Democrats on track to maintain majority in Pennsylvania state House

Democratic school board member Jim Prokopiak appeared on track to represent Pennsylvania’s 140th state House district by winning Tuesday’s special election, signaling the party will likely maintain its majority in the state’s lower chamber. 

As of Tuesday night, Prokopiak was leading Republican Candace Cabanas by nearly 3,000 votes. Decision Desk HQ had not yet called the race, though The Associated Press has projected Prokopiak as the winner.

The race was set following the resignation of former Rep. John Galloway (D). A last-minute resignation of a GOP lawmaker last week brought the balance of power back to Democrats; however, a Republican victory Tuesday would have made the state House evenly split.

With Prokopiak’s victory, Democrats will hold a 102-100 majority.

The district leans Democratic but has received attention at the national level due to its location in Bucks County, which is known as a major swing district at the presidential and Senate levels. Some political watchers say the outcome of Tuesday’s special election could provide some insight as to what to expect in November’s general election. 

Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), said in a statement that Prokopiak’s victory is a “promising sign” for Democrats going into November’s general election. 

“Now, our focus turns to defending the Pennsylvania House and making gains in the Pennsylvania Senate in November,” Williams said. “Voters want representatives who protect their fundamental freedoms, which is why electing Democrats to legislatures across the country is so important. The DLCC is all hands on deck for 2024, where we have opportunities across the country to defend our progress, flip key chambers, and build lasting Democratic power in the states.”