Pennsylvania SD-16
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Battleground State
2026 is a historic opportunity to build power in Pennsylvania by defending our House majority and picking up seats in the Senate in this key battleground state. After several cycles of hard-fought gains, DLCC is committed to winning and defending Democratic power in Pennsylvania.
Our work this year begins with defending and expanding our one-seat majority in the Pennsylvania House that the DLCC and state Democrats have defended through a tough environment in 2024 and at least ten special elections.
We’ll also work to gain ground in the Senate which has half of its seats up this year. With the legislature under split control, the Pennsylvania Senate GOP majority has rubber-stamped Trump’s disastrous agenda and blocked Democrats from advancing solutions for working families at every opportunity.Â
The DLCC’s Pennsylvania Target Races represent some of the most competitive and consequential legislative contests anywhere in the country.
These candidates are running in districts that will help determine control of the Pennsylvania House and shape the future of Democratic power in the commonwealth. Every victory strengthens Democrats’ ability to defend hard-won progress, protect Pennsylvanians from extremist policies, and continue building toward new opportunities for Democratic majorities.
Using data, research, and decades of experience at this ballot level, the DLCC identifies the races where investments can make the biggest difference. Check out the races that will decide the future of power in Pennsylvania below:Â
Pennsylvania SD-16
Pennsylvania HD-143
Pennsylvania HD-142
Pennsylvania HD-137
Pennsylvania HD-121
Pennsylvania HD-88
Pennsylvania HD-45
Pennsylvania HD-41
Pennsylvania HD-30
Pennsylvania HD-18
Pennsylvania SD-40
Pennsylvania SD-24
Pennsylvania SD-06
Pennsylvania HD-3
Pennsylvania SD-36
Pennsylvania HD-160
Pennsylvania HD-16
Pennsylvania SD-14
Pennsylvania HD-44
Pennsylvania HD-33
Pennsylvania HD-144
Pennsylvania HD-82
Pennsylvania HD-118
The DLCC is investing in Pennsylvania year after year because the stakes extend far beyond state lines. What happens in Pennsylvania affects the future of reproductive freedom, voting rights, economic opportunity, and democratic representation for millions of people. Here’s what Speaker Joanna McClinton has to say about the DLCC investing in the future of our nation:
In the wake of the Callais decision, working towards an eventual trifecta by picking up seats in the Senate and defending our slim House majority would help position Democrats to go on offense around mid-decade redistricting. The 2026 midterms will determine the landscape of state legislative power and set the foundation for who controls the redistricting pen every year between now and 2030.
DLCC Board Member
Senator Vincent Hughes has nearly four decades of experience in the Pennsylvania legislature as a leading voice on local, state, and national issues. He has championed access to quality education and expanded college affordability, ensuring that the next generation of Pennsylvanians is set up for success. A fighter for progressive values in the legislature, he has led the charge to pass Pennsylvania’s constitutional amendment banning race discrimination, a historic victory for civil rights in the commonwealth. Senator Hughes serves as the Democratic Senate Appropriations Chairman– a crucial role as Washington, DC Republicans force state legislators to find solutions for their communities amid unprecedented cuts to health care, food benefits, and programs they rely on.
Leader Hughes was first elected to the DLCC Board in 2018.

Pennsylvania Senator and DLCC Board Member Vincent Hughes
Press Releases |
The DLCC's 2018 RoadmapOn Nov. 7, voters turned out in droves in a direct rebuke of state Republicans and the Trump administration. Americans from coast to coast sent a clear message that they will step up and defend Democratic values, safeguard the progress we have made, and push onward.
Press Releases |
DLCC Announces 2018 Board of DirectorsToday the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) convened its annual Winter Meeting with its Board of Directors in Washington, D.C. with the goal of reflecting on this years’ successes, laying the groundwork for 2018 and 2020 elections, and holding Board elections.
Press Releases |
DLCC Celebrates Critical Win in Pennsylvania Special ElectionTonight Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post congratulated Pennsylvania Democrats and state Representative-elect Jeanne McNeill on an important victory in the special election for Pennsylvania House District 133.
Press Releases |
Once Again, State Democrats Sweep Special ElectionsToday Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post announced more coast to coast victories for state Democrats. The recent victories come only a month after state Democrats saw widespread victories in the November 7 elections, flipping more than a dozen seats from red to blue.
Press Releases |
Democrats Break GOP Supermajority in Georgia State Senate With Special Election WinTonight Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post congratulated Georgia Senator-elect Jen Jordan on her victory in the special election for SD-6 and for her important role in breaking Republicans’ supermajority in the Georgia state Senate.
Press Releases |
DLCC Leads Candidate Recruitment Efforts with Third Session of the CombineToday the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee convened the third meeting of The Combine, bringing together progressive partners to discuss a recruitment table heading into the 2018 midterms.
Press Releases |
DLCC Announces Major Milestone in VirginiaToday DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post shared news from the ground in Virginia: State legislative candidates, their staff, and thousands of volunteers have knocked on more than 1 million doors and made over 500,000 calls to voters this year alone.
Press Releases |
DLCC Celebrates Sixth Special Election Victory in New HampshireToday DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post announced that Texas Representative Eric Johnson will serve as its third delegate to the Democratic National Committee.
Press Releases |
Democrats Hold State Senate Seat in Competitive Special ElectionTonight Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post congratulated Massachusetts state Senator-elect Paul Feeney on his victory in the competitive special election for the Bristol & Norfolk Senatorial District
Press Releases |
State Democrats Flip Eighth Seat from Red to Blue in Second Victory of the NightTonight DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post congratulated Representative-elect Kari Lerner on her victory in the special election for New Hampshire House District Rockingham-4. Lerner’s victory brings the total number of seats picked up by state Democrats nationwide to eight since the November election.