Pennsylvania Democrats successfully defended their slim majority in the state House on Tuesday, sweeping two critical special elections in Lehigh and Allegheny counties. Democratic candidates Ana Tiburcio and Jennifer Mazzocco secured victories in their respective races, ensuring the party maintains its control over the lower chamber as several more vacancies loom this spring. Tiburcio will represent House District 22 in Lehigh County, becoming the first Latina state representative for the region, while Mazzocco won in a landslide for District 42 in Allegheny County, filling a seat vacated by Dan Miller.
With these two victories, Democrats now hold a 102-98 edge in the 203-member House of Representatives, successfully staving off a Republican challenge that sought to flip the chamber’s leadership. However, the battle for control is far from over, as three additional special elections are scheduled for later this season. Two races will take place on March 17 to fill seats in Blair, Adams, and Cumberland counties, followed by a May 19 election in York County. Because all three of those upcoming seats were previously held by Republicans, Democrats have a rare opportunity to potentially expand their majority before the full legislative cycle begins.