Democrats are celebrating major wins in Pennsylvania while Republicans assess the impact of special elections in crucial districts. The victories have narrowed Republican control in the state legislature even as President Trump’s influence looms large across this key battleground state. How could something like this happen?
At a glance:
• Democrat James Andrew Malone won a state Senate seat in Lancaster County, ending 136 years of Republican representation
• The district had previously been won by Trump by 15 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election
• Democrat Dan Goughnor defeated Republican Charles Davis with a 63-35 point victory in a separate state House race
• These victories mark the fifth consecutive special election win for Democrats in 2025
• Republicans still maintain a 27-23 seat advantage in the state Senate despite the Democratic gains
Democrats Claim Historic Victories in Trump Territory
Democrats have secured a stunning victory in a Pennsylvania state Senate special election, ending 136 years of Republican control in a district that strongly supported President Trump. James Andrew Malone, a 51-year-old I.T. consultant and Mayor of East Petersburg Borough, defeated pro-Trump conservative Josh Parsons in Lancaster County despite the district’s significant Republican registration advantage.
All while Trump is enjoying record-high approval ratings. How could this be?
Republican Party chairman Greg Rothman acknowledged the loss should serve as a warning sign for the GOP moving forward. The election marked an unexpected setback in a district that President Trump carried by 15 percentage points just months ago.
“Obviously we are disappointed in the numbers. We are still reviewing them, but it appears we will come up a little short. We will have a further statement tomorrow,” Parsons said, conceding the race.
BREAKING: Democrats just secured major victories in two special elections in Pennsylvania.
First, Democrats won a seat that gives them control of the state house.
Second, Democrats flipped a Trump +15 Senate seat. https://t.co/TzDWVVFynZ
— Aaron Parnas (@AaronParnas) March 26, 2025
Republicans Call for Strategy Shift After Losses
In response to the news, Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Greg Rothman said that Republicans need to improve their campaign strategies. “We need to take this as a wake-up call to the Republican Party that we can’t be complacent and we can’t just run campaigns like we’ve always run campaigns. We need to embrace early voting,” Rothman stated.
The Democrats have now secured five consecutive special election victories in 2025, raising concerns among Republican strategists. These local wins come despite Democrats performing poorly in public opinion polls since losing control of the White House and Senate in 2024.
Democrat Dan Goughnor’s decisive 63-35 point victory over Republican Charles Davis in a state House district southeast of Pittsburgh further solidified Democratic control. This win was particularly significant because it broke a 101-101 deadlock in the Pennsylvania State House.
Republican officials argue that special election outcomes don’t necessarily predict future midterm results, noting local factors often influence these contests. The GOP still maintains control of the state Senate with a 27-23 seat advantage despite losing ground in what had previously been safe Republican territory.
Congratulations to Dan Goughnour on his election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
His win means that the Democrats fighting for us in Harrisburg will keep their majority in the House. https://t.co/3NpeZRsInJ
— Corey O'Connor (@CoreyOConnorpa) March 26, 2025
If this can happen now, it can happen everywhere in 2026 unless the Republicans get a grip on whatever is happening!
