Democratic Control of Harrisburg Would Have Huge Implications for Philly. Can It Really Happen? – Philadelphia magazine
News
A national and state effort is putting new electoral pressure on Republicans in Harrisburg, who have controlled either the House or Senate every year since 1993.
After the 2020 election in Pennsylvania, Democrats are hoping theyll control both houses of the state legislature. Photo by billnoll/Getty Images.
The last time Democrats in Pennsylvania controlled both houses of the state legislature and the governorship, it was 1993. Bob Casey Sr. was governor. Ed Rendell was mayor. The latest corrupt City Councilmember to be indicted was Jimmy Tayoun. In short: Its been a while.
Sure, there have been ebbs and flows over the years Democratic control of the House for a few years during the Obama administration but by and large the makeup of the state legislature has remained firmly entrenched under Republican control.
Theres a chance, though, that 2020 is shaping up differently for Democrats. Promises from the minority party of an impending wave are standard election-year fare. But sometimes those oceanic metaphors actually come to pass, and theres reason to believe 2020 could be one of those years in Pennsylvania.
One such reason: As part of a broad left-wing campaign to flip state legislatures across the country in advance of redistricting in 2021, and also to end the lame-duck Republican power grabs recently displayed in Wisconsin and North Carolina, national figures are homing in on statewide races. Barack Obama recently endorsed 21 candidates seeking office in Pennsylvania second only to Texas. The Working Families Party, which successfully organized to wrest a City Council seat from Republican control last year, has also endorsed a slate of statewide candidates taking on Republican incumbents. And Jamie Perrapato, a former Philly-area lawyer, has started a political operation called Turn PA Blue whose singular goal is to, you know, turn Pa. blue. She says volunteers from her group made 75,000 calls to voters just last weekend. The groups PAC also has more than $200,000 on hand, according to its most recent financial disclosure.
Many of these contested races will be playing out away from Philly. But the implications of a Democratic-led Capitol could be huge. Its rite of passage for any Philly mayor with significant policy ambition to go to battle against unsympathetic lawmakers in Harrisburg. Usually, they come away defeated. But maybe, just maybe, that could be changing.
To actually flip the state House and Senate, Democrats would need to build on their gains of 2018 (five Senate seats and 14 House seats), capturing nine seats in the House and four in the Senate. Thats a big ask, but Perrapato says she has an advantage: Many of these areas are already trending Democratic. Theyre the sort of places, like Senate District 13 (in Lancaster County) and Senate District 15 (in Dauphin and Perry counties) that might have gone for Trump in 2016, but then voted for Tom Wolf and Bob Casey two years later. And then there are other areas, some of which are in the Philly suburbs, that actually voted forClinton in 2016, but also reelected their Republican statewide legislators.
Getting otherwise-Democratic voters to ditch those long-term Republican incumbents is one of Perrapatos main challenges. She has a sales pitch for this kind of voter, which usually goes something like this: Your Republican representative may be a great guy who fills potholes and gives out candy when theres a parade, but then he gets on train to Harrisburg and votes to support anti-abortion. Perrapatos bet is that for a socially liberal suburban Clinton voter, that argument will hold water.
The pandemic has provided Perrapato other evidence of Republican shortcomings. When people wonder why the unemployment office was unresponsive for weeks, she tells them its the fault of those same legislators, who left state agencies underfunded for years. (Lawmakers did pass a bill funding the unemployment office in 2017, but only after their prior inactivity resulted in 500 layoffs.) At the heart of Perrapatos pitch is the notion that statewide office impacts daily life just as much as higher office.
The problem is that the most obvious targets for Democrats places like House Districts 160 and 152, both located in counties that voted for Hillary in 2016 but represented by Republican state Reps. are increasingly becoming few and far between. Democrats have already flipped so many suburban red seats in the Philly burbs, there simply isnt much real estate left. To court the voters that will ultimately flip the legislature, theyll have to search farther afield.
Some of those voters might be found in southwestern part of the state near Pittsburgh. But there and elsewhere, Democrats will be fighting an uphill battle. What the 2018 cycle showed was that while blue got bluer, in some places, red got redder, says longtime political consultant Neil Oxman. Thats a problem for incumbent Democrats like Frank Burns, whose district is in Cambria County, a county that voted for Trump over Clinton by nearly 40 points. To win the House, then, Democrats wont just have to flip seats theyll have to retain ones theyve already won. In a high-turnout presidential election, thats an additional challenge.
But Mustafa Rashed, another longtime political analyst, says the Democrats have one other unimpeachable advantage: Trump, whos going into reelection with one of the lowest presidential approval ratings in recent history. He is, Rashed says, the best recruitment tool and best campaign tool for Democrats in a generation.
Theres no city that would stand to benefit more from the state legislature switching hands than Philly. For years, Philly mayors have fought a stubborn Harrisburg capital full of antipathy for the states largest city whether it be in matters like the state seizing control of the Philadelphia Parking Authority back in 2001, or on legislative issues like passing a higher minimum wage or more restrictive gun laws, both of which arent currently possible because weaker state laws specifically preempt any would-be Philly legislation. Democratic control of the legislature could end that practice of state preemption and would likely prompt immediate policy action from Mayor Jim Kenney on two of the issues he seems to care about the most: poverty and guns.
The irony is that Philadelphians have virtually no say in the matter. Nearly all of the state House and Senate seats in the city are already held by Democrats.
Thats part of Perrapatos strategy with Turn PA Blue, harnessing the deep blue hue of Philly and forcing it to bleed over into other parts of the state. The same goes for the Working Families Party. The state chapter of the W.F.P still focuses most of its attention on Philly and Black and brown working class working poor communities, says director of organizing Nicolas ORourke. And though these are decidedly not the kinds of voters who will decide whether the state legislature flips, the W.F.P. has endorsed a number of candidates anyway. Part of that is a simple calculation about expanding the partys base of power to other parts of the state. But its hard not to see Philly reflected in those endorsements, too. After all, a $15 minimum wage is one of the core planks of the W.F.P. platform. Philadelphia not being able to create a structure where folks are paid a living wage, because of preemption thats happening in Harrisburg, is deeply problematic, says ORourke.
So will any of this end up happening? Those with skin in the game are unsurprisingly optimistic. Its not just possible, I think its probable that we can flip the House as well as Senate this year, says ORourke. Perrapato is a tad more cautious. Nobody knows whats going to happen in November, she says. It could be a tsunami, not just wave it could be the equivalent of [Tea Party gains in] 2010. Or, Trump could cheat his way into the presidency. We dont know.
As for the pundit class, there is both doubt and consensus. Doubt that the Democrats will flip enough seats in both the House and Senate; consensus that, no matter what happens, theyll gain ground. Will there be more Democrats in the legislature after 2020 than there are now? Absolutely, says Oxman. Does it get to [a House majority of] 102? Its going to be close. Rashed agrees. Its a tall order, he says of the efforts in both houses. Its possible, but maybe not probable.
The rest is here:
Democratic Control of Harrisburg Would Have Huge Implications for Philly. Can It Really Happen? - Philadelphia magazine
- Rising anger among Democrats fuels talk of Tea Party-style backlash - The Hill - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Todays Angry Democrats Are Not Tomorrows Tea Party of the Left - New York Magazine - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Dr. Bombay takes the tea party to Grant Park, plus more from Atlantas dining scene - The Atlanta Journal Constitution - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Peek inside a Mad Hatter Tea Party in Massillon - Canton Repository - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Welcome to Washington: The Democrats Tea Party Arrives - The New York Sun - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- A great time on Friday evening at our Bridgerton Tea Party! - Z93 Country - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Mad Hatters Tea Party Drag Brunch - University of Minnesota Twin Cities - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Will Democrats Have Their Own Tea Party Moment? - The Cook Political Report - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Local art studio holds first princess-themed tea party for kids - WVVA - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Protests are as American as the Tea Party. But there have to be limits: Bob Paulson - cleveland.com - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Why Democrats Are Considering A Tea Party ... Or Should Be - The Root - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- AOC and Bernie hit the road: Is the Democratic Party having its Tea Party moment? - The Independent - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- AOC and Bernie draw crowds of thousands: Is the Democratic Party having its Tea Party moment? - MSN - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- New 'Bluey' Toys Arrive at the Disney Store Online Including Tea Party Set, Cash Register Play Set, and More - WDW News Today - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Stories of faith shared at annual tea party - Sampson Independent - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Spin Master Releases New AriZona Iced Tea Party Game - Bleeding Cool News - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Timeless Tea in Women's History Tea Party - Evening News and Tribune - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Soroptimist of Tahoe Sierra celebrates 48 years with raffle, auction, and Mad Hatter Tea Party - South Tahoe Now - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- A Fashion Tea Party Worth Crashing at Kenzo Fall 2025 - Savoir Flair - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Glamorous afternoon tea party in St Helens Town Hall a huge success - St Helens Star - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Chuck Todd Warns Schumer, Jeffries Should Be Afraid of a Left-Wing Tea Party | Video - TheWrap - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Gayle Bensons dog Petey treated to a tea party at Windsor Court - WGNO New Orleans - March 7th, 2025 [March 7th, 2025]
- Out and About: Made in Montana Trade Show, Former Felons Ball and a Princess Tea Party - KTVH - March 7th, 2025 [March 7th, 2025]
- Gayle Bensons dog Petey treated to a tea party at Windsor Court - Yahoo Life - March 7th, 2025 [March 7th, 2025]
- Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Groups annual Mad Hatters Tea Party to support CanDo - News Of The Area - March 7th, 2025 [March 7th, 2025]
- World Book Day 2025: Essex school pupils enjoy Alice in Wonderland themed tea party - Halstead Gazette - March 7th, 2025 [March 7th, 2025]
- Maharashtra Opposition boycotts tea party on Assembly session eve - The Hindu - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Criminals get a free hand: MVA boycotts govt tea party - The Times of India - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Opposition to boycott tea party on Maharashtra assembly session eve over governance failures, women safety - Deccan Herald - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Budget Session: Opposition to boycott tea party over 'governance failures', women's safety - mid-day.com - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Here's how to join in Strathcarron Hospice's Big Birthday Tea Party - Falkirk Herald - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Opposition to boycott of tea party on assembly session eve over governance failures, women safety - ThePrint - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- The Boston Tea Party: Key Sites of the American Revolution - MSN - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Emily Shaya Brings a Twist to the British Tea Party - New Orleans Magazine - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- How a San Mateo woman turned her home into a brunch and tea party microkitchen - The Almanac Online - February 27th, 2025 [February 27th, 2025]
- Tea party brings together Watford residents for afternoon of connection - Watford Observer - February 27th, 2025 [February 27th, 2025]
- Princess and the Frog Tea Party - Lufkin Daily News - February 9th, 2025 [February 9th, 2025]
- Teachers explore new books and recommend titles at Bonnie Garcia Elementarys first Book Tasting-Tea Party - MSN - February 9th, 2025 [February 9th, 2025]
- Funny Cat Joins Little Girls Tea Party & Hes Clearly in Heaven - PetHelpful - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- Redditch care home hosts heartwarming Kindness to Carers tea party - Redditch Standard - February 7th, 2025 [February 7th, 2025]
- Usher Fans Melt as He Dresses Up for 'Adorable' Tea Party With 4-Year Old Daughter - AOL - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Mary Poppins to host childrens tea party - Columbia Basin Herald - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Tea party brings connection and comfort to local community - Ely Standard - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Paint and Tea Party fundraiser to support South Simcoe Theatre - BarrieToday - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Tea Party streaking with the - The Branding Iron - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- CM Stalin not to attend Raj Bhavan tea party - Deccan Chronicle - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- DMK, allies to boycott Guv RN Ravi's tea party on R-Day: Reports | 'Guv acting against interest of TN people' | Inshorts - Inshorts - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Miss Carbon County Hosts Sold-Out Winter Wonderland Tea Party - ETV News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump arrives at the White House to attend a tea party with Biden - - - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Boston Tea Party to close one of their Bristol cafes - Bristol24/7 - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- 'Road to Revolution' Series Shares Womens Perspectives on the Boston Tea Party - National Archives | - December 25th, 2024 [December 25th, 2024]
- What's Utica's Connection to The Boston Tea Party? - WKTV - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Deseret News archives: Boston Tea Party in 1773 triggered war with England - Deseret News - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Have a tea party while touring Houston on a bright pink bus - Houston Chronicle - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- This Day in History on December 16: The Boston Tea Party - RiverBender.com - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Moss Bluff library travels back in time for tea party - KPLC - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- When was the Boston Tea Party? What to know about the infamous Boston Harbor protest - The Patriot Ledger - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Boston Tea Party Museum offering free tours in honor of 251 anniversary - Boston 25 News - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Celebrates 251st Anniversary - WBZ NewsRadio 1030 - News Audio - iHeartRadio - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Women's Club of Gulfport hosts 7th annual Tea Party - WLOX - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- Today in History: December 16, the Boston Tea Party - Beloit Daily News - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- The Mandarin Oriental 2024-2025 Winter Tea Party by Julien Dugourd - Sortiraparis - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- MVA boycotts tea party ahead of winter session - Hindustan Times - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- On this day: The Boston Tea Party happens in 1773 - in-cyprus - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- MVA boycotts CMs tea party over Beed, Parbhani law & order situation - The Times of India - December 16th, 2024 [December 16th, 2024]
- 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Georgetown Tea Party takes place Thursday - Georgetown And Beyond News - December 4th, 2024 [December 4th, 2024]
- Join a ghostly tea party featuring the Pokmon GO debuts of Sinistea and Polteageist! - Pokmon GO - December 2nd, 2024 [December 2nd, 2024]
- Young ballerinas prepare for performance with a traditional tea party - Rochester Post Bulletin - December 2nd, 2024 [December 2nd, 2024]
- Join a ghostly tea party featuring the Pokmon GO debuts of Sinistea and Polteageist - GoNintendo - December 2nd, 2024 [December 2nd, 2024]
- Longmont-area events for Sunday, Nov. 24: Sugar Plum Tea Party at Longmont Museum - Longmont Times-Call - November 24th, 2024 [November 24th, 2024]
- Viral tea party between worlds tallest and shortest women takes over internet - Daily Jang - November 24th, 2024 [November 24th, 2024]
- Berks Ballet Theatre tea party inspires young dancers for Nutcracker performance - 69News WFMZ-TV - November 17th, 2024 [November 17th, 2024]
- The Innovators Tea Party shines light on successful women in STEM - Pilbara News - November 17th, 2024 [November 17th, 2024]
- From Tea Party darling to secretary of state? Rubios climb has always been to the top - Miami Herald - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- PHOTOS: Jaffrey Public Library hosts stuffie tea party for DINOvember - Monadnock Ledger Transcript - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Welcome to Dinovember! Join the T-Rex Tea Party Nov. 16 - The Cullman Tribune - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- We're obsessed with this WeHo hotel's Wicked tea party - NBC Los Angeles - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- Par-tea time! November events mark the 250th anniversary of the Yorktown Tea Party. - The Virginian-Pilot - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- Colonial Tea Ball at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Yorktown Tea Party - WYDaily - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- Celebrate the Commemoration of the 250 Anniversary of the Yorktown Tea Party 1774 - November 7, 2024 - Williamsburg Families - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]