Pennsylvania
Possibly the most publicized Senate race in the country, the open contest between Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and television’s Dr. Mehmet Oz (R), could well decide the Senate majority. Many believe that the party carrying Pennsylvania punches their majority ticket. Dr. Oz now leads in most polls after the two met in a highly publicized debate on October 25th. Early voting patterns, however, appear to favor the Democrats. Remembering that the Republican primary took about a month to decide because the result was so close, it wouldn’t be surprising to see something similar occur for the general election.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro (D) is now a heavy favorite to win the open Governor’s race and succeed term-limited incumbent Tom Wolf (D).
In the House races, the state hosts three critical toss-up campaigns, all currently in Democratic possession. Reps. Susan Wild (D-Allentown) and Matt Cartwright (D-Moosic/Scranton) reside in districts that now lean Republican, and both seats, in re-match campaigns with their 2020 Republican opponents, Lisa Scheller and Jim Bognet, respectively, are considered toss-ups. In the Pittsburgh area, Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Pittsburgh) running unsuccessfully for Senate opens this district rated D+1. Democratic election law attorney Chris DeLuzio and Republican engineer and former local official Jeremy Shaffer are also embroiled in a toss-up battle.
