What’s at stake in Pennsylvania’s statehouse elections Tuesday

Fox - Fox 29
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Nov 2, 2026
And now to You Decide as we take a live look out in Harrisburg tonight.
We are just one day away from the midterm elections.
And while much of the attention is on the battle for control
of Congress and the governor's race here in Pennsylvania,
control of both chambers of the legislature is also up for grabs.
Chris O'Connell joining us live in Ben Salem.
And one of the races there, Chris,
could help determine the balance of power in Harrisburg.
That is right, Sheba. The stakes are high.
Control of the state legislature hangs in the balance
tomorrow. Democrats want to hold the House and flip the Senate.
Meanwhile, here in Bucks County
at the 6th Senate District,
one of these races could help shape that balance of power.
With hours until the polls open, candidates across Pennsylvania
are making their final push in an election that could reshape
the balance of power, not just in Washington, but in Harrisburg.
State races tend to get a little bit overlooked
when you have big national congressional control
opportunities like we have in this midterm election.
Penn State Harrisburg Pub.
Public policy professor Dan Millenson says both chambers
of the Pennsylvania legislature
could flip. Democrats currently hold
a razor thin 103 to 100 majority in the state house
where all 203 seats are on the ballot.
Meanwhile, Republicans hold a 27 to 23 advantage
in the state Senate, which they've controlled since 1995.
Democrats need a net gain of three Senate seats
for an outright majority, a political trifecta,
control of the governor's office and both chambers of the legislature.
And in states, having a trifecta, whether it's Republican or Democrat,
makes it a lot easier to pass your agenda as a party.
And what could be on that agenda?
Voters say it should start with the economy.
Food is expensive.
The gas is very expensive.
The economy and also the way this world is turning.
What are you doing?
It's really in bad shape.
Some of the closest races are right here in the Philly suburbs,
including Bucks County's 6th Senate District,
where Republican incumbent Frank Ferry is trying
to hold off Democrat Eileen Hartnett-Alvilar.
But control of the legislature could come down to turnout.
Mallinson says polls suggest Democrats may have
the enthusiasm gap heading into Election Day.
Democrats are really energized by this election.
Republican voters are not.
So we will see if there is then a turnout gap between those two.
Now, Governor Shapiro himself calls this Senate battle
a jump ball. So control for both chambers
of the state legislature here in Pennsylvania,
could come down to a handful of close races.
Yeah, all right, Chris,
and we'll keep a close eye on it for everyone at home tomorrow.
Thank you, Chris. So stay with Fox 29.
You're home for the midterm elections tomorrow.
From the moment the polls open until the results are announced,
we will have a comprehensive coverage on air,
online and streaming on the Fox local app.
