West Central PA News

Pennsylvania voters have restored a Republican majority to the state Senate following the recent General Election. All Republican incumbents were re-elected, and new Republican senators will be joining them in Harrisburg.

"Pennsylvanians were energized and sent a clear message that they are done with far-left policies that step on their constitutional rights and make it hard for them to keep up with the high cost of food and utilities," stated Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39). "Pennsylvanians can count on us to focus on helping our families by growing the economy and jobs."

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) remarked, "This is an historic and exciting time for Pennsylvania and our entire nation. Voters have spoken loudly and clearly to send a strong team of Republicans to the state Senate. Across the Commonwealth we are witnessing a renewed embrace of policies and principles to strengthen families and forge a promising and prosperous future. For the first time in over two decades, we will welcome a new senator to our Caucus from Philadelphia, which serves as a significant means to further close the rural, urban, and suburban divide. Our Senate Republican Caucus will continue to be steadfast in our work to empower Pennsylvanians by standing against executive and judicial overreach, rejecting Democrats’ massive tax increases, and ensuring the fundamental rights of our Commonwealth’s citizens remain safely guarded."

The Republicans will hold a 28-22 majority in the upcoming 2025-26 legislative session.

Two new Republican senators were elected: Sen.-elect Dawn Keefer for the 31st Senate District covering parts of Cumberland and York counties, currently representing the 92nd Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Sen.-elect Joe Picozzi for the 5th Senate District representing part of Philadelphia, who previously worked for the U.S. House of Representatives focusing on city revitalization policies.

Newly elected senators along with re-elected ones will begin their four-year terms after being sworn into office on January 7, 2025.