Pa. primary election 2026: What you need to know before you vote
Primary elections will take place Tuesday, May 19. Here’s what you should know beforehand, from voter deadlines to who’s on the ballot in Philadelphia and statewide.
A voter arrives at a polling place during the primary election in Philadelphia, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
- 📆 Key voter info: Dates and deadlines | Registering to vote | Closed primaries
- 📬 Mail and absentee ballots: Requesting and returning | Tracking your ballot | Mail ballot issues
- 📍 Voting in person: Early voting | Polling places
- 🗳️ Races and candidates: U.S. House | Governor | Lt. Gov. | Pa. state Senate | Pa. state House
- ❓Philly ballot questions: City-run retirement savings | Youth ombudsperson office
- ✅ Voter resources: English | Español
Who is on the ballot in Pennsylvania?
Here’s a look at the major races and who’s running for which office:
U.S. House of Representatives
All but one of Pennsylvania’s 17 U.S. House district representatives are running for reelection.
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, who represents the 3rd District, is retiring at the end of his term, leading to a crowded primary to fill the Philadelphia-area lawmaker’s seat in Congress.
Republicans currently control the U.S. House of Representatives by a 217-214 margin over Democrats. Independent U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, of California, caucuses with Republicans, and there are currently three vacant seats. With more highly competitive races than any other state, Pennsylvania is expected to play a significant role in determining control of the House.
Among the closely watched contests: the 1st congressional district, which covers all of Bucks County and a sliver of Montgomery County, the 7th district in the Lehigh Valley and the 10th district, which represents Harrisburg and York.
Below is a look at Pennsylvania’s U.S. House districts, which counties they encompass and who is running for which seat.
Not sure which U.S. House district you fall under? Voters can find their congressional district online based on their address.
Governor
- Democratic Party: Josh Shapiro
- Republican Party: Stacy Garrity
Lieutenant governor
- Democratic Party: Austin Davis
- Republican Party: Jason Richey vs. John Ventre
Pa. state Senate
The following considers primary races with multiple candidates.
Unsure which Pennsylvania state Senate district you fall under? Residents may find their district online using their address.
Pa. state House
The following considers primary races in the Philadelphia region with multiple candidates.
Unsure which Pennsylvania state House district you fall under? Residents may find their district online using their address.
What else is on the ballot?
Philadelphia ballot questions
All Philadelphia voters, regardless of their party, will weigh in on ballot questions about creating a city-run retirement savings program and making permanent an office that monitors youth services.
Here’s a breakdown of Philly’s ballot questions for the May 2026 primary.
Pennsylvania voter info & resources
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