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 |
State Democrats Flip Seventh Seat from Red to BlueTonight DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post congratulated Senator-elect Annette Taddeo on her victory in the critical special election for Florida State SD40. Taddeo’s victory brings the total number of seats picked up by state Democrats nationwide since the November election to seven.
Press Releases |
DLCC Celebrates Democratic Triumphs In Tonight’s Legislative Special ElectionsTonight Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post congratulated DLCC Spotlight Race candidates Kathryn Rehner, Representative-elect Jacob Rosecrants and Representative-elect Charlie St. Clair. In Mississippi, Rehner secured a spot in the October runoff election while Rosecrants flipped Oklahoma State House District 46 and St. Clair flipped New Hampshire House District Belknap 9.
Press Releases |
DLCC Celebrates Fourth New Hampshire Special Election VictoryTonight Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post congratulated Representative-elect Charlie St. Clair on his victory in the special election for New Hampshire’s House District Belknap 9. St. Clair, who was featured as a DLCC Spotlight Race, carried the election with almost 56% of the vote, flipping the seat from red to blue.
Press Releases |
DLCC Spotlight Race Candidate Advances to October Runoff in Mississippi Special ElectionTonight Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post congratulates Kathryn Rehner on advancing to the runoff in the special election for Mississippi State House District 102. Rehner, a social worker, advocate, and community organizer, currently works for MS Health Access Collaborative to help families obtain affordable health coverage and is a featured DLCC Spotlight Race.
Press Releases |
DLCC Celebrates Another Oklahoma Victory In Latest Legislative Special ElectionTonight Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post congratulated Representative-elect Jacob Rosecrants on his victory in the special election for Oklahoma State House District 46. Rosecrant’s victory brings the total number of seats picked up by state Democrats since the November election to six.
Press Releases |
DLCC Bolsters Spotlight Races Lineup With Additional Two RacesToday Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post announced the addition of two upcoming legislative races to DLCC’s Spotlight Races.
Press Releases |
State Democrats Continue To Build Momentum With Newest Special Election WinTonight Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post congratulates Senator-elect Dawn Euer on her victory in the special election for Rhode Island Senate District 13.
Press Releases |
After Double-Digit Win In Iowa, DLCC Adds Five Races to Spotlight Races PageFollowing Representative-elect Phil Miller’s crushing victory in Iowa last night, Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post announced the addition of five upcoming legislative races to DLCC’s recently launched Spotlight Races webpage.
Press Releases |
DLCC Celebrates Critical Victory In Iowa Special ElectionAfter a hard fought campaign, Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post congratulated Iowa Democrat Phil Miller on his impressive victory in the special election for Iowa House District 82.
Press Releases |
DLCC Congratulates Manka Dhingra On Strong Primary PerformanceToday Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post congratulated Manka Dhingra on her strong performance in the August primary heading into the special election for Washington Senate District 45. Dhingra, a featured DLCC Spotlight Race candidate, was the top vote getter in a head to head contest with her Republican opponent and a third party and walked away with over 50% of the vote thus far.