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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrats retained their slim majority within the Pennsylvania Home of Representatives on Tuesday after voters elected a former faculty board member to symbolize them in a Philadelphia suburb that has been trending extra to the left.
Jim Prokopiak’s election to the Bucks County seat will give Democrats a 102-100 majority within the Home, which they’ve sought to defend in 4 particular elections prior to now yr. A Republican lawmaker’s resignation final week shifted the facility again to Democrats, and Prokopiak’s win stored it in place.
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He defeated Republican challenger Candace Cabanas and can exchange former state Rep. John Galloway, who resigned to function a magisterial choose.
“What I heard from voters is that Bucks County residents need assistance supporting their households, need management over their very own our bodies, and guarantee they’ve the power to chart their very own paths in life,” Prokopiak mentioned in an announcement. “I am dedicated to taking my conversations with voters to Harrisburg and making their desires a actuality.”
Whereas campaigning, Prokopiak, 49, mentioned his targets as a lawmaker aligned with the get together’s bigger ambitions since they retook the chamber — more cash for Ok-12 schooling, preserving entry to abortions and a better minimal wage.
“Nobody can afford to dwell on the federal minimal wage on this space,” he mentioned. “If we’ll be speaking about good-paying jobs and creating life-sustaining jobs, the very first thing we’ve got to do is increase the minimal wage as a result of it is clear that’s not sustaining anyone.”
READ MORE: Low-income earners feeling hopeful as Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro repeats dedication to $15 minimal wage
Democrats have stored all six seats which have gone up for particular elections prior to now yr, in largely reliably Democratic districts. Prokopiak will symbolize a seat that has favorably elected Democrats in previous election cycles.
Galloway’s seat has trended Democratic, and Republicans have slowly been dropping their grip on the county as an entire.
The race drew nationwide consideration from the Democratic Legislative Marketing campaign Committee, which spent $50,000 to guard the get together’s majority within the chamber.
It was a primary step for the committee, which has mentioned it’s planning to spend at the very least $60 million on statehouse races nationally this cycle, the group’s largest-ever price range. It would characteristic particular emphasis on erasing GOP majorities in Arizona and New Hampshire and within the Pennsylvania Senate whereas holding small Democratic majorities claimed in 2022 in Minnesota and Michigan.
“This victory is a promising signal for Democrats up and down the poll this yr – it is clear that momentum is on our facet,” Democratic Legislative Marketing campaign Committee President Heather Williams mentioned in an announcement, including that their focus shall be on defending the Home majority and flipping the state Senate.
Democrats in Pennsylvania have used their newfound energy this yr to advance a lot of the caucus’ priorities, and so they have a philosophical ally within the governor’s workplace with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro. The Legislature stays politically divided with a agency Republican majority within the Senate.
“Over the past yr I believe, because the Democrats have been within the majority, they’ve pushed laws that has helped the center class,” Prokopiak mentioned beforehand. “I wish to do this.”
Extra from CBS Information
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