Pennsylvania Republicans Hold State House Seats in Special Elections

GOP maintains narrow path to majority control with victories in 79th and 193rd districts

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:58pm

Pennsylvania Republicans held on to two state House seats in special elections yesterday, a critical outcome that keeps the party within striking range of majority control in the state legislature. In the 79th House District in Blair County, Republican Andrea Verobish defeated Democrat Caleb McCoy with 57% of the vote. Elsewhere, Republican Catherine Wallen prevailed over Democrat Todd Crawley in the 193rd House District covering parts of Adams and Cumberland Counties.

Why it matters

With Democrats currently holding a slim 102-98 majority in the Pennsylvania House, these Republican victories in the special elections maintain the party's path to potentially regaining control of the chamber in future races. The results are an important data point in the ongoing battle for power in the state legislature.

The details

In the 79th House District race in Blair County, Republican Andrea Verobish defeated Democrat Caleb McCoy by a 57% to 42% margin. In the 193rd House District spanning parts of Adams and Cumberland Counties, Republican Catherine Wallen prevailed over Democrat Todd Crawley in the special election.

  • The special elections were held yesterday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Andrea Verobish

The Republican candidate who won the 79th House District seat.

Caleb McCoy

The Democratic candidate who lost the 79th House District race to Verobish.

Catherine Wallen

The Republican candidate who won the 193rd House District seat.

Todd Crawley

The Democratic candidate who lost the 193rd House District race to Wallen.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

These special election results in Pennsylvania maintain the Republican Party's narrow path to regaining majority control of the state House, an outcome that will have significant implications for the legislative agenda and balance of power in the state.