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Current Political Landscape

The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has seen a tremendous political shift since 2003 when Governor Edward G. Rendell and Chairman T.J. Rooney took over the reins. Since then, Democrats have won an impressive 73 percent of statewide races and continue to build upon that success rate.

Since 1993, Pennsylvania has proven itself to be a “blue state”. Currently, Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 1.2 million voters (4,480,691 Democrats; 3,243,391 Republicans.)

In 2006, Governor Rendell won re-election with a commanding 60-40 margin while Bob Casey, Jr. easily defeated incumbent Senator Rick Santorum by nearly identical numbers, 59-41. That year, Congressional Republicans lost four House seats in Pennsylvania, more than any other state.

In suburban Philadelphia, Patrick Murphy defeated incumbent Mike Fitzpatrick, by 1,500 votes. In western Pennsylvania along the Ohio border, Jason Altmire defeated incumbent Melissa Hart, 52- 48. In Delaware County, Admiral Joe Sestak defeated incumbent Curt Weldon, 56 – 44 and in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, Chris Carney defeated incumbent Don Sherwood, 53 - 47.

In 2007, the Democratic Party was successful in electing Judge Seamus McCafferty to the Supreme Court, Judge Christine Donahue and Judge Debra Todd to the Superior Court. Democrats also flipped 13 county courthouses and continue increasing registration and performance.

In 2008, President Barack Obama handily defeated Sen. John McCain by an 11-point margin (55%-44%) and won in traditionally Republican strongholds such as Dauphin and Centre counties, where Democrats now outnumber Republicans.

In Congress, Democrats outnumber Republicans, 12-7. Following the election of President Obama the Pennsylvania Democratic Party continues to build upon its impressive grassroots volunteer organization and provide valuable resources to county parties and candidates throughout the Commonwealth.

Democrats increased their margin in the state House of Representatives and is currently under the dynamic leadership of Speaker Keith McCall (Carbon).

Democrats also re-elected Auditor Jack Wagner, elected Treasurer Rob McCord and added Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkamper.

In 2009, Democrats heartily welcomed Senator Arlen Specter back into the Democratic tent after he provided one of the most courageous votes of his political life when he supported President Obama’s economic stimulus plan.

With two Democratic U.S. Senators and a Democratic Governor, Pennsylvania’s Democratic strength has left Republicans searching for answers on dealing with large Democratic margins.

The Pennsylvania Democratic Party looks forward to continuing its winning ways in 2009 in statewide judicial races.

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