: Special Election Set For November 2. live. 2021-06-09. PoliticsPA. https://web.archive.org/web/20210609215300/https://www.politicspa.com/hd113-special-election-set-for-november-2/98340/ . June 9, 2021 .
  21. Web site: Krawczeniuk. Borys. 2021-06-26. Only one Democrat applies for Flynn's House seat. live. 2021-08-23. Yahoo News. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20210628130325/https://news.yahoo.com/only-one-democrat-applies-flynns-040100040.html . June 28, 2021 .
  22. Web site: Lockwood. Jim. 2021-07-25. Republicans recommend Manetti to run for 113th state House District seat. live. 2021-08-23. Yahoo News. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20210725205657/https://news.yahoo.com/republicans-recommend-manetti-run-113th-122000890.html . July 25, 2021 .
  23. Web site: Couloumbis. Angela. Vella. Vinny. 2021-07-22. Pa. state lawmaker from Delaware County charged with theft after years-long investigation. live. 2021-07-22. Spotlight PA. en-us. https://web.archive.org/web/20210722181018/https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2021/07/margo-davidson-theft-charges-pa-attorney-general/ . July 22, 2021 .
  24. Web site: Miller. Cassie. 2021-08-02. Special election for former Rep. Margo Davidson's seat to be held Nov. 2. live. 2021-08-03. Pennsylvania Capital-Star. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20210802165922/https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/special-election-for-former-rep-margo-davidsons-seat-to-be-held-nov-2/ . August 2, 2021 .
  25. Web site: Unofficial List of Candidates: 2021 Special Election 164th legislative district. live. 2021-10-09. Pennsylvania Department of State. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20211009040645/https://www.dos.pa.gov/VotingElections/CandidatesCommittees/RunningforOffice/Documents/2021/164th-special-election-candidates-unofficial.pdf . October 9, 2021 .
  26. Web site: 2021-10-14. A full guide to Pennsylvania's 2021 Supreme Court election and other appellate judicial races. 2021-11-01. Spotlight PA. en-us.
  27. Web site: 2021-03-10. Candidates file for Pennsylvania Supreme Court opening. live. 2021-03-13. Associated Press. https://web.archive.org/web/20210312151358/https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-harrisburg-philadelphia-courts-f371555708c2452e5a36962fb861005c . March 12, 2021 .
  28. Web site: 2021-05-19. Philly judges win Democratic primaries for statewide courts. live. 2021-05-25. Associated Press. https://web.archive.org/web/20210525154050/https://apnews.com/article/courts-government-and-politics-3b026590b276428f8cbf40877a7426ef . May 25, 2021 .
  29. Web site: Cole . John . McLaughlin Announces Candidacy for PA Supreme Court . Politics PA . December 16, 2020.
  30. Web site: Cole . John . Nichols Announces Candidacy for PA Supreme Court . Politics PA . January 27, 2021.
  31. Web site: Advocate Jill Beck Launches Candidacy for Pennsylvania Superior Court . Beaver County Radio . December 4, 2020.
  32. Web site: 2021-03-12. PA Candidate Listing. 2021-03-13. Pennsylvania Department of State.
  33. Web site: Cole . John . Lane Announces Bid for Superior Court . Politics PA . December 10, 2020.
  34. Web site: Reinherz . Adam . Three local Jewish attorneys vie for seats on the bench . . February 1, 2021.
  35. Web site: Caruso. Stephen. 2021-02-12. With one Supreme Court seat up for grabs, Pa.'s 2021 judicial elections start to take shape. live. 2021-03-13. Pennsylvania Capital-Star. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20210226045443/https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/with-one-supreme-court-seat-up-for-grabs-pa-s-2021-judicial-elections-start-to-take-shape/ . February 26, 2021 .
  36. Web site: Declarations of Candidacy Filed by Incumbent Judges for Retention in 2021. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210124053350/https://www.dos.pa.gov/VotingElections/CandidatesCommittees/RunningforOffice/Documents/2021/0%202021%20Declarations%20of%20Candidacy%20Track%20Web.pdf . January 24, 2021 . 2021-01-21. Pennsylvania Department of State.
  37. Web site: Heisler's Egg Farm v. Walker Township Zoning Hearing Board . . May 28, 2020.
  38. Web site: Hardison . Elizabeth . Caruso . Stephen . Wolf nominates senior Senate GOP aide Crompton to fill appeals court vacancy . . November 19, 2019.
  39. Web site: 12/18/19 - Executive Nominations - Report from Committee . Committee on Rules and Executive Nominations - PA General Assembly Senate.
  40. Web site: Murphy . Jan . Former top Pa. Senate aide sworn in as newest Commonwealth Court judge . . January 7, 2020.
  41. Web site: Elect Judge Lori Dumas Commonwealth Court of PA. live. 2021-03-13. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210208141557/https://www.judgedumas2021.com/ . February 8, 2021 .
  42. Web site: Amanda Green-Hawkins for Commonwealth Court. dead. 2021-03-13. February 4, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210204155255/https://www.amandagreenhawkins.com/.
  43. Web site: Judge Spurgeon for Commonwealth Court. live. 2021-03-13. https://web.archive.org/web/20210205030136/https://judgespurgeon4commonwealth.com/ . February 5, 2021 .
  44. Web site: Cole . John . Sierra Thomas Street Announces Bid For PA Commonwealth Court . Politics PA . December 15, 2020.
  45. Web site: Judge Sierra Street – Judge Sierra Street. 2021-03-13. en.
  46. Web site: Wallace announces candidacy for Pa. Commonwealth Court . . February 20, 2021.
  47. News: Republican candidate in Pa. court race concedes after recount . 25 November 2021 . . 24 November 2021.
  48. Web site: Fernandez. Cynthia. 2021-01-13. Pa. GOP lawmakers want voters to give them the power to end governor's emergency orders. live. 2021-03-21. The Philadelphia Inquirer. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20210113231849/https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-tom-wolf-business-closures-disaster-declaration-amendment-20210113.html . January 13, 2021 .
  49. Web site: Heinze. Justin. 2021-03-15. 3 Ballot Initiatives In PA: Governor's Powers And Racial Justice. live. 2021-03-21. PA Patch. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210315223624/https://patch.com/pennsylvania/norristown/3-ballot-initiatives-pa-governors-powers-racial-justice . March 15, 2021 .
  50. Web site: Pennsylvania's 2021 primary election four ballot questions explained FOX43 Capitol Beat. 2021-05-24. fox43.com. April 30, 2021 . en-US.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "2021 Pennsylvania elections".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.