Democrats claimed victory in a closely contested special election in Pennsylvania, overturning a state House seat that had been under Republican control for nearly three decades. Democrat Brandon Dukes leads Republican Scott Timko by fewer than 100 votes in the 12th District special election for the state House. Dukes has gathered 8,434 votes (50.26%), whereas Timko received 8,346 votes (49.74%), based on unofficial election night returns.
Pennsylvania law mandates an automatic recount in a statewide race if the victory margin is within 0.5%. Chantell McCurdy, director of the election bureau, stated uncertainty about whether this rule applies to the special election. Officials are consulting legal experts on this matter, as reported by The Butler Eagle.
The apparent win contributes to a pattern of Democratic successes in special elections nationwide, raising hopes for gaining control of Congress in the upcoming November midterm elections. This development comes amid a record low approval rating for Trump, even among key groups that supported his 2024 White House campaign.
The campaign of Dukes has been approached for comments. Newsweek also reached out to the Pennsylvania Republican Party for comments after regular business hours.
Celebration and Reactions
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat with potential 2028 White House aspirations, celebrated the victory on Facebook. He noted that President Donald Trump had previously won the district by 18 points in the 2024 election. “Dukes flipped a state House District in Butler County, a seat Trump carried by 18 points and the GOP state representative won by 30 points in 2024,” Shapiro wrote.
“Pennsylvanians are rising up and using their power to combat chaos, cruelty, and corruption. We’re not slowing down. I was proud to support Brandon. Congratulations State Representative-Elect Dukes. I look forward to accomplishing things together,” said Shapiro.
The seat was vacated after former Republican State Representative Stephanie Scialabba resigned earlier this year. Republican Daryl Metcalfe had previously held the seat since 1999.
‘Unprecedented Victory’
Eugene DePasquale, chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, praised Dukes for achieving an “unprecedented and hard-fought victory,” thanking those who worked tirelessly to flip this historically deep-red seat.
DePasquale stated that the result “shows what can be accomplished when Democrats are willing to fight everywhere,” and sets the stage for the November midterm elections. “Pennsylvanians across the political spectrum are tired of Republicans’ chaotic, corrupt, and cost-raising agenda,” he said. “They’re ready to reject them at the polls and elect Democrats in historic fashion.”
He added, “With this momentum, Democrats will continue working to win across the ballot in every corner of the Commonwealth. We aim to expand our state House majority, flip control of the state Senate, and reelect Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis to secure the first Democratic trifecta in Harrisburg in over 30 years.”
Contact Newsweek editor on this story: Edward Pearcey. This story is developing, with more updates to follow.
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