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Democrats Declare Special Election Victory for Seat Republicans Held for Decades
Pennsylvania Democrats say the win could give House Democrats a temporary two-seat majority until November, with a rematch set for the fall.
- On Tuesday, Democrat Brandon Dukes leads Republican Scott Timko by 97 votes in Pennsylvania's 12th House District special election, though the Associated Press has not yet formally declared a winner.
- Historically considered Republican-friendly territory, the 12th House District has been held by Republicans for almost 30 years, previously represented by Stephanie Scialabba and Daryl Metcalfe, and favored President Donald Trump by about 18 points.
- Calling the result a "political earthquake," U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle noted the seat was previously held by Metcalfe, whom he described as "FAR RIGHT" and "MAGA before Trump."
- Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Eugene DePasquale stated the result "sets the stage for this November," with a rematch scheduled to determine who represents the seat for the following two years.
- Governor Josh Shapiro aims to leverage this momentum to expand the state House majority and secure a Democratic trifecta in Harrisburg, signaling potential success across the Commonwealth in upcoming midterms.
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Democrat leads in Pennsylvania legislative district Trump won by more than 18 points in 2024
A Democrat in western Pennsylvania entered Wednesday with a slim lead in a special election for a state legislative seat in a district Trump won by more than 18 points in 2024.
·New York, United States
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Pennsylvania Capital-StarReposted by 
NorthcentralPA.com
NorthcentralPA.comDemocrats declare victory after tight special election in Trump+18 state House district
Inside the Pennsylvania Capitol building in downtown Harrisburg on October 14, 2025. (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star)This story was updated at 3:36 p.m. on August 19, 2026, with the latest information from the Butler County elections bureau. Democrat Brandon Dukes has declared victory after a special election in Butler County’s 12th state House district. Unofficial results have him leading by 97 votes, as of 3:00 …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Left
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left
45% Left
L 45%
C 33%
R 22%
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