The state of Pennsylvania is bracing for Tuesday’s big primary election. Polls will be open from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm. Both Republicans and Democrats will be selecting their parties’ nominees for U.S. Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, as well as all of the state legislative seats. Most significant will be the nomination process for the U.S. House seats, as this is the first time an election will be held under a new congressional map. Because Pennsylvania is a closed primary system, all voters must be registered with their party to vote. Independent and non-partisan registered voters will not be allowed to cast a vote in the primary for the open seats, although they are allowed to vote on the three public issues on the Philadelphia ballot. In addition, those voters living in the 178th Pennsylvania House District can vote in the special election to elect Rep. Scott Petri’s replacement.
In the governor’s election, Democrats are hopeful that incumbent Tom Wolf will be able to hold off any Republican challenges, reports CNBC. Wolf is running unchallenged in his party, while Republicans have put up three candidates who have been going at it in the media for months. Paul Mango, state Sen. Scott Wagner, and Laura Ellsworth expect to fight it out until the end in this three-way battle. The office of lieutenant governor is also expected to be hotly contested, as the incumbent candidate, Mike Stack, is not necessarily receiving a ringing endorsement from Wolf. Stack faces four Democratic challengers, while the Republicans have put up four legitimate candidates for the role.
Much of the nation’s attention will be on the competition for the U.S. House seats. Democrats have been especially energized on the heels of much of the districts’ discontent with the performance of President Donald Trump. A new congressional redistricting, as well as a record number of candidates entering the race, has caught the attention of many political analysts. All eyes will be on many of these key races to see if the Democrats are successful in reversing some historic Republican strongholds. Democrats are encouraged that the new mapping will provide a more even playing field and will be able to spark enthusiasm for the upcoming November election.
