Special Election Decides Representation for Pennsylvania's 12th District

A special election was held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, to fill the vacant seat representing Pennsylvania's 12^th Legislative District in the state house of Representatives. The seat became vacant following the resignation of former Rep. Stephenie Scialabba (R-Butler) earlier this year.

The 12^th Legislative District is located in Butler County and includes Cranberry, Adams and Jackson townships, as well as several surrounding communities. Democrat Brandon Dukes and Republican Scott Timko faced off in the special election to determine who will represent the district for the remainder of the current legislative term.

Unofficial election results show Dukes with 8,434 votes and Timko with 8,346 votes, a difference of just 88 votes. The results have not yet been finalized as Butler County completes the election process.

While the outcome of the special election will determine who represents the 12^th District for the remainder of 2026, it will not change party control of the Pennsylvania House, where Democrats currently hold a narrow majority. The result is notable given the district's political history: the seat has been held by Republicans for more than three decades, and President Donald Trump carried the district by approximately 18 percentage points in the 2024 election. Dukes's performance in the district has drawn attention as both parties look ahead to the November general election, with Democrats viewing the result as a potential sign of opportunities to gain additional seats this fall.

The two candidates are also set to face one another in the Nov. 3 general election. That election will determine who represents the district for a full two-year term beginning in 2027.