Voters will break 101-101 deadlock with special election for Pennsylvania House vacancy

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Voters in a western Pennsylvania district will play a key role in determining the control of the State House of Representatives.

The 35th District has been without representation since the unexpected death of State Representative Matt Gergely in January. As a result, the House has been deadlocked at 101 votes for each party, a situation that will change on Tuesday.

The candidates for this election are Republican Chuck Davis and Democrat Dan Goughnour, both of whom have strong ties to the district. Chuck Davis is the current president of the White Oak Borough Council and has served as a firefighter in the area for nearly 50 years. Dan Goughnour works as a police officer in McKeesport and has nearly 20 years of experience in law enforcement. He also serves on the district school board and is a member of Teamster Local 205. Additionally, Libertarian Adam Kitta is on the ballot.

The 35th Legislative District includes Clairton, Duquesne, McKeesport, South Versailles, Homestead, Liberty, Lincoln, Munhall, Port Vue, Versailles, West Homestead, Whitaker, White Oak and part of West Mifflin.

A Democratic win would keep Speaker Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia as the chamber’s presiding officer. But if Republicans pull off a win in the Democratic-leaning district, they will be able to replace McClinton and install their own members as committee chairs.

Allegheny County House Democrat Chair Aerion Abney noted that regaining a Democratic majority could be crucial for advancing issues like a minimum wage increase and recreational marijuana legalization. More immediately, it would aid in securing vital funding for residents in Western Pennsylvania.

“We know that Pittsburgh Regional Transit is facing financial challenges, and the state plays a significant role in providing resources. That will be a priority,” Abney said.

The proposed cuts by Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) could eliminate services in nineteen municipalities across Allegheny, Beaver, and Westmoreland counties. Affected areas include Ambridge, Ben Avon, East McKeesport, Glenfield, and Trafford, as well as neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, such as Banksville, Ridgemont, and Swisshelm Park. The 28X Airport Flyer would also cease to stop in Carnegie.

These cuts, along with proposed fare hikes, would significantly impact the Mon Valley. Abney expressed concern.

“We are at a tipping point. If we don’t act, PRT is proposing a 35% reduction in services, along with fare increases that will disproportionately affect our most vulnerable citizens and ACCESS users, which is preventable,” Abney said.

Dan Goughnour is expected to win in this Democratic-leaning district, which includes Clairton, Duquesne, McKeesport, South Versailles, Homestead, Liberty, Lincoln, Munhall, Port Vue, Versailles, West Homestead, Whitaker, White Oak, and part of West Mifflin.

On Tuesday, Davis shared that rising property taxes motivated him to run. He aims to bring common sense and conservative values to Harrisburg.

“We need change in the Mon Valley; it has been a long time since we’ve had it,” Davis said. “McKeesport is considered the hub of the Mon Valley, but it’s facing significant challenges. There is a pressing need for grant money to address issues such as blight and to attract jobs and businesses to the area.”

Channel 11 reached out to both candidates for comments but was unable to connect with Goughnour.

Polls closed at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Click here to view election results.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2025 Cox Media Group