James Malone, who just won a state senate seat in Pennsylvania’s 36th senatorial district. The particulars of this victory are a huge lift for the Democratic Party. It’s a district that’s traditionally supported former President Donald Trump. Malone only won by a narrow margin of just 482 total votes. His victory joins a second Democratic win in Tuesday’s Pennsylvania Democratic special primary. Dan Goughnour won a house seat, allowing the party to keep its narrow majority on the state house.
The Democratic leadership threatened Republicans with primary challenges for Malone’s surprise victory. In a state that boasts an important electoral vote swing state role, they emphasized why this victory was especially significant. Nationally, Pennsylvania is considered to be a competitive to mostly swing state. Its support will be crucial for any Democratic hopes of winning the 2028 presidential election. The state has been governed since January 1, 2023 by an incoming Democrat Josh Shapiro.
“Democrats are on a roll in state legislative races in 2025, from flipping red seats to defending one-seat majorities, which should put Republicans on edge. Both wins affirm Democratic leadership in a moment when GOP power is synonymous with chaos.” – Heather Williams
Malone's victory arrives amidst internal party tensions following Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's decision to vote for a Republican-led funding bill to prevent a government shutdown. This decision has been portrayed as a big blow to the progressive wing of the party, causing very public fracturing of its members.
“Everyday voters are not liking what they’re seeing at the federal level, they don’t like the chaos. We want to be sure that we, as Pennsylvania, are standing up for our neighbors and are standing up for our state. So that’s what we’re trying to do, and I think that that really is what we’re looking at moving forward.” – Josh Shapiro
The Democrats' recent successes in Pennsylvania reflect a broader trend of the party gaining momentum in state legislative races in 2025. This new momentum is a response to today’s political landscape. It tactically seeks to shore up future electoral advantages.