In This Bellwether County, Pennsylvania Is up for Grabs, Once Again

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

In state House District 35, covering Allegheny County, both Democrats and Republicans complained about DOGE-driven government cuts and tariffs.

MUNHALL, Pa.—In the quiet suburban sprawl of Pittsburgh is one of the most important counties on the U.S. electoral map: Allegheny County, with its population of 1.2 million.

Allegheny County is a confluence of demographics that define national politics: urban professionals, steel workers, college students, retirees, and unionized labor. Despite its Democratic lean, a shift in support here—even by a few votes—can change the outcome of Pennsylvania’s elections, which are seeing ever narrower margins.

President Donald Trump gained such votes in the 2024 election, and they helped him win.

Two months after Trump’s second administration began, Allegheny County will be back at the polls on March 25 to vote for a new state representative.

The death of state Rep. Matthew Gergely (D-McKeesport) on Jan. 19 created a vacancy for his seat in House District 35, which covers the towns of Munhall, McKeesport, and Homestead, among others.

State House elections are usually local affairs, with candidates focused on community-based issues over national political currents. Special elections are even more intricate, with most voters unaware of them and turnout quite low. But with Trump’s moves to restructure the federal government, the effect of federal policies on the state is top of voters’ minds.

The Trump administration has shocked many by the scale and pace of its initiatives to reduce the federal government’s size and spending, prompting criticism at town halls across the country. Voters in both Allegheny County and Pennsylvania writ large enabled this outcome, and their view on Trump’s performance is a cue for the national political climate.

Moreover, as a sign of Pennsylvania’s fine political divide, Gergely’s death also deadlocked the state House of Representatives—at 101 Democrats to 101 Republicans. The party that wins this seat will, thus, control the state Legislature, which must consider Gov. Josh Shapiro’s last full budget proposal before he runs for reelection. The voters of District 35, therefore, have extraordinary influence on the state’s political future.

The Epoch Times visited District 35 to speak with the candidates, the voters, and Pennsylvania’s political leaders on this crucial political battle.

By Arjun Singh

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Chambers of Horror

Using a shutdown to legislate is like using a flame thrower to light a candle, it provides light momentarily but destroys everything in its path.

Government Shutdown, Health Care, Tax Breaks=Perfect Storm

The shutdown over cuts to health subsidies for the poor stems from Trump’s OBBB plan, which critics say funneled trillions to the wealthy.

3I/Atlas Comet or UFO Arrives Tomorrow!

The 3I/Atlas object is hurtling toward our solar system on a strange path and composition, set to pass behind the sun, obscuring visual and radio tracking.

‘I’d Be Finished’: Vaccine Researcher Trashes Own Study to Save Career

Most doctors comply with the system, following orders to keep their jobs, income, and prestige, even if it means setting aside independent judgment.

Kamala, Please Run Again

Kamala Harris hinted she wants to run for President in 2028, despite poor poll numbers and her loss in 2024. If she runs, the big winners will be the GOP.

San Jose Proclaims ‘Republic of China Day,’ Honors Taiwanese Community’s Contributions

San Jose declared Oct. 25 “Republic of China Day,” honoring the Taiwanese American community’s cultural and economic contributions to the city.

US Tightens Ban on Chinese Tech Gears

The United States has extended its ban on Chinese electronics to cover products partly made by companies blacklisted on national security grounds.

FDA Says It’s Eliminating Requirements for Generic Versions of Expensive Drugs

The Food and Drug Administration in draft guidance said it will reduce instances where large human trials are required for biosimilars.

Government Shutdown Could Cost US Economy $14 Billion: CBO

The government shutdown could cost the U.S. economy up to $14 billion, a new analysis by the CBO said on Oct. 29.

Trump, Japanese PM Sign Critical Minerals, Rare Earths Deal

The U.S. president visited Tokyo on the second leg...

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central