Tue Mar 25 09:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Pennsylvania Holds Special Elections Amidst Tight Legislative Deadlock

**Harrisburg, PA** – Pennsylvania voters will head to the polls Tuesday in special elections to fill two vacant state legislative seats, one in the state House and one in the Senate. The outcomes could significantly impact the balance of power in the state legislature.

In the state House District 35 race, Democrats are fiercely defending their seat in a traditionally Democratic area southeast of Pittsburgh. The seat became vacant following the death of Rep. Matt Gergely in January, leaving the House deadlocked at 101 seats for each party. Democrat Dan Goughnour, a McKeesport school board member and police officer, faces Republican Chuck Davis, president of the White Oak Borough Council and a volunteer firefighter. A Libertarian candidate is also on the ballot. Given Gergely’s past landslide victories, Democrats are hopeful of retaining the seat.

Meanwhile, in the state Senate District 36 race in Lancaster County, Republicans aim to maintain their advantage. The vacancy was created by the departure of former Senator Ryan Aument. Republican Josh Parsons, a Lancaster County commissioner, is vying for the seat against Democrat James Andrew Malone, the mayor of East Petersburg, and a Libertarian candidate. The district leans heavily Republican based on past election results.

The elections hold significant weight, as the House remains evenly split following Gergely’s death. A Republican win in the House race would shift control to the GOP. The Senate race, while not impacting the overall balance of power in the Senate itself, is still a closely watched contest given the district’s strong Republican leanings. The Associated Press will provide real-time updates and declare winners once the results are clear and any potential recounts are accounted for. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET.

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