Here’s why Pennsylvania’s state legislative races matter

With all 203 of the state’s House seats and half of the Senate seats up for re-election in November, voters can play a big part in determining what democracy will look like in the commonwealth.

Ever wonder why Pennsylvnia’s minimum wage has remained a paltry $7.25 per hour since 2009, why the state lags behind so many others in the legalization of adult-use recreational marijuana, and why reproductive rights in the commonwealth hang in the balance? Look no further than the state legislature.

While many residents may be hard pressed to name their representatives in the state House and state Senate, these elected officials arguably have the most impact on the day-to-day lives of Pennsylvanians. They determine funding for everything from school districts to road repairs. They set laws to protect communities from being marginalized or discriminated against. They establish (or at least attempt to) the legislative districts that determine who represent Pennsylvanians both in Harrisburg and Washington.

Now is a good time to learn the names of your state legislators, because this year in Pennsylvania, all 203 state House seats and 25 Senate seats are up for election.

The state House of Representatives currently has 102 Democrats and 101 Republicans filling the 203 available seats. Democrats regained control of the state House in 2023 after Republicans held the majority for the previous 12 years.

In the state Senate, there are 22 Democrats and 28 Republicans. Republicans have controlled the Senate for the past 31 years.

The makeup of the state legislature is crucial in determining the future of abortion rights and elections in Pennsylvania. Prior to the 2022 midterm elections, state Republicans passed a series of constitutional amendments that greatly restrict abortion access, voter rights, and the power of the governor’s office. This was done to give voters the final say on these matters — a governor can’t veto a constitutional amendment.

Democrats taking over the majority in the state House that November prevented those amendments from making it to the ballot.

By voting for state legislators, you have the power to effect change. When citizens take an active role in determining who represents them in state government, the interests of their communities stand a better chance of being served. Issues such as marriage equality first gained traction at the state level across the country before the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the U.S. in 2015.

Pennsylvnia’s state legislators are crucial in determining what democracy will look like in the commonwealth. Issues like abortion, education, LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, workers’ rights, elections, healthcare, voting rights, housing, gun control, criminal justice reform, and more are in their hands. By getting involved and voting for state legislators who represent your interests, you have a say in Pennsylvania’s future.

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.