PRESS RELEASE: CHESTER COUNTY DRIVES HISTORIC BLUE WAVE WITH HARRISBURG AND WASHINGTON WINS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHESTER COUNTY DRIVES HISTORIC BLUE WAVE WITH HARRISBURG AND WASHINGTON WINS
Shapiro and Houlahan lead top of ticket with large victory margins;
Dems sweep state House races in Chester County extending majority, and claim state Senate

West Chester, PA. (November 4, 2026) – With nearly all votes counted, the results of the 2026 General / Midterm Election indicate that, pending certification, Democrats will retain the Governor’s Office in Pennsylvania as well as the State House, and are on track to flip the State Senate. For the first time since 1993, Democrats are poised to hold ‘trifecta’ political power in Harrisburg with the governorship and both chambers in the General Assembly.

Josh Shapiro was reelected Governor with close to 60% of the vote. Chrissy Houlahan will remain as Chester County’s representative in Washington with nearly 65% of the vote in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District. With a Democratic majority in the U.S. House, Representative Houlahan is positioned to transition from her top minority roles into the chairmanships of key defense and intelligence subcommittees.

In hopes for a better future and likely show of dissatisfaction for Republicans in Harrisburg, county voters flipped seats in the 13th State House District, where Madelyn Alvarino upset Republican incumbent John Lawrence, and the 160th, where Elizabeth Moro unseated Republican Craig Williams. Democrats in Chester County also retained Pennsylvania General Assembly seats in the 44th Senate District (Katie Muth), and House Districts 26 (Paul Friel), 74 (Dan Williams), 155 (Danielle Friel Otten), 156 (Chris Pielli), 157 (Melissa Shusterman), 158 (Christina Sappey), and 167 (Kristine Howard), all incumbent victors. These wins complete a historic sweep of State House and Senate seats in the county for the party.

Democrats will also take control of the U.S. House of Representatives, including four “toss-up” seats in Pennsylvania. The U.S. Senate majority will also change as Democrats flipped historically safe seats in Texas, South Carolina, Ohio, North Carolina, Kansas, Maine, and Iowa. Alaska and Mississippi are too close to call. As there are still votes being counted, the final makeup of the 120th Congress to be sworn in on January 3, 2027 is yet to be decided.

It was a resounding and historic victory for Democrats. In Chester County and across America, many voters will be relieved that the contentious 2026 election is behind us, and that the Trump administration will finally face accountability for inflation and high prices, the Iran War, harmful tariffs, healthcare and food security cuts, immigration overreach, the Epstein involvement, and one of the most corrupt political operations in American history.

Chester County Democratic Committee Chair Peter Urscheler shared the following statement on tonight’s results:
“Chester County voters turned out in force tonight and voted like democracy depended on it. They reelected every one of our Democratic incumbents. Madelyn Alvarino and Elizabeth Moro made history by flipping two seats in the Pennsylvania House! We couldn’t be prouder of them or the campaigns they led. They showed up, listened to their neighbors, and took people’s concerns to heart. That’s what happens when you make a real connection with people.

To our candidates, campaign teams, PA Dems, Zone Leaders, and every volunteer who gave up a Saturday to knock on doors or an evening to make calls, thank you.

My hope for 2027 is more stability in Harrisburg and Washington, some breathing room for families when the bills come due, an end to the unnecessary wars, and leaders who uphold the rule of law.

What means the most to me tonight is the trust our neighbors have placed in the people they elected. Our elected leaders will keep earning that trust every day by showing up, listening, and working for everyone who calls Chester County home. We’ll bring that same commitment to next year’s county, municipal, and school board elections. This is just the beginning.”

ABOUT CHESTER COUNTY DEMOCRATS

The Chester County Democratic Committee supports affordability for all residents, our public schools, community safety, equal rights for all, access to quality healthcare, and preserving the clean air, water, and open space that make Chester County a great place to live and work. Find them online at chescodems.org

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