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.

Pennsylvania Senate, District 22 special election, 2021[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Marty Flynn 30,548 51.7
Republican Chris Chermak 22,465 38.0
Green Marlene Sebastianelli 5,373 9.1
Libertarian Nathan Covington 698 1.2
Total votes 59,084 100.0
Democratic hold

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.[7]

The Libertarian Party nominated York County business owner and farmer Timothy McMaster.[8] Former state representative Edward H. Krebs announced he would launch an independent bid for this seat.[9] Democrats nominated Dr. Calvin Clements, a retired veterinarian.[10] Republicans nominated Lebanon County businessman Christopher Gebhard.[11]

Pennsylvania Senate, District 48 special election, 2021[12]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Chris Gebhard 30,367 62.0
Democratic Calvin Clements 14,806 30.2
Independent Edward H. Krebs 2,326 4.7
Libertarian Timothy McMaster 1,499 3.1
Total votes 48,998 100.0
Republican hold

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).[13]

Democrats nominated Ligonier Borough Councilwoman Mariah Fisher.[14] Republicans held a special convention and nominated Leslie Rossi, a Latrobe native and creator of the "Trump House".[15] The Libertarian Party nominated Robb Luther.[16]

Rossi defeated Fisher and Luther in the special election to become the district's first female representative.[17]

Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 59 special election, 2021[18]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Leslie Rossi 10,538 65.0
Democratic Mariah Fisher 5,272 32.5
Libertarian Robb Luther 402 2.5
Total votes 16,015 100.0
Republican hold

60th legislative district

On March 16, State Representative Jeff Pyle announced his retirement due to health issues.[19] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 60th legislative district on May 18, in conjunction with the 2021 primary.[20]

Republicans nominated Pyle's chief of staff Abby Major. Libertarians nominated Waynesburg University senior Drew Hreha.[21] Democrats nominated Dr. Frank Prazenica Jr., a retired colonel in the United States Army Reserve.[22]

Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 60 special election, 2021[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Abby Major 10,116 72.6
Democratic Frank C. Prazenica Jr. 3,249 23.3
Libertarian Andrew Hreha 568 4.1
Total votes 13,933 100.0
Republican hold

113th legislative district

As a result of his State Senate special election victory, Marty Flynn resigned from his State House seat on June 9.[19] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 113th legislative district on November 2, in conjunction with the 2021 general election.[24]

Democrats nominated Flynn's chief of staff Thom Welby.[25] Republicans nominated Dominick Manetti, a former deputy sheriff of Lackawanna County.[26]

Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 113 special election, 2021
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Thom Welby 9,191 68.8
Republican Dominick Manetti 3,698 27.7
Libertarian Bonnie Flaherty 466 3.5
Total votes 13,355 100.0
Democratic hold

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.[27] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 164th legislative district on November 2, in conjunction with the 2021 general election.[28]

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.[29]

Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 164 special election, 2021
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Gina Curry 6,469 78.79
Republican Brian Sharif Taylor 1,528 18.61
Libertarian Aniket Josan 213 2.59
Total votes 8,210 100.00
Democratic hold

Justice of the Supreme Court

2021 Pennsylvania Supreme Court election
November 2, 2021
 
Nominee Kevin Brobson Maria McLaughlin
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,397,100 1,372,182
Percentage 50.45% 49.55%
Brobson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
McLaughlin:      50–60%      60–70%      80–90%
Justice before election

Thomas Saylor
Republican

 Elected Justice

Kevin Brobson
Republican

A seat was up for election due to the impending mandatory retirement of Chief Justice Thomas G. Saylor on December 31, 2021.[30]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Withdrawn
  • Carolyn Nichols, Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania[34]

Results

Democratic primary results[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Maria McLaughlin 945,138 100.0%
Total votes 945,138 100.0%

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary results[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Kevin Brobson 505,084 52.21%
Republican Patricia McCullough 317,975 32.87%
Republican Paula Patrick 144,291 14.92%
Total votes 967,350 100.0%

General election

Results

2021 Pennsylvania Supreme Court election[36]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Kevin Brobson 1,397,100 50.45%
Democratic Maria McLaughlin 1,372,182 49.55%
Total votes 2,769,282 100.0%
Republican hold

Judge of the Superior Court

2021 Pennsylvania Superior Court election
November 2, 2021
 
Nominee Megan Sullivan Timika Lane
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,478,252 1,278,771
Percentage 53.6% 46.4%
Sullivan:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Lane:      50–60%
  70-80%
Judge before election

Susan P. Gantman
Republican

 Elected Judge

Megan Sullivan
Republican

One vacancy was created when President Judge Emeritus Susan P. Gantman took senior status on April 1, 2020.[30]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Democratic primary results[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Timika Lane 482,433 48.83%
Democratic Jill Beck 392,205 39.70%
Democratic Bryan Neft 113,393 11.48%
Total votes 988,031 100.0%

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary results[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Megan Sullivan 881,046 100.0%
Total votes 881,046 100.0%

General election

Results

2021 Pennsylvania Superior Court election[36]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Megan Sullivan 1,478,252 53.62%
Democratic Timika Lane 1,278,771 46.38%
Total votes 2,757,023 100.0%
Republican hold

Judge of the Commonwealth Court

2021 Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court election
November 2, 2021
2 seats of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
  Majority party Minority party
 
Candidate Stacy Wallace
Drew Crompton		 Lori Dumas
David Spurgeon
Party Republican Democratic
Last election 7 2
Seats won 1 1
Seat change Decrease 1 Increase 1
Popular vote 2,630,344 2,473,227
Percentage 51.54% 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.[42] Had Judge Leavitt won retention, she would have only been eligible to serve for one year before her mandatory retriement 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.[43][44] Governor Tom Wolf appointed Judge Drew Crompton[45] to fill the vacancy, who opted to run for reelection.[46]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Democratic primary results (vote for 2)[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Lori Dumas 517,311 29.70%
Democratic David Spurgeon 460,769 26.46%
Democratic Amanda Green-Hawkins 445,400 25.58%
Democratic Sierra Street 318,017 18.26%
Total votes 1,741,497 100.0%

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary results (vote for 2)[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Stacy Marie Wallace 704,706 50.32%
Republican Drew Crompton (incumbent) 695,748 49.68%
Total votes 1,400,454 100.0%

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.[53]

Results

2021 Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court election (vote for 2)[36]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Stacy Marie Wallace 1,355,445 26.56%
Democratic Lori Dumas 1,297,253 25.42%
Republican Drew Crompton (incumbent) 1,274,899 24.98%
Democratic David Spurgeon 1,175,974 23.04%
Total votes 5,103,571 100.0%
Republican hold
Democratic gain from Republican

Judicial retention

Superior Court

Judges John T. Bender and Mary Jane Bowes were up for retention in 2021.[42]

Judge John T. Bender (R) retention, 2021
Choice Votes  %
Referendum passed Yes 1,428,650 62.19
No 868,407 37.81
Total votes 2,297,057 100.00
Source: PA Department of State[36]
Judge Mary Jane Bowes (R) retention, 2021
Choice Votes  %
Referendum passed Yes 1,447,916 63.31
No 839,106 36.69
Total votes 2,287,022 100.00
Source: PA Department of State[36]

Commonwealth Court

Judges Anne Covey and Renee Cohn Jubelirer were up for retention in 2021.[42]

Judge Anne Covey (R) retention, 2021
Choice Votes  %
Referendum passed Yes 1,410,818 61.78
No 872,863 38.22
Total votes 2,283,681 100.00
Source: PA Department of State[36]
Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer (R) retention, 2021
Choice Votes  %
Referendum passed Yes 1,426,901 62.75
No 847,169 37.25
Total votes 2,274,070 100.00
Source: PA Department of State[36]

Mayoral elections

Pittsburgh

Lancaster

Allentown

Harrisburg

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

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.[54] Resolutions 2021-01 and 2021-02 were placed on the May primary ballot.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment 1: Termination or Extension of Disaster Emergency Declaration
Choice Votes  %
Referendum passed Yes 1,165,851 52.05
No 1,074,205 47.95
Total votes 2,240,056 100.00
Source: PA Department of State
Proposed Constitutional Amendment 2: Disaster Emergency Declaration and Management
Choice Votes  %
Referendum passed Yes 1,174,528 51.97
No 1,085,371 48.03
Total votes 2,259,899 100.00
Source: PA Department of State

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.[55] Resolution 2021-03 was included on the May primary ballot.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment 3: Prohibition Against Denial or Abridgement of Equality of Rights Because of Race or Ethnicity
Choice Votes  %
Referendum passed Yes 1,629,889 72.31
No 624,205 27.69
Total votes 2,254,094 100.00
Source: PA Department of State

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.[56] The Act 91 referendum was placed on the May primary ballot.

Statewide Referendum - Act 2020-91
Choice Votes  %
Referendum passed Yes 1,629,773 72.89
No 606,147 27.11
Total votes 2,235,920 100.00
Source: PA Department of State

References

  1. ↑ Caruso, Stephen (February 14, 2021). "Scranton Democratic state Sen. John Blake set to resign office for job with Cartwright". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  2. ↑ Cole, John (March 16, 2021). "SD22: Special Election To Take Place On May 18". PoliticsPA. Archived from the original on March 15, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  3. ↑ Hofius, Sarah (March 13, 2021). "Local Democrats choose Flynn to run for state Senate seat". Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice. Archived from the original on March 13, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  4. ↑ Wilkes Lesnefsky, Frank (March 25, 2021). "GOP picks Chermak to run for 22nd seat". Scranton Times-Tribune. Archived from the original on March 26, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  5. ↑ Lange, Stacy (May 1, 2021). "State senate candidates debate". WNEP-TV. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  6. ↑ "2021 Special Election 22nd Senatorial District". Pennsylvania Elections. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  7. ↑ Murphy, Jan (January 25, 2021). "Special election date set to fill seat left vacant by Sen. Dave Arnold's death". pennlive. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  8. ↑ Murphy, Jan (March 4, 2021). "Open 48th Senatorial District seat draws interest from 13 candidates". PennLive. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  9. ↑ Cole, John (March 10, 2021). "SD48: Krebs Launches Bid for Special Election As An Independent". PoliticsPA. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  10. ↑ Murphy, Jan (March 14, 2021). "Democrats recommend veterinarian to vie for open Senate seat". PennLive. Archived from the original on March 16, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  11. ↑ Murphy, Jan (March 6, 2021). "GOP chooses Lebanon County businessman to run for open Senate seat". PennLive. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  12. ↑ "2021 Special Election 48th Senatorial District". Pennsylvania Elections. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  13. ↑ Cole, John (January 12, 2021). "HD59: Special Election Set for May 18". PoliticsPA. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
  14. ↑ Signorini, Renatta (February 6, 2021). "Ligonier councilwoman selected as Democratic nominee for 59th District seat". TribLIVE.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  15. ↑ Johnson, Dylan (February 23, 2021). "Trump House owner gets GOP nod to run for Pa. 59th district seat". York Daily Record. Archived from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  16. ↑ Delano, Jon (May 4, 2021). "Voters In Part Of Westmoreland Co. Will Pick New State Rep. In Special Election On May 18". KDKA-TV. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  17. ↑ Matoney, Nick (May 19, 2021). "Westmoreland County's Leslie Rossi, creator of Trump House, to fill seat of late Rep. Mike Reese". WTAE-TV. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  18. ↑ "2021 Special Election 59th Legislative District". Pennsylvania Elections. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  19. 1 2 "Pa. state Rep. Jeff Pyle will retire, citing health issues". WTAE. March 16, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  20. ↑ Cole, John (March 17, 2021). "HD60: Special Election Set for May 18". PoliticsPA. Archived from the original on March 17, 2021. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  21. ↑ Thomas, Mary Ann (March 25, 2021). "Former state Rep. Jeff Pyle's staffer wins GOP nomination for special election, Dems choose Thursday night". Tribune Review. Archived from the original on March 26, 2021. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  22. ↑ Cloonan, Patrick (March 26, 2021). "Parties choose candidates to succeed Pyle". The Indiana Gazette. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  23. ↑ "2021 Special Election 60th Legislative District". Pennsylvania Elections. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  24. ↑ Cole, John (June 9, 2021). "HD113: Special Election Set For November 2". PoliticsPA. Archived from the original on June 9, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  25. ↑ Krawczeniuk, Borys (June 26, 2021). "Only one Democrat applies for Flynn's House seat". Yahoo News. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  26. ↑ Lockwood, Jim (July 25, 2021). "Republicans recommend Manetti to run for 113th state House District seat". Yahoo News. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  27. ↑ Couloumbis, Angela; Vella, Vinny (July 22, 2021). "Pa. state lawmaker from Delaware County charged with theft after years-long investigation". Spotlight PA. Archived from the original on July 22, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  28. ↑ Miller, Cassie (August 2, 2021). "Special election for former Rep. Margo Davidson's seat to be held Nov. 2". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Archived from the original on August 2, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Unofficial List of Candidates: 2021 Special Election 164th legislative district" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  30. 1 2 "A full guide to Pennsylvania's 2021 Supreme Court election and other appellate judicial races". Spotlight PA. October 14, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  31. 1 2 3 4 "Candidates file for Pennsylvania Supreme Court opening". Associated Press. March 10, 2021. Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  32. 1 2 3 "Philly judges win Democratic primaries for statewide courts". Associated Press. May 19, 2021. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  33. ↑ Cole, John (December 16, 2020). "McLaughlin Announces Candidacy for PA Supreme Court". Politics PA.
  34. ↑ Cole, John (January 27, 2021). "Nichols Announces Candidacy for PA Supreme Court". Politics PA.
  35. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "2021 Municipal Primary Official Results". Pennsylvania Department of State.
  36. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Pennsylvania Department of State. "Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Official Returns – Statewide". Pennsylvania Election Returns. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
  37. ↑ "Advocate Jill Beck Launches Candidacy for Pennsylvania Superior Court". Beaver County Radio. December 4, 2020.
  38. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "PA Candidate Listing". Pennsylvania Department of State. March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  39. ↑ Cole, John (December 10, 2020). "Lane Announces Bid for Superior Court". Politics PA.
  40. ↑ Reinherz, Adam (February 1, 2021). "Three local Jewish attorneys vie for seats on the bench". Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle.
  41. ↑ Caruso, Stephen (February 12, 2021). "With one Supreme Court seat up for grabs, Pa.'s 2021 judicial elections start to take shape". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  42. 1 2 3 "Declarations of Candidacy Filed by Incumbent Judges for Retention in 2021" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of State. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
  43. ↑ "Heisler's Egg Farm v. Walker Township Zoning Hearing Board" (PDF). Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. May 28, 2020.
  44. ↑ Hardison, Elizabeth; Caruso, Stephen (November 19, 2019). "Wolf nominates senior Senate GOP aide Crompton to fill appeals court vacancy". Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
  45. ↑ "12/18/19 - Executive Nominations - Report from Committee" (PDF). Committee on Rules and Executive Nominations - PA General Assembly Senate.
  46. ↑ Murphy, Jan (January 7, 2020). "Former top Pa. Senate aide sworn in as newest Commonwealth Court judge". The Patriot-News.
  47. ↑ "Elect Judge Lori Dumas | Commonwealth Court of PA". Archived from the original on February 8, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  48. ↑ "Amanda Green-Hawkins for Commonwealth Court". Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  49. ↑ "Judge Spurgeon for Commonwealth Court". Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  50. ↑ Cole, John (December 15, 2020). "Sierra Thomas Street Announces Bid For PA Commonwealth Court". Politics PA.
  51. ↑ "Judge Sierra Street – Judge Sierra Street". Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  52. ↑ "Wallace announces candidacy for Pa. Commonwealth Court". The Bradford Era. February 20, 2021.
  53. ↑ "Republican candidate in Pa. court race concedes after recount". WFMZ-TV. November 24, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  54. ↑ Fernandez, Cynthia (January 13, 2021). "Pa. GOP lawmakers want voters to give them the power to end governor's emergency orders". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on January 13, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  55. ↑ Heinze, Justin (March 15, 2021). "3 Ballot Initiatives In PA: Governor's Powers And Racial Justice". PA Patch. Archived from the original on March 15, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  56. ↑ "Pennsylvania's 2021 primary election four ballot questions explained | FOX43 Capitol Beat". fox43.com. April 30, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
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