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Altoona Today
By the People, for the People
Special Election Held in 79th District
Voters choose between Republican and Democrat to fill vacant state legislative seat.
Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:09pm
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Residents of Pennsylvania's 79th Legislative District are voting in a special election today to fill the seat left vacant by former Representative Lou Schmitt, who resigned in December to become a Blair County Judge. Republican Andrea Verobish and Democrat Caleb McCoy are the candidates on the ballot, with several polling locations in Altoona and Logan Township temporarily changed to keep voters separate from students.
Why it matters
This special election is an important opportunity for constituents in the 79th District to have their voices heard and choose their next state representative. The outcome could shift the balance of power in the state legislature, making it a closely watched race.
The details
Voters can find their assigned polling places by checking the Blair County Elections/Voter Registration website. The 79th District covers parts of Altoona and Logan Township, with a mix of urban and suburban areas.
- The special election is being held today, March 17, 2026.
The players
Lou Schmitt
Former state representative for the 79th District who resigned in December 2025 to become a Blair County Judge.
Andrea Verobish
Republican candidate running to fill the vacant 79th District state representative seat.
Caleb McCoy
Democratic candidate running to fill the vacant 79th District state representative seat.
What’s next
The winner of the special election will serve out the remainder of the term, which runs through 2028.
The takeaway
This special election is an important opportunity for voters in the 79th District to have their voices heard and choose their next state representative, with the outcome potentially shifting the balance of power in the state legislature.
