On Tuesday, Democrat Dan Goughnour emerged victorious in a special election held in western Pennsylvania, successfully securing a seat that keeps the state’s House majority within the Democratic party by a razor-thin margin.

Election Details

Goughnour’s win over Republican challenger Chuck Davis took place in a district located in the Mon Valley region, approximately 12 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. This seat fell vacant following the death of Democratic Representative Matthew Gergely in January.

Prior to this election, the Pennsylvania House was deadlocked at 101-101. Goughnour’s victory now allows the chamber to move forward and ensures that House Speaker Joanna McClinton will continue her role as presiding officer.

Significance of the Majority

The continuation of a Democratic majority in the Pennsylvania House carries significant implications. Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, stated that this majority empowers state House Democrats to counteract federal policies and to bolster the authority of Governor Josh Shapiro, while also focusing on improving job opportunities, educational systems, and community safety across Pennsylvania.

Since flipping 12 seats following the 2022 elections, Democrats have managed to sustain their majority amidst several special elections.

About Dan Goughnour

Dan Goughnour comes to this role with extensive experience in law enforcement, having served over a decade as a police officer in McKeesport, where he currently oversees detective operations. He is also a Teamster member and serves on the McKeesport school board.

A resident of the area’s economically challenged towns that were once prosperous due to steel manufacturing, Goughnour expressed pride in his campaign efforts, stating, “We knocked on thousands and thousands of doors. We worked hard and didn’t take anything for granted.”

Goughnour, who graduated from high school in McKeesport, is married with three children and aims to ensure a stable and sensible approach to governance in Harrisburg.

Additional Legislative Context

In a concurrent special election for a Senate district in Lancaster County, Democrat James Andrew Malone maintained a slim lead over Republican Josh Parsons. The election results were still pending as of late Tuesday, with less than 1% separating the two candidates. Malone’s potential victory would mark a notable shift in that district, although it would not alter the Republican majority in the state Senate.

This particular Senate vacancy arose from the resignation of Republican Senator Ryan Aument, who left to pursue an opportunity with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick.