Pennsylvania Primary Elections Set Stage for November General Election

The results of Pennsylvania’s May 19 primary election officially set the stage for several highly competitive congressional and statewide races heading into November 2026. While most incumbents in closely watched races successfully advanced through their primaries, the election solidified a number of matchups that are expected to draw significant national attention.

Among the most closely watched races were Pennsylvania’s 1st, 7th , and 10th Congressional Districts, all of which are expected to remain key battlegrounds in the fight for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. In PA-10, incumbent Congressman Scott Perry (R) advanced to face former news anchor Janelle Stelson (D) in a highly anticipated rematch following one of the closest congressional races in the Commonwealth during the last election cycle. In PA-7, incumbent Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (R) advanced and will face Democrat Bob Brooks in another competitive Lehigh Valley race. Meanwhile, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R) advanced in PA-1 and will face Democrat Bob Harvie in Bucks County, continuing what is expected to be one of the nation’s most closely watched suburban congressional contests.

The primary also featured a notable open-seat race in Philadelphia’s 3rd Congressional District, where State Representative Chris Rabb secured the Democratic nomination following Congressman Dwight Evans’s retirement announcement. The outcome drew national attention as part of broader conversations surrounding the future direction of Democratic leadership and progressive policy priorities.

At the statewide level, Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R) both advanced, officially setting the stage for Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial race in November.

For PAMED members, the outcomes of these races are significant because the individuals elected in November will likely shape policy conversations surrounding healthcare access, physician workforce challenges, scope of practice, public health funding, medical liability, Medicare and Medicaid policy, and healthcare affordability at both the state and federal levels. As the general election cycle continues, PAMED’s Government Relations team will continue monitoring developments relevant to the practice of medicine and patient care across the Commonwealth.