Governor Josh Shapiro has made an official announcement on Thursday, endorsing four candidates running for Pennsylvania Senate in the upcoming election. This move comes as Democrats strive to secure a majority in the chamber for the first time in over two decades.
“Pennsylvania residents deserve leaders who prioritize practical solutions and are committed to taking action. Leaders who will fight for important issues such as increasing the minimum wage, safeguarding a woman’s right to choose, and advocating for the rights of workers,” Shapiro expressed. “I am honored to endorse Patty Kim, Nicole Ruscitto, Nick Pisciottano, and Jim Wertz, as they will work alongside me to address the concerns that matter to Pennsylvanians. These priorities include providing quality education for our children, creating safer communities, promoting economic opportunities in all areas, and ensuring genuine freedom throughout the state.”
Democrats currently hold 22 seats in the Senate and would need to secure three more to gain a majority. In the state House, the party currently has a one-seat advantage after Democrats Keith Harris and Andre Carroll emerged victorious in uncontested special elections for two Philadelphia state House districts on September 17, as per unofficial results. If the Democrats manage to maintain their hold on the House and also gain control of the Senate, they would achieve a trifecta in Harrisburg, effectively controlling both chambers of the legislature as well as the governor’s office.
Kim chose not to run for re-election in the state House in order to pursue the vacant Senate seat in the 15th District. This district encompasses portions of Dauphin and Perry counties. Kim emerged victorious in the April primary election and will now face off against Nick DiFrancesco, the GOP Dauphin County treasurer, in the upcoming November election. The ultimate victor will serve as the replacement for the retiring GOP state Senator, John DiSanto.
Ruscitto, an educator and former Jefferson Hills borough council member, is challenging Republican Devlin Robinson in the 37th Senate District. This district encompasses several suburbs in Allegheny County. Pisciottano, who represents House District 38 in Allegheny County, is running for the open seat in the 45th Senate district. He has received the support of retiring state Sen. Jim Brewster. Pisciottano’s opponent is Jennifer Dintini, a Republican business owner. Wertz, the former Erie County Democratic Party Chair, will be facing off against GOP state Sen. Dan Laughlin. Laughlin is seeking a third term representing the 49th Senate District in Erie County.
Shapiro surprised and delighted some state House candidates when he endorsed them in September. While he is supporting Democrats Eugene DePasquale for attorney general and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) for auditor general, he decided not to endorse any candidate in the state treasurer’s race. This decision came after Erin McClelland, the Democratic candidate in that race, had criticized Shapiro during his consideration as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. Ultimately, Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
According to a September poll conducted by the New York Times, Siena College, and Philadelphia Inquirer, the first-term governor received a higher favorability rating compared to Harris or singer and Berks County native Taylor Swift.
