Pa. election 2026: Voter guides, key races and more
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Here’s what you should know beforehand, from voter deadlines to who’s on the ballot in Philadelphia and statewide.
File: A voter leaves her polling place at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia after voting in the 2025 primary election. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
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- 📆 Key voter info: Dates and deadlines | Registering to vote
- 📬 Mail and absentee ballots: Requesting and returning | Tracking your ballot | Mail ballot issues
- 📍 Voting in person: Early voting | Polling places
- 🗳️ Races and candidates: Governor | Lt. Gov. | U.S. House | Pa. state Senate | Pa. state House
- ✅ 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:
Governor
What does the governor do?
As the commonwealth’s chief executive officer, the governor oversees the operation of the state executive branch, which implements policies on everything from education and health to environmental protection, human services and beyond.
Every year, the governor proposes a state budget to the General Assembly, laying the groundwork for months of hearings and negotiations among lawmakers over major policies and how billions in taxpayer dollars are spent.
The governor has the power to sign and veto legislation passed by state lawmakers, issue executive orders, declare emergencies and grant pardons or commute sentences. The statewide elected office is limited to two consecutive four-year terms.
Who is running for governor in Pennsylvania?
- Democratic Party: Josh Shapiro (incumbent)
- Libertarian Party: Ken Krawchuck
- Republican Party: Stacy Garrity
Lieutenant governor
What does the lieutenant governor do?
The lieutenant governor, elected jointly with the governor, is the first in the line of succession to the governor. As president of the state Senate, the lieutenant governor may vote in the event of a tie.
Like the governor’s office, the statewide elected office is limited to two consecutive four-year terms.
Who is running for lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania?
- Democratic Party: Austin Davis (incumbent)
- Libertarian Party: John Thomas
- Republican Party: Jason Richey
U.S. House of Representatives
What do lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives do?
Representatives in the U.S. House are elected to two-year terms in Congress, where they make and pass federal laws.
Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees.
What is the party breakdown of the U.S. House, and what’s at stake?
All 435 seats in the U.S. House are up for election. The magic number to win a majority is 218.
Republicans currently control the chamber by a 218-212 margin over Democrats. Independent U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, of California, caucuses with Republicans, and there are currently four 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 most closely watched contests:
- 1st congressional district in Bucks and Montgomery counties: Incumbent Republican Brian Fitzpatrick vs. Democrat Bob Harvie
- 7th congressional district in the Lehigh Valley: Incumbent Republican Ryan Mackenzie vs. Democrat Bob Brooks
- 8th congressional district in the Scranton area: Incumbent Republican Rob Bresnahan vs. Democrat Paige Cognetti
- 10th congressional district in the Harrisburg region: Incumbent Republican Scott Perry vs. Democrat Janelle Stelson
Who is running for the U.S. House in Pennsylvania?
All of Pennsylvania’s 17 U.S. House districts will be on the ballot this fall. Below is a look at 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.
Pa. state Senate
Who is running for the Pennsylvania state Senate?
Half of Pennsylvania’s 50 state Senate seats will be on the ballot.
Below is a look at Pennsylvania’s state Senate districts with more than one candidate running. A complete list of state Senate districts and candidates can be found here.
Unsure which Pennsylvania state Senate district you fall under? Residents may find their district online using their address.
These Pa. state Senate districts are all but decided
A handful of Pennsylvania state Senate races are uncontested, with candidates running unopposed. In all such districts, candidates are incumbents seeking reelection.
Unsure which Pennsylvania state Senate district you fall under? Residents may find their district online using their address.
Pa. state House
In Pennsylvania’s General Assembly, all 203 state House district seats are on the ballot. Democrats currently hold a two-seat majority after an August special election upset in Butler County.
Below is a look at Pennsylvania’s state House districts in the Philadelphia region with more than one candidate running.
Unsure which Pennsylvania state House district you fall under? Residents may find their district online using their address.
These Pa. state House districts are all but decided
Dozens of Pennsylvania state House races are uncontested, with candidates running unopposed. In all but three of such districts, the candidates are incumbents seeking reelection.
Unsure which Pennsylvania state House district you fall under? Residents may find their district online using their address.
Pennsylvania voter info and resources
- Check to see if you are registered to vote
- Register to vote
- View a sample ballot based on your address
- Sign up to become a poll worker
- Find your polling place
- Apply for a mail ballot
- Apply for an absentee ballot
- Check the status of your mail or absentee ballot
Recursos en español
Está listo para votar? Si tiene preguntas sobre la información en este sitio, puede llamar al Departamento de Estado al 1-877-868-3772. Hay disponible un servicio de interpretación telefónica gratuito.
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