In the run-up to the midterm election, President Donald Trump used many of the levers of presidential power to interfere in how Pennsylvania and other states run elections, only to be stopped repeatedly by the courts. On Election Day, voters in the commonwealth and across the US made sure there was no ambiguity in their verdict.
Trump’s Republican Party lost control of both houses of Congress and got clobbered in races up and down the ballot.
In Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro easily held off a challenge from Republican Stacy Garrity. Big wins in Pennsylvania’s 1st, 7th, 8th, and 10th Congressional Districts helped Democrats regain control of the US House of Representatives.
And in Harrisburg, Democrats will control both legislative chambers and the governorship in state government for the first time since 1993, after flipping the Senate and increasing what was a razor-thin majority in the House. This means a clearer path to a $15 minimum wage, the legalization of adult-use cannabis, and other policy initiatives favored by Shapiro and Democrats.
With Election Day behind us, we asked our newsletter readers: How do you feel about the state of Pennsylvania and the state of our country going forward?
Here’s what they had to say (answers have been edited for length and clarity):
“I’m glad that the Democrats won but now the ball is in their court. We are a very divided country and they need to work with everyone to try and bring us together. We did not elect them to seek retribution. We elected them to get our great country back on track. Affordable food, gas, healthcare, and housing. A country where everyone has a shot at the American Dream.” — Sandy L. Delaware County
“I’m thrilled that the voters of Pa. have given us a trifecta across the Governor’s office, the House, and the Senate. Happy to see an end to the governmental paralysis which seems to have too often been the order of the day.” — Elise MacDonald, Allegheny County
“I feel it is a step forward with the Democratic party being in charge but, let’s face reality, it takes a lot more work to reverse damage done to anything but especially where the government is involved. I think it is going to take more than two years to get the economy, especially gas prices, back to where it will be affordable for the average American, if ever. No matter who is in office, it will all be an uphill battle to reverse the damage and reputation that has been done to the United States of America!” — Mary Ellen Berta, Westmoreland County
“Cautiously hopeful.” — Mark P. Bogunovich, Allentown
“For the first time in years I am optimistic about the state of our fragile democracy. I pray that both parties can find common ground to restore all that has been lost over the past two years, and that all residents can exercise the freedom of assembly and travel without fear of being picked up by ICE.” — Rosalyn Metzger, Northampton County
“I don’t want revenge, but I do want accountability. Anyone who doubts the importance should read Heather Cox Richardson’s book ‘How the South Won the Civil War.’ At the same time, Dems must do the things that improve peoples’ lives and erect guardrails so this doesn’t happen again. As Sen. Raphael Warnock said, ‘We can walk and chew gum at the same time!’” — Cheryl Towers, Pittsburgh
“I am very overjoyed to see that the voters in our country do not favor extraordinary corruption and one person exacting his revenge on whoever got in his way. We voted to stop all this. However, the people taking over need to have long and hard discussions with their constituents. If what you voted for was instant change, that will not happen. Leaders need to explain that change is gradual.” — Stu, Monroe County
“Optimistic. Great seeing the blue wave however, I have a feeling that there’s gonna be a lot of issues to overcome.” — Paulette, Beaver County
“I am somewhat disappointed. I had expected a win for the Democrats but not this large. I ALWAYS prefer the executive branch and the legislative branch to be from opposing parties. That adversarial relationship is, in my opinion, to be preferred.” — David, Philadelphia
“I am a retiree in Chester County close to the Lancaster County border. This is a very conservative MAGA area in a county that has turned blue over the past 10 years or so. I have been worried about the state of our democracy and whether my community gets the damage that has been done. Perhaps we can restore what has been lost environmentally and in voting sanctity. Perhaps we can end this counterproductive war and with the Fed’s assistance get inflation under control. A minimum wage increase in Pa. is long past due.” — Ron, Honey Brook
“Wrong direction with a socialist government. People don’t realize the danger they will put us in. No one likes high inflation.The war with Iran will end and everything will stabilize, the economy has been the strongest ever. It’s time for both parties to work together and bring America back to what we were. But with a socialist party in control this will never happen.” — Ron Smith, Chester County
“Many want the Democrats to put forward solutions and policies because they now control the three key branches of government—implying that Hell will be paid if significant changes are not made, soon. Did the Republican Party get the same message when all was in their hands? Policies and legislation are not the same, political parties are not monolithic, and unforeseen factors almost always change the game. Vote your values. Advocate for your policies. Push or pull as circumstances warrant. Be cool.” — Douglas Mackay, Delaware County
“I feel relieved that perhaps many others feel like me. Americans have stepped up preserving our democracy. A wannabe despot’s impulses to exploit folks isn’t big news. Historically, corrupted politicians opposed Unionization and helped maintain the modus operandi of the status quo. It was always a struggle for freedom. But thankfully during crucial periods citizens stepped up to share the opportunity of freedom with all Americans. This year’s midterm elections could probably be a wake-up call. A lame duck president now is a positive change for democracy.” — Mel, Luzerne County
“Extremely disappointed in the midterm results for the GOP. May almighty God help the citizens and good people of this commonwealth.” — James Coutts, Wayne County
“I feel like this country has taken a giant step in the right direction, but it’s not finished by a long shot. I hope that the officials who will be in charge come January place their energy and emphasis on things that truly matter and not get bogged down in petty things, such as legalizing pot or daylight saving time, when we have so many REAL wars. The war in Iran, the war in Ukraine, the war on the economy of lower income people, the war on American health, the war on science, the war on education, the war against the truth, the war on the media, the war against equality, the war on humane behavior, the war on immigrants, the war on all the other crimes that this GOP-MAGA administration has committed. Those are far more urgent and important.” — Christine Rosati, Lehigh County
“This blue tsunami has given me such relief that our democracy has held once again. Relief that Trump won’t be able to become the dictator he hoped to be and might even be held accountable.” — Nicole, Philadelphia
“I feel very positive about the future of our state and nation! People voted and made their opinions heard.” — Robin, Westmoreland County
“I feel like I can really breathe for the first time in years. I look forward to what the future holds in Pa. and the rest of the country. The history that was made during this election was nothing short of inspirational.” — Nadine S. Snyder County
“A heckuva lot better now that the Dems are in the majority in Congress. I’m still very wary of what the next two years could bring with this administration and president but feel like there are stronger guardrails now. Fingers crossed!” — Gary Miller, State College
“My biggest fear for the 2024 election was for one party to control the White House, Senate, and the House of Representatives. The Republicans had nothing except lawsuits brought by others to control their actions. Now we’re facing a similar situation in Harrisburg. I hope they don’t go too crazy and make people regret their votes the way I feel many people did 2 years ago for Representatives in D.C.” — Donna, Erie
