WILKES-BARRE, PA — Voters across Northeastern Pennsylvania headed to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, delivering a night of few surprises as established incumbents successfully held their ground. Despite clear spring weather, the defining characteristic of the day was the quiet at the ballot box, with local election officials reporting voter turnout that was significantly lower than in previous primary cycles.
With the primary hurdles now cleared, the political landscape shifts immediately toward a high-stakes general election in November.
Baker and Flynn Cruise to Victory in State Senate Races
In the 20th Senatorial District, long-time Republican incumbent State Senator Lisa Baker successfully defended her seat against a primary challenge from Tyler Meyers. The race marked a rare political milestone for Baker: it was her very first primary challenge since she was originally elected to the State Senate in 2006. With the primary victory in hand, Baker advances to the November ballot in pursuit of a sixth term.
Meanwhile, in the 22nd Senatorial District, Democratic incumbent Marty Flynn secured a decisive victory over political newcomer Jeffrey Lake. Flynn’s win locks in his spot on the fall ballot as he prepares to defend his seat in the general election.
Big Matchups Set for Congress and Governor
The stage is now officially set for what promises to be a heavily watched battle for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District. Incumbent Republican U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan Jr. easily secured the Republican nomination on Tuesday. He will face a formidable general election challenge from Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, who advanced unopposed on the Democratic ticket.
At the top of the ticket, the statewide races offered zero primary drama but drew clear battle lines for the fall. Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro ran entirely unopposed for his party’s nomination. In November, he will face Republican challenger and current Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who similarly ran uncontested in Tuesday's Republican primary.
New Faces and Decisive Rematches in the State House
The battle for the PA House of Representatives brought both a changing of the guard and the resolution of fierce local rivalries:
- 121st Legislative District: A new era is officially underway in Wilkes-Barre following the retirement of longtime Democratic incumbent Eddie Day Pashinski. Wilkes-Barre City Councilperson Jessica McClay captured the Democratic nomination by defeating challenger Michael Stadulis. McClay will advance to the general election to square off against Republican Mike Harostock.
- 117th Legislative District: Republican incumbent Jamie Walsh secured a decisive victory against challenger Bill Jones. The win offers Walsh a clear path forward after his razor-thin, four-vote victory margin in the primary two years ago. Walsh will face Democrat Jeremy Benscoter in November.
With turnout lagging on Tuesday, both parties are expected to ramp up grassroots operations fiercely over the summer, knowing that control of both Harrisburg and Washington will depend heavily on motivating NEPA voters to return to the polls this fall.
