Democrats Regain Control of Pennsylvania House with Special Election Win

Dan Goughnour's victory in District 35 restores the Democrats' 102-101 majority, solidifying their leadership in the closely divided chamber.

Democrat Dan Goughnour won the Pennsylvania House District 35 special election, securing a narrow 102-101 Democratic majority in the state House.
The seat was vacated following the death of Democratic Rep. Matt Gergely in January 2025, which had resulted in a 101-101 deadlock in the chamber.
Goughnour, a police officer and school board member, defeated Republican Chuck Davis in the Democratic-leaning Allegheny County district.
The victory ensures Joanna McClinton remains Speaker of the Pennsylvania House, maintaining Democratic control over legislative priorities.
A concurrent special election in Senate District 36 did not alter the Republican majority in the state Senate, which remains firmly in GOP control.