2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania explained

Election Name:	2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania
Country:	Pennsylvania
Type:	legislative
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania
Next Year:	2014
Seats For Election:	All 18 Pennsylvania seats to the United States House of Representatives
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Last Election1:	12
Seats1:	13
Seat Change1:	1
Popular Vote1:	2,710,070
Percentage1:	48.77%
Swing1:	2.64%
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Last Election2:	7
Seats2:	5
Seat Change2:	2
Popular Vote2:	2,793,538
Percentage2:	50.28%
Swing2:	2.71%
Map Size:	300px

The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, to elect the 18 U.S. representatives from the state of Pennsylvania, a loss of one seat following the 2010 United States census. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election and an election to the U.S. Senate. Primary elections were held Tuesday, April 24.

Republicans control redistricting in Pennsylvania, which lost one seat in reapportionment.^[1] A map released on December 13, 2011, effectively merged the 4th and 12th congressional districts, represented by Democrats Jason Altmire and Mark Critz.^[2] The map was passed by the Pennsylvania Senate.^[3] Critz won the incumbent-on-incumbent primary, but then lost the general election.

Pennsylvania was one of five states in which the party that won the state's popular vote did not win a majority of seats in 2012, the other states being Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Overview

Statewide

Party		Candidates	Votes		Seats
				%		+/–	%
	Republican	17	2,710,070	48.77	13	1	72.22
	Democratic	17	2,793,538	50.28	5	2	27.78
	Independent	5	46,512	0.84	0		0.0
	Libertarian	1	6,210	0.11	0		0.0
Total		40	5,556,330	100.0	18	1	100.0

District

Results of the 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania by district:

scope=col rowspan=3	District	scope=col colspan=2	Democratic	scope=col colspan=2	Republican	scope=col colspan=2 rowspan=2	Others	scope=col colspan=2 rowspan=2	Total	scope=col rowspan=3	Result
scope=col colspan=2 style="background:"	!	scope=col colspan=2 style="background:"
scope=col data-sort-type="number"	Votes !	scope=col data-sort-type="number"	% !	scope=col data-sort-type="number"	Votes !	scope=col data-sort-type="number"	% !	scope=col data-sort-type="number"	Votes !	scope=col data-sort-type="number"	% !	scope=col data-sort-type="number"	Votes !	scope=col data-sort-type="number"	%
	235,394	84.95%	41,708	15.05%	0	0.00%	277,102	100.00%	Democratic hold
	318,176	89.28%	33,381	9.37%	4,829	1.35%	356,386	100.00%	Democratic hold
	123,933	40.97%	165,826	54.82%	12,755	4.22%	302,514	100.00%	Republican hold
	104,643	34.42%	181,603	59.74%	17,734	5.83%	303,980	100.00%	Republican hold
	104,725	37.08%	177,740	62.92%	0	0.00%	282,465	100.00%	Republican hold
	143,803	42.86%	191,725	57.14%	0	0.00%	335,528	100.00%	Republican hold
	143,509	40.60%	209,942	59.40%	0	0.00%	353,451	100.00%	Republican hold
	152,859	43.40%	199,379	56.60%	0	0.00%	352,238	100.00%	Republican hold
	105,128	38.33%	169,177	61.67%	0	0.00%	274,305	100.00%	Republican hold
	94,227	34.42%	179,563	65.58%	0	0.00%	273,790	100.00%	Republican hold
	118,231	41.46%	166,967	58.54%	0	0.00%	285,198	100.00%	Republican hold
District 12	163,589	48.26%	175,352	51.74%	0	0.00%	338,941	100.00%	Republican gain
	209,901	69.09%	93,918	30.91%	0	0.00%	303,819	100.00%	Democratic hold
	251,932	76.89%	75,702	23.11%	0	0.00%	327,634	100.00%	Democratic hold
	128,764	43.25%	168,960	56.75%	0	0.00%	297,724	100.00%	Republican hold
	111,185	39.04%	156,192	54.85%	17,404	6.11%	284,781	100.00%	Republican hold
	161,393	60.31%	106,208	39.69%	0	0.00%	267,601	100.00%	Democratic hold
	122,146	36.04%	216,727	63.96%	0	0.00%	338,873	100.00%	Republican hold
Total	2,793,538	50.28%	2,710,070	48.77%	52,722	0.95%	5,556,330	100.00%

District 1

Pennsylvania's 1st congressional district includes primarily central and South Philadelphia, the City of Chester, the Philadelphia International Airport, and other small sections of Delaware County. It has been represented by Democrat Bob Brady since 1998.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Bob Brady, incumbent U.S. Representative

Withdrew

• Jimmie Moore, Philadelphia Municipal Court judge^{[4] [5] [6]}

Primary results

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• John Featherman, realtor and former candidate for mayor of Philadelphia^[7]

Primary results

General election

Results

District 2

Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district includes predominantly African American sections of the city of Philadelphia—West Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and Northwest Philadelphia—in addition to parts of South Philadelphia, Center City, and western suburbs such as Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County. It has been represented by Democrat Chaka Fattah since 1995.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Chaka Fattah, incumbent U.S. Representative

Primary results

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Robert Allen Mansfield Jr., businessman and US Army veteran

Primary results

General election

Results

District 3

Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district is located in the northwestern part of the state and includes the cities of Erie, Sharon, Hermitage, Butler and Meadville. It has been represented by Republican Mike Kelly since January 2011. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Mike Kelly, incumbent U.S. Representative

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Missa Eaton, professor and president of Democratic Women of Mercer County

Disqualified

• Mel Marin
• George Schroeck, attorney^[8]

Declined

• Kathy Dahlkemper, former U.S. Representative^[9]
• Ron DiNicola, attorney, Marine Corps veteran and nominee for Pennsylvania's 21st congressional district in 1996^[10]
• Joe Sinnott, mayor of Erie^[11]

Primary results

General election

Results

District 4

Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district is located in the south-central part of the state covering all of Adams and York counties, as well as parts of Cumberland and Dauphin counties.

Republican Todd Platts, who had represented Pennsylvania's 19th congressional district since 2001 and had been expected to seek re-election in the new 4th district, did not seek re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Scott Perry, state representative^[12]

Eliminated in primary

• Kevin Downs, businessman
• Eric Martin
• Chris Reilly, York County Commissioner^[12]
• Sean Summers, lawyer who represented Albert Snyder in Snyder v. Phelps^[13]
• Mark Swomley, businessman
• Ted Waga, member of the York 912 Patriots^[12]

Declined

• Brock McCleary, deputy political director of the National Republican Congressional Committee^[14]
• Todd Platts, incumbent U.S. Representative

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Harry Perkinson, Texas-based defense contractor employee

Eliminated in primary

• Ken Lee, attorney^[15]

Withdrawn

• Matt Matsunaga, businessman

Declined

• John Brenner, former Mayor of York^[12]
• Eugene DePasquale, state representative (running for Auditor General)^[16]
• Doug Hoke, York County Commissioner
• Matt Matsunaga, former co-chair of the College Republicans at Catonsville Community College^[17]
• Ryan Sanders, nominee for Pennsylvania's 19th congressional district in 2010^[12]

Primary results

General election

Results

District 5

Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district is located in north central Pennsylvania. It is the largest in area, and least densely populated, of all of Pennsylvania's congressional districts. It has been represented by Republican incumbent Glenn Thompson, who was first elected in 2008.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Glenn Thompson, incumbent U.S. Representative

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Charles Dumas, professor at Penn State University

Primary results

General election

Results

District 6

Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district is located in southeastern part of the state with a combination some of very affluent suburban areas of Philadelphia and sparsely populated rural areas. It has been represented by Republican Jim Gerlach since 2003, and he ran for re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Jim Gerlach, incumbent U.S. Representative

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Manan Trivedi, physician, Iraq War veteran, and nominee for this seat in 2010^[18]

Declined

• Doug Pike, candidate for this seat in 2010^[19]

Primary results

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report^[21]		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg^[22]		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call^[23]		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball^[24]		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times^[25]		November 4, 2012
RCP^[26]		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill^[27]		November 4, 2012

Results

District 7

Election Name:	2012 Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district election
Country:	Pennsylvania
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 7
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 7
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Pat Meehan, official portrait, 112th Congress (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Pat Meehan
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	209,942
Percentage1:	59.4%
Nominee2:	George Badey
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	143,509
Percentage2:	40.6%
Map Size:	300px
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Pat Meehan
Before Party:	Republican Party (United States)
After Election:	Pat Meehan
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

See also: Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district. The 7th district incorporates parts of the Philadelphia suburbs, including most of Delaware County along with portions of Chester County, Montgomery County, Berks County, and Lancaster County. It has been represented by Republican Pat Meehan since January 2011. He ran for re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Pat Meehan, incumbent U.S. Representative

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• George Badey III, attorney^[28]

Declined

• Joe Sestak, former U.S. Representative and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2010^[29]
• Jack Stollsteimer, former Safe Schools Advocate^[30]

Primary results

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times		November 4, 2012
RCP		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill		November 4, 2012

Results

District 8

Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district is located in Bucks County, along with portions of Montgomery County. It has been represented by Republican Mike Fitzpatrick since January 2011. Fitzpatrick previously represented the district from 2005 until 2007. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Mike Fitzpatrick, incumbent U.S. Representative

Declined

• Jennifer Stefano, activist^[32]

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Kathy Boockvar, attorney and nominee for Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in 2011^[33]

Declined

• Det Asinn, Doylestown Borough Council President^[34]
• Diane Marseglia, Bucks County Commissioner
• Cynthia Philo, Doylestown Township Supervisor^[35]

Primary results

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times		November 4, 2012
RCP		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill		November 4, 2012

Results

District 9

Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district is located in the South Western part of the state. Redistricting added majority-Democratic Fayette County as well as some of the Democratic portions of Washington, Greene, Cambria and Westmoreland counties. It has been represented by Republican Bill Shuster since 2001. He ran for re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Bill Shuster, incumbent U.S. Representative

Disqualified

• Travis Schooley, businessman

Primary results

Democratic primary

Karen Ramsburg, a nurse from Mercersburg, had been running as an independent, but after no Democrat filed to run, she mounted a write-in campaign for the April primary.^[36] She was successful, receiving enough write-in votes to receive the Democratic nomination.^[37]

Candidates

Nominee

• Karen Ramsburg, nurse

General election

Results

District 10

Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district is located in the central and northeast regions of the state. It has been represented by Republican Tom Marino since January 2011. He ran for re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Tom Marino, incumbent U.S. Representative

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Philip Scollo, businessman

Declined

• Chris Carney, former U.S. Representative^[38]

Primary results

General election

Results

District 11

Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district stretches from the Poconos all the way to the suburbs of Harrisburg. It has been represented by Republican Lou Barletta since January 2011.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Lou Barletta, incumbent U.S. Representative

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Gene Stilp, activist, candidate for lieutenant governor in 2006, and candidate for state representative in 2010^[40]

Eliminated in primary

• William Vinsko, lawyer and assistant Wilkes-Barre city attorney

Declined

• Chris Doherty, mayor of Scranton^[41]
• Paul Kanjorski, former U.S. Representative^[42]
• Michael Lombardo, former mayor of Pittston^[43]
• Corey O'Brien, Lackawanna County Commissioner and candidate for this seat in 2010^[41]

Primary results

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times		November 4, 2012
RCP		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill		November 4, 2012

Results

District 12

Election Name:	2012 Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district election
Country:	Pennsylvania
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 4
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 12
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Keith Rothfus, official portrait, 113th Congress (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Keith Rothfus
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	175,352
Percentage1:	51.7%
Nominee2:	Mark Critz
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	163,589
Percentage2:	48.3%
Map Size:	300px
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Jason Altmire
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Keith Rothfus
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, and consists of all of Beaver County, and parts of Allegheny, Cambria, Lawrence, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties. Democrats Mark Critz, who had represented Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district since 2010; and Jason Altmire, who had represented Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district since 2007, both sought re-election in the new 12th district.^[44]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Mark Critz, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

• Jason Altmire, incumbent U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Jason Altmire	Mark Critz	Undecided
Susquehanna Research and Polling^[45]	April 13–15, 2012	400	±4.9%	align=center	43%	39%	18%
Global Strategy Group (D-Critz)^[46]	March 22–25, 2012	400	±4.9%	align=center	45%	38%	17%
Anzalone Liszt Research (D-Altmire)^[47]	March 12–14, 2012	400	±4.9%	align=center	55%	31%	14%
Global Strategy Group (D-Critz)^[48]	February 2–5, 2012	400	±4.9%	align=center	47%	37%	16%
Anzalone Liszt Research (D-Altmire)	January 10–16, 2012	503	±4.4%	align=center	50%	34%	16%

Primary results

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Keith Rothfus, attorney and nominee for Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district in 2010^[49]

Declined

• Jim Christiana, state representative^[44]
• Mike Turzai, majority leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives^[49]

Primary results

General election

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Mark Critz (D)	Keith Rothfus (R)	Undecided
Susquehanna Research and Polling (R)^[50]	October 1–2, 2012	950	±3.2%	43%	align=center	45%	12%
Public Opinion Strategies (R-YG Action Fund^[51]	September 30–October 1, 2012	400	±4.9%	40%	align=center	42%	16%
Anzalone Liszt Research (D-Critz)^[52]	September 23–25, 2012	400	±4.9%	align=center	52%	41%	7%
McLaughlin & Associates (R-Rothfus)^[53]	September 19–20, 2012	400	±4.9%	align=center	38%	align=center	38%	24%
Anzalone Liszt Research (D-Critz)^[54]	July 31–August 2, 2012	400	±4.9%	align=center	50%	40%	10%
Benenson Strategy (D-House Majority PAC/SEIU)^[55]	July 9–11, 2012	400	±4.9%	align=center	44%	38%	18%
Global Strategy Group (D-Critz)^[56]	June 13–15, 2012	402	±4.9%	align=center	46%	36%	18%

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times		November 4, 2012
RCP		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill		November 4, 2012

Results

District 13

Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district is located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, covering eastern Montgomery County and Northeast Philadelphia. Democrat Allyson Schwartz, who had represented Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district since 2005, sought re-election.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Allyson Schwartz, incumbent U.S. Representative

Declined

• Nathan Kleinman, member of the Occupy Philadelphia movement and field organizer for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign^[57]

Primary results

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Joseph Rooney, pilot and Marine Corps veteran

Primary results

General election

Results

District 14

Pennsylvania's 14th congressional district includes the entire city of Pittsburgh and parts of surrounding suburbs. Incumbent Democrat Mike Doyle defeated challenger Janis C. Brooks in the Democratic primary. He faced Republican Hans Lessmann in the general election.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Mike Doyle, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

• Janis C. Brooks, pastor and nonprofit founder

Primary results

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Hans Lessmann, optometrist

Primary results

General election

Results

District 15

Election Name:	2012 Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district election
Country:	Pennsylvania
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 15
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 15
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Charlie Dent, official portrait, 112th Congress (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Charlie Dent
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	168,960
Percentage1:	56.8%
Nominee2:	Rick Daugherty
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	128,764
Percentage2:	43.2%
Map Size:	300px
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Charlie Dent
Before Party:	Republican Party (United States)
After Election:	Charlie Dent
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

See also: Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district. The 15th district is located in eastern Pennsylvania and stretches from the suburbs east of Harrisburg to communities east of Allentown to the New Jersey border. Counties located in the district include all of Lehigh County and parts of Berks County, Dauphin County, Lebanon County, and Northampton County. It has been represented by Republican Charlie Dent since 2005. He ran for re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Charlie Dent, incumbent U.S. Representative

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Rick Daugherty, chair of the Lehigh County Democratic Party^[58]

Eliminated in primary

• Jackson Eaton, Army veteran^[59]

Declined

• John Callahan, mayor of Bethlehem and nominee for this seat in 2010^[60]

Primary results

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times		November 4, 2012
RCP		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill		November 4, 2012

Results

District 16

Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district is located in the southeastern part of the state, just west of Philadelphia. The district is composed of a large portion of southern Chester County, most of Lancaster County, and a sliver of Berks County, including the city of Reading. Incumbent Republican Joe Pitts, who had represented the district since 1997, faced Democrat Aryanna C. Strader. They each ran unopposed in their respective primaries.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Joe Pitts, incumbent U.S. Representative

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Aryanna Strader, business owner

Primary results

General election

Results

District 17

Election Name:	2012 Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district election
Country:	Pennsylvania
Type:	presidential
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania
Previous Year:	2010
Ongoing:	no
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Matt Cartwright, official portrait, 113th Congress (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Matt Cartwright
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	161,393
Percentage1:	60.3%
Nominee2:	Laureen Cummings
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	106,208
Percentage2:	39.7%
Map Size:	300
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Tim Holden
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Matt Cartwright
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district is located in the eastern part of the state. The district encompasses Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Monroe, Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Northampton counties. Democrat Tim Holden, who had represented Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district since 2003, ran for re-election.^[61] Pennsylvania Republicans, who controlled the redistricting process after the 2010 United States census, drew this district to be much more Democratic, taking in parts of Scranton and Wilkes Barre.

Democratic primary

Holden, a Blue Dog Democrat who had represented a very Republican district for 10 years, was considered vulnerable to a primary challenge due to the bluer hue of the new district. Holden was defeated in the Democratic primary by attorney Matt Cartwright, 57–43. Holden's opposition to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and climate change legislation are believed to have contributed to his defeat by a more liberal opponent.^[62]

Candidates

Nominee

• Matt Cartwright, attorney^[63]

Eliminated in primary

• Tim Holden, incumbent U.S. Representative

Declined

• Corey O'Brien, member of the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners and candidate for Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district in 2010^[64]

Primary results

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Laureen Cummings, Tea Party activist^[65]

Primary results

General election

Results

District 18

Election Name:	2012 Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district election
Country:	Pennsylvania
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 18
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 18
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:113th Congress Official Photo of Rep. Tim Murphy (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Tim Murphy
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	216,727
Percentage1:	64.0%
Nominee2:	Larry Maggi
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	122,146
Percentage2:	36.0%
Map Size:	300px
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Tim Murphy
Before Party:	Republican Party (United States)
After Election:	Tim Murphy
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

See also: Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district. The 18th district is concentrated in the southern suburbs of Pittsburgh and includes parts of Greene County, Washington County, Allegheny County, and Westmoreland County. Republican Tim Murphy, who had represented the seat since 2003, sought re-election.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Tim Murphy, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

• Evan Feinberg, former aide to U.S. Senators Tom Coburn and Rand Paul^[66]

Primary results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Larry Maggi, Washington County Commissioner^[67]

Declined

• Ralph Kaiser, former state representative^[68]

Primary results

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times		November 4, 2012
RCP		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill		November 4, 2012

Results

External links

• Pennsylvania Secretary of State
  • Official election results
• United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania, 2012 at Ballotpedia
• Pennsylvania U.S. House from OurCampaigns.com
• Campaign contributions for U.S. Congressional races in Pennsylvania from OpenSecrets
• Outside spending at the Sunlight Foundation

Notes and References

1. Web site: Pennsylvania's Democratic face-off. March 30, 2011. June 27, 2011. Politico. Dan. Hirschhorn. Dan Hirschhorn.
2. Web site: Congressional changes: Critz's 12th and Altmire's 4th to be merged. December 13, 2011. December 14, 2011. The Tribune-Democrat. Kathy. Mellott.
3. Web site: Pa. Senate Passes Congressional Map 26-24. December 15, 2011. December 16, 2011. PoliticsPA. Keegan. Gibson.
4. Web site: Former Phila. judge Jimmie Moore says he'll challenge Brady for Congress. June 15, 2011. June 26, 2011. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Marcia. Gelbart.
5. Web site: Party Boss Brady Draws Primary Challenger. June 16, 2011. June 26, 2011. Roll Call. Shira. Toeplitz.
6. Web site: Moore Drops Primary Challenge to Brady. February 29, 2012. March 1, 2012. PoliticsPA. Keegan. Gibson.
7. Web site: Featherman to take on Brady. January 12, 2012. January 30, 2012. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Miriam. Hill.
8. Web site: Ballot Mischief Thins Out Dems PA-3. March 6, 2012. March 24, 2012. PoliticsPA. Danielle. Ardner.
9. Web site: Dahlkemper is weighing another run for old seat. June 12, 2011. June 26, 2011. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Daniel. Malloy. https://web.archive.org/web/20110614132950/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11163/1152915-178-0.stm. June 14, 2011. dead.
10. Web site: DiNicola won't seek 3rd District congressional seat in 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20190329101406/https://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011312239938. dead. March 29, 2019. December 23, 2011. January 11, 2012. Erie Times-News. John. Guerriero.
11. Web site: Erie Mayor Sinnott decides against U.S. Congress run. https://web.archive.org/web/20120922074349/http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110818/NEWS02/308189864. dead. September 22, 2012. August 18, 2011. August 18, 2011. Erie Times-News. Erica. Erwin.
12. Web site: Commissioner Reilly enters field for Platts' seat. January 23, 2012. January 23, 2012. The York Dispatch. Christina. Kauffman.
13. Web site: Sean Summers, lawyer for Albert Snyder in case against Westboro Baptist Church, announces run for Congress. January 23, 2012. January 28, 2012. The Patriot-News. Elizabeth. Gibson.
14. Web site: Pennsylvania: NRCC Aide Declines Bid for Todd Platts' Seat. January 30, 2012. January 31, 2012. Roll Call. Shira. Toeplitz. https://web.archive.org/web/20120202082153/http://atr.rollcall.com/pennsylvania-nrcc-aide-declines-bid-for-todd-platts%E2%80%99-seat/. February 2, 2012. dead.
15. Web site: Two area Democrats announce congressional bids. January 21, 2012. January 23, 2012. The York Dispatch.
16. Web site: Platts' retirement sets up free-for-all for seat in Congress. January 19, 2012. January 23, 2012. The Patriot-News. Robert J.. Vickers.
17. Web site: Southampton Township man to run for Platts' seat. January 21, 2012. January 23, 2012. The Sentinel. Matthew. McLaughlin.
18. Web site: Reading physician, an Iraq war vet, to challenge Gerlach. July 19, 2011. July 19, 2011. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Thomas. Fitzgerald.
19. Web site: Gerlach Challengers Headed to Democratic Primary Rematch. July 21, 2011. July 31, 2011. Roll Call. Shira. Toeplitz.
20. http://www.politicspa.com/gerlach-poll-gerlach-54-trivedi-30/40417/ WPA Opinion Research Gerlach (R)
21. Web site: The Cook Political Report — Charts – 2012 House Competitive Races . Cookpolitical.com . November 5, 2012 . November 6, 2012.
22. Web site: House Ratings . Rothenbergpoliticalreport.com . November 2, 2012 . November 4, 2012.
23. http://www.rollcall.com/politics/race-ratings-chart-2012-house-elections.html
24. http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/category/2012-house/ Crystal Ball
25. http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/ratings/house House Race Ratings
26. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/house/2012_elections_house_map.html
27. Web site: House Ratings . The Hill . November 4, 2012. November 3, 2012 .
28. Web site: Mummers advocate to run for 7th Congressional Seat. February 6, 2012. February 8, 2012. Philadelphia Daily News. Chris. Brennan.
29. Web site: Stollsteimer Meets With Pelosi, Sestak Meets with Donors. June 17, 2011. June 26, 2011. PoliticsPA. Keegan. Gibson.
30. Web site: Exclusive: Democrats Recruiting Jack Stollsteimer to Challenge Meehan in PA-7. March 22, 2011. June 26, 2011. PoliticsPA. Keegan. Gibson.
31. https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/116458-meehan-opponents-poll-shows-path-to-victory/ GBA Strategies Badey (D)
32. Web site: Keegan Gibson . Stefano Rules Out Primary to Fitzpatrick; Update: Ansinn Also Bows Out . 23 February 2023 . 4 January 2012.
33. Web site: It's Official: Boockvar to Challenge Fitzpatrick. January 12, 2012. January 12, 2012. PoliticsPA. Keegan. Gibson.
34. Web site: Ansinn withdraws from congressional race. January 5, 2012. January 6, 2012. phillyBurbs.com. Christina. Kristofic. https://web.archive.org/web/20120111105152/http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/doylestown/ansinn-withdraws-from-congressional-race/article_0eb3bcb5-a39d-569f-a6fe-555d4a7cae27.html. January 11, 2012. dead.
35. Web site: Philo considers run at Fitzpatrick. October 26, 2011. October 27, 2011. phillyBurbs.com. Gary. Weckselblatt. https://web.archive.org/web/20111028213706/http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/doylestown/philo-considers-run-at-fitzpatrick/article_1c90645a-6fc9-52a6-a37c-7bb347657124.html. October 28, 2011. dead.
36. Web site: Shuster Alone on the PA-9 Ballot, Might Face Dem. March 16, 2012. March 2, 2014. PoliticsPA. Elyse Clonan.
37. Web site: Mercersburg write-in candidate to face Bill Shuster in the fall. May 9, 2012. March 2, 2014. Herald-Mail. Jennifer Fitch.
38. Web site: Chris Carney will not run for Congress this year. February 1, 2012. February 4, 2012. Times Leader. Andrew M.. Seder. https://web.archive.org/web/20120204053424/http://www.timesleader.com/news/Chris-Carney-will-not-run-for-Congress-this-year.html. February 4, 2012. dead.
39. https://www.politicspa.com/updated-exclusive-scollo-internal-poll-rep-marinos-soft-support/38865/ Public Policy Polling (D-Scollo)
40. Web site: Updated: Anti-Pay Raise Activist Gene Stilp to Challenge Barletta. January 9, 2012. January 10, 2012. PoliticsPA. Keegan. Gibson.
41. Web site: Barletta has first challenger . July 21, 2011. July 31, 2011. Politico. Dan. Hirschhorn.
42. Web site: Kanjorski leaves options open, including try for office. https://archive.today/20130204134426/http://www.timesleader.com/news/Kanjorski_leaves_options_open__including_try_for_office_07-24-2011.html. dead. February 4, 2013. July 25, 2011. July 31, 2011. Times Leader. Andrew M.. Seder.
43. Web site: Maps, candidates, unsettled. July 23, 2011. August 23, 2011. The Times-Tribune. Roderick. Random.
44. Web site: Christiana Won't Run in PA-12. December 19, 2011. December 21, 2011. National Journal. Alex. Roarty. https://web.archive.org/web/20120515213523/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2011/12/christiana-wont.php. May 15, 2012. dead.
45. https://www.politicspa.com/poll-altmire-43-critz-39/34290/ Susquehanna Research and Polling
46. https://www.scribd.com/doc/86773973/Critz-Poll-3-26 Global Strategy Group (D-Critz)
47. https://www.politicspa.com/altmire-internal-poll-shows-altmire-leading-by-16-points-early-returns-reports/30992/ Anzalone Liszt Research (D-Altmire)
48. https://www.scribd.com/doc/81789693/PA-CD-12-Primary-Poll-Memo Global Strategy Group (D-Critz)
49. Web site: Turzai changes his mind, won't run for Congress. January 24, 2012. January 24, 2012. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Timothy. McNulty. Laura. Olson.
50. https://web.archive.org/web/20130523052235/http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/polls/susquehanna-r-15967 Susquehanna Research and Polling (R)
51. https://web.archive.org/web/20121011030851/http://atr.rollcall.com/pennsylvania-gop-survey-sees-tight-race-in-12th/ Public Opinion Strategies (R-YG Action Fund
52. https://web.archive.org/web/20141019202305/https://www.scribd.com/doc/107097818/Democratic-poll-in-PA12-9-26-12 Anzalone Liszt Research (D-Critz)
53. https://web.archive.org/web/20121021123346/http://atr.rollcall.com/pennsylvania-gop-poll-shows-tie-in-12th-district-race/ McLaughlin & Associates (R-Rothfus)
54. https://www.scribd.com/doc/102567843/PA-12-Anzalone-Liszt-for-DCCC-Aug-2012 Anzalone Liszt Research (D-Critz)
55. https://rollcall.com/2012/07/16/pennsylvania-democratic-poll-shows-mark-critz-with-single-digit-lead/ Benenson Strategy (D-House Majority PAC/SEIU)
56. https://rollcall.com/2012/06/20/pennsylvania-internal-critz-poll-shows-10-point-lead/ Global Strategy Group (D-Critz)
57. Web site: Schwartz may face primary challenge from 'Occupier'. https://archive.today/20120910170431/http://www.phillyburbs.com/schwartz-may-face-primary-challenge-from-occupier/article_0bca6ee9-121c-575d-9b79-cf0aba58d013.html. dead. September 10, 2012. January 25, 2012. January 30, 2012. phillyBurbs.com. Gary. Weckselblatt.
58. Web site: Lehigh Valley congressional race: Challenger emerges in Lehigh Valley congressional race. https://archive.today/20120904120519/http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-lehigh-valley-congressional-race-20110718,0,199604.story. dead. September 4, 2012. July 18, 2011. July 19, 2011. The Morning Call. Colby. Itkowitz.
59. Web site: Jackson Eaton, of Allentown, announces he will run against Congressman Charlie Dent. November 17, 2011. January 11, 2012. The Express-Times. Colin. McEvoy.
60. Web site: Callahan to take on Dent again?. May 12, 2011. June 26, 2011. The Morning Call. Colby. Itkowitz.
61. Web site: Redistricting Watch: Primary Trouble for Tim Holden?. March 25, 2011. June 26, 2011. PoliticsPA. Keegan. Gibson.
62. News: 2 House Democrats Defeated After Opposing Health Law. April 26, 2012. The New York Times. April 25, 2012. Jonathan Weisman.
63. News: Scranton attorney to challenge Holden in 17th District primary. January 24, 2012. January 30, 2012. The Morning Call. Adam. Clark.
64. News: O'Brien: Congress run 'not something I'm considering'. April 14, 2011. June 26, 2011. The Times-Tribune. David. Singleton.
65. Web site: Itkowitz. Colby. Petitions filed for Pa. primary. 12 March 2012.
66. Web site: Tim Murphy Gets a Challenger. September 29, 2011. October 3, 2011. PoliticsPA. Keegan. Gibson.
67. Web site: WashCo Commish Maggi Gets in Vs. Murphy. January 23, 2012. January 28, 2012. PoliticsPA. Keegan. Gibson.
68. Web site: Kaiser Won't Challenge Murphy. January 9, 2012. January 10, 2012. PoliticsPA. Keegan. Gibson.