State legislative special elections 2023 preview


Ten state legislative special elections have been scheduled for 2023 in six states. Heading into those races, Democrats and Republicans each controlled five of the seats.

Three seats previously held by Democrats are up for election in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The partisan balance of the Pennsylvania House currently stands at 99 Democrats, 101 Republicans, and three vacancies. The special elections are taking place on February 7. Candidates running for special elections in Pennsylvania are selected by their respective political parties.

On December 7, Representative Joanna McClinton (D) was sworn in as majority leader on the grounds that Democrats won 102 seats in November. The special elections in February will settle any dispute over control of the chamber.

  • Anthony DeLuca (D) won the District 32 seat after having passed away in October. DeLuca had represented the district since 1982.
  • Summer Lee (D) won re-election in District 34. She was also elected to Congressional District 12 and will be sworn in on January 3.
  • Austin Davis (D) won re-election in District 35 while also being elected as lieutenant governor. Davis will take office on January 17.