Pennsylvania's high-stakes retention election

All eyes will be on the governor’s races in New Jersey and Virginia next month, with both seen as traditional bellwethers for the 2026 midterm elections. But in recent weeks, another November election has become a priority for both parties, and it could have major implications for 2028 and beyond.

Three Democratic members of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court will be on the ballot in an off-year retention election that has drawn more than $8 million in ad spending and attracted the attention of high-profile Democrats across the country.

The parties view the race as key to the redistricting fight after the 2030 census, and both are preparing for potential election lawsuits in the critical swing state that could be settled by the court.

Last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro cut an ad for the Democratic justices, and over the weekend, he rallied for them with Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.). The Democratic National Committee and its state-focused arm, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, have also thrown resources into the race.



https://www.politico.com/newsletters/weekly-score/2025/10/14/pennsylvanias-high-stakes-retention-election-00606479