On Politics

Tue Apr 23 2024

Sudiksha Kochi | Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter

@KochiSudiksha

Hey OnPolitics readers! Pennsylvania voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday in a slew of contentious and potentially decisive congressional and state races that are sure to make waves as the campaign chugs toward November.

The primary results in this pivotal swing state are certain to reveal insights about the major issues shaping the general election, namely on abortion and the Israel-Hamas war, USA TODAY's Karissa Waddick reported. All 17 members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation are running for reelection in 2024 and three of those incumbents are facing serious primary challengers.

In some cases, the outcome of Tuesday's races could determine which way those seats swing on Election Day.

Will the fight over abortion rights draw voters to the polls? Reproductive rights have been a major topic in the attorney general's race and in the Republican primary for the 1^st Congressional District. All five Democratic candidates for attorney general have committed to protecting the right to abortion and access to FDA-approved medications such as mifepristone.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Pennsylvania Democrats clash on Israel-Hamas war: In Pennsylvania's 12^th District, first-term progressive Rep. Summer Lee was among the early advocates in Congress calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Bhavini Patel, a more moderate Democratic congressional candidate, has framed the incumbent's criticism of Israel as detrimental to Biden's re-election efforts.

👓 What are the key Pennsylvania House races to watch? Six Democrats are competing for the chance to challenge GOP Rep. Scott Perry in Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District. While the area leans Republican, Democrats say they can win over independents and moderate conservatives in the area with a message centered around protecting democracy