Democrats Gain Voter Edge in Pennsylvania Ahead of Midterms
Pennsylvania's four battleground House districts are drawing national money and party leaders ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.
- 34% approve of President Trump in a Times/Inquirer/Siena Pennsylvania poll.
- 60% approve of Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in the same poll.
- $105 million-plus in advertising is running across the four House districts.
- 27 to 23: Republicans' current edge in the state Senate.
Why it matters: The districts mix suburban, Hispanic and industrial voters whose shifts will help decide the House nationally. Polls cited by the Globe show Democrats favored to flip the chamber.
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has won a district Trump lost three times.
- Democrats pledge minimum wage, abortion and transportation bills with a trifecta.
How 9 sources split on this story
Where they split: The parties dispute whether a Democratic trifecta would advance popular priorities or remove what Republicans call a shield against the governor's agenda.
Left coverage, 3 sources: The left sees Pennsylvania as a test of Trump's unpopularity on cost of living and a chance for Democrats to win state and House control.
Right coverage, 1 sources: The right argues voters should weigh candidates' records on free speech, an issue it says campaigns are ignoring.
What’s next: Only half the state Senate seats are up. Democrats need a net gain of three to flip it.
- Rep. Ryan Mackenzie defends a Lehigh Valley seat won on Hispanic gains in 2024.
- Will Shapiro's popularity carry down-ballot Democrats against an incumbent like Fitzpatrick?
- Will Hispanic voters in Allentown who swung toward Trump in 2024 return to Democrats?
