Key Highlights
- Voters in Pennsylvania will decide on the retention of state Supreme Court justices.
- The race for Pittsburgh mayor is between Democratic Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor and Republican Tony Moreno.
- District Attorney Larry Krasner faces former Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Pat Dugan in the general election for Philadelphia district attorney.
- Voters will also participate in municipal elections, including high-profile races in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
State Supreme Court Retention Election
In Pennsylvania’s Nov. 4th election, voters will decide on the retention of state Supreme Court justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht, all Democrats. Terms are 10 years, with Donohue facing retirement in 2027 due to reaching the mandated age limit.
While past retention elections have been quiet affairs, this year’s campaign has been heavily influenced by party politics. Republicans are mounting a campaign to oust these justices, despite their current majority on the state Supreme Court (5-2).
Municipal Elections and Key Races
The race for Pittsburgh mayor is heating up between Democratic Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor and Republican Tony Moreno, who previously ran as a 2021 mayoral nominee. O’Connor defeated Gainey in the May primary.
In Philadelphia, incumbent Democrat Larry Krasner seeks re-election against former Municipal Court Judge Pat Dugan, who switched parties to run as a Republican. Krasner won his previous election with about 72% of the vote.
Turnout and Advance Voting
Ahead of the election, nearly 571,000 absentee ballots had already been cast by October 31st. As of that date, more than 87% of these votes came from Democrats and about 8% from Republicans.
Polling places in Pennsylvania close at 8 p.m. ET, with the Associated Press providing vote results for various races including Supreme Court retention, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Pittsburgh mayor, Philadelphia district attorney, and Philadelphia controller.
Conclusion
The Nov. 4th election in Pennsylvania promises to be a crucial day for determining not only local leadership but also the composition of key state courts. As the Associated Press prepares to report results from various races, voters across the commonwealth will cast their ballots in what could reshape the legal and political landscape.
