Pennsylvania Democrats win state Senate, gaining full control of Harrisburg

Pennsylvania Democrats won a majority in the state Senate in the 2026 midterm election, giving the party control of the governor's office and both legislative chambers, and party leaders gathered in Harrisburg on Wednesday to outline their agenda for the next session.

PublicSource, publishing a Pennsylvania Capital-Star report, said Democrats will hold 26 of the Senate's 50 seats. The House Democratic caucus holds 111 of 203 seats, citing The Associated Press.

Outlets described the milestone differently. WHYY said Democrats flipped the Senate for the first time in 48 years, and 6abc said the result was the party's first full control since 1978. CBS Philadelphia and PublicSource called it the first such arrangement since 1993. WHYY explained that in 1993 a senator switched parties, creating a 25-25 tie that the Democratic lieutenant governor could break.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, who defeated state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, appeared at the governor's residence with House Speaker Joanna McClinton and Sen. Jay Costa, expected to become Senate president pro tempore, 6abc reported. According to WHYY, four races decided the Senate: Democrats unseated Republican incumbents in the 6th, 16th, 24th and 40th districts, covering parts of Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery, Berks and Monroe counties. Democrats lost a Lancaster County-area seat when Sen. James Malone fell to Republican Tom Jones.

Shapiro listed priorities he said the Republican-led Senate had blocked. "We will fund mass transit. We will raise the minimum wage," he said, according to 6abc and WHYY. He also cited reproductive rights, housing construction and allowing abuse survivors to sue their abusers. PublicSource reported a $15 minimum wage, up from the current $7.25, is a top goal, along with paid family leave, home health worker pay and limits on data centers. Recreational marijuana was also discussed, 6abc reported.

WHYY noted the state budget has been late every year amid disputes with Senate Republicans. McClinton told WHYY that would change, saying, "We will finally have one on time."

Costa said Democrats would be fiscally careful, PublicSource reported. Lawmakers also face unfinished work after state Supreme Court rulings on felony murder sentencing and skill games, both of which missed legislative deadlines.

Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Greg Rothman said in a statement that the party would analyze the results and strengthen its organization, PublicSource reported. Shapiro said he hoped to work with whoever Senate Republicans choose as their leader, according to WHYY.

Widener University political scientist J. Wesley Leckrone told WHYY the outcome reflected a national Democratic wave. Leaders plan to release a 100-day plan in coming weeks, 6abc reported. New members will be sworn in Jan. 5, according to PublicSource.

Compiled by True News from reporting by WHYY, CBS Philadelphia, 6abc Action News and PublicSource. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/785