LEAD UP TO THE 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION

As we head toward the 2026 Pennsylvania Primary on May 19, Democrats have a powerful opportunity to build on our historic 2025 gains and strengthen our party from the ground up. The primary isn’t just about top-of-the-ticket races—it’s where we organize early, engage voters, and ensure Democrats are represented in every single precinct.

The work we do now shapes turnout, messaging, and victories in November—and beyond. This is our moment to get involved and help lead our Democratic Party forward.

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PRIMARY ELECTIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA

In a primary election, political parties select their nominees for the general election. Candidates receiving the most votes advance to November. In Pennsylvania, voters may only vote in the primary of the party listed on their voter registration.

 

REGISTER TO VOTE

All voters may vote on:

  • Constitutional amendments
  • Ballot questions
  • Special elections 
check registration

WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT IN 2026?

On May 19, 2026, Pennsylvanians will vote in Democratic primaries for statewide, federal, legislative, and party offices.

STATEWIDE OFFICES

  • Governor of Pennsylvania
  • Lieutenant Governor

Note: Attorney General, Auditor General, and Treasurer are not on the ballot in 2026; those offices next appear in 2028.

FEDERAL OFFICES

All Pennsylvania U.S. House seats are up for election, including:

  • PA-10 (Scott Perry)
  • PA-13 (John Joyce)

Note: There is no U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania in 2026 (next Senate race is 2028).

STATE LEGISLATIVE OFFICES 

 

Pennsylvania State Senate

Twenty-five of the fifty PA Senate seats (even-numbered districts) are up for election. Cumberland County Senate District:

  • PA-34 Senate District

      Pennsylvania House of Representatives

      All 203 PA House seats are up for election.
      Cumberland County House Districts:

      • PA-87
      • PA-88
      • PA-103
      • PA-193
      • PA-199

      LOCAL & PARTY OFFICES 

      PA Democratic State Committee (PADSC)

      • Cumberland County elects two men and two women
      • PADSC members serve four-year terms
      • Members elect party leadership
      • Set party platform
      • Hold nominating conventions
      • Support organizing across Pennsylvania

      Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs)

      • Every Cumberland County precinct elects two PCPs
      • With 118 precincts, we need 236 Democrats to step up

      Filling every PCP seat ensures Democratic voters in every neighborhood have representation and strengthens our organizing power at every level. PCPs are the link between your neighbors and the Democratic Party. They are voting members of the Cumberland County Democratic Committee and help shape local strategy and leadership.

      PCP responsibilities include:

      • Sharing candidate and event information with Democrats in your neighborhood
      • Helping turn out voters in your precinct
      • Bringing local concerns to the county party
      • Attending county committee meetings twice a year

      GETTING ON THE BALLOT IN 2026

      To appear on the Democratic Primary ballot, candidates must file nomination petitions with their county election office during the official filing period: February 17 – March 10, 2026. Petitions must include signatures from registered Democrats in the appropriate district. 

       

      Signature Requirements:

      • Governor: 2,000 signatures
        (Including at least 100 signatures from each of 10 counties)
      • Lieutenant Governor: 1,000 signatures
        (Including at least 100 signatures from each of 5 counties)
      • U.S. House: 1,000 signatures from your congressional district
      • State Senator: 500 signatures from your senate district
      • State Representative: 300 signatures from your house district
      • PA State Committee Member: 100 signatures from Cumberland County
      • Precinct Committee Person: 10 signatures from Democrats in your precinct