Pennsylvania primaries serve as barometer for Trump’s second term amid tight congressional contests
Voters in Pennsylvania cast ballots in closed primaries on 18 May 2026, with outcomes likely to influence control of the US Congress and test President Donald Trump’s political standing.
Pennsylvania voters went to the polls on 18 May 2026 for closed primary elections, a contest widely viewed as a critical test for President Donald Trump’s second term and a potential determinant of US Congress control in the upcoming November midterms. The state’s electoral landscape features 228 legislative primaries, including high-stakes races for the US House of Representatives and the state legislature, where Democrats aim to secure majorities in both houses for the first time in decades.
The primary system restricts voting to registered party members, with voter registration closing on 4 May and mail-in ballot requests ending on 12 May. Polls operated from 7am to 8pm local time. While general identification is not required, first-time voters at polling locations must present valid identification such as a driver’s licence or passport.
In the gubernatorial race, incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro faces Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in the general election after both secured their party nominations uncontested. Shapiro, often discussed as a potential future presidential candidate, holds a significant lead in recent polling. A February Quinnipiac poll showed Shapiro at 55 percent to Garrity’s 37 percent, while an April Susquehanna Poll indicated a 58 percent to 36 percent advantage for the governor.
Garrity has characterised Shapiro’s ambitions as self-serving, stating in a recent interview that he is more interested in “Pennsylvania Avenue than helping Pennsylvania families.” Meanwhile, supporters of former Republican candidate Doug Mastriano have launched a write-in campaign against Garrity. Mastriano was recently nominated by the Trump administration as ambassador to Slovakia, a move that has complicated his previous political trajectory within the state.
The Republican lieutenant governor primary saw incumbent Austin Davis face Jason Richey and John Ventre. Richey is Garrity’s preferred running mate, but Garrity’s campaign has accused Ventre of spreading misleading information, particularly regarding a social media graphic suggesting a ticket partnership. At the federal level, the retirement of Representative Dwight Evans has triggered a competitive primary in the 3rd congressional district, where progressive candidate Chris Rabb faces Ala Stanford and Sharif Street. Rabb has received endorsement from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, despite reported tensions with Shapiro over policy differences.
