Democrats have declared victory in a special election for a Pennsylvania state House seat that typically leans Republican. Brandon Dukes, the Democratic candidate, has unofficially defeated Republican Scott Timko by a margin of just under 100 votes.
“The Associated Press has yet to call the race,” Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported. “As of Wednesday afternoon, the county elections bureau confirmed completing their first official signing and that a five-day period allowing challenges to results has begun.”
The two candidates will face each other again in November for a full two-year term in the state House.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised Dukes’ win: “Brandon Dukes just flipped a state House District in Butler County — a seat Trump carried by 18 points and the GOP state rep won by 30 points in 2024. Pennsylvanians are rising up and using their power to combat the chaos, cruelty, and corruption — and we’re not slowing down.” Shapiro added: “I was proud to back Brandon. Congratulations State Representative-Elect Dukes — I look forward to getting stuff done together.”
Bob Bozzuto, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania House Republican Campaign Committee, stated: “Regardless of yesterday’s results, the candidates have to regroup and prepare for a competitive General Election that will have significantly more voter turnout. The General Election starts today with Scott Timko reaching out to voters, building a winning coalition, and holding Brandon Dukes accountable for his extreme positions that he continues to hide from voters.”
The victory marks a significant boost for Pennsylvania Democrats heading into key fall elections. The district, which was previously represented by Stephenie Scialabba before she resigned in March, has not elected a Democrat to the Pennsylvania House in more than 20 years. Voters there elected President Donald Trump by an 18% margin in the 2024 election.
Tuesday’s results represent a major shift. Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Eugene DePasquale stated: “Tonight’s result not only shows what can be accomplished when Democrats are willing to fight everywhere, but it sets the stage for this November’s midterm elections. Pennsylvanians across the political spectrum are sick and tired of Republicans’ chaotic, corrupt, and cost-raising agenda — and they’re ready to reject them at the polls and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in historic fashion.”
The win temporarily increased Democrats’ slim majority in the Pennsylvania state House to 103-100. Voter turnout for the special election was extremely low, with less than one-third of registered voters casting a ballot.
Former Biden Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (D) noted that the race’s outcome suggests a broader dip in Republican support: “This is a big deal: Brandon Dukes just flipped a Pennsylvania state House seat held by Republicans for almost 30 years. His victory in Butler County reflects voters’ readiness for change, and the trust that he has earned in his district. I’m proud to be in his corner.”
