Headline-Grabbing Stories in Pennsylvania Politics 2025

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A Year of Political Turmoil in Pennsylvania

If a week in politics is a long time, then 2025 was very, very long in Pennsylvania. The state saw a whirlwind of political events that shaped the year and set the stage for future challenges.

Key Stories That Defined the Year

A Late State Budget

The state budget was one of the most talked-about issues in Pennsylvania this year. Lawmakers missed the June 30 deadline and carried the gridlock through November. Despite the delays, the final spending plan exceeded $50 billion for the first time ever.

All sides claimed victory on the spending plan, which did not include tax increases or the use of the rainy day fund. Instead, lawmakers found billions in unused lapsed funds, referred to by Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R) as "couch cushions of bureaucracy."

The budget included increased funding for public schools, created a first-ever tax credit for working Pennsylvanians, and removed the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a tax on carbon-emitting energy producers. However, long-term funding for mass transit was not included, and the state did not legalize recreational cannabis or tax and regulate skill games.

Million-Dollar Retention Race

Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court retention race was notable for its high cost. All three liberal justices were re-elected, but the amount of money spent on the race was anything but typical. Special interests poured over $18.8 million into the race, according to a Spotlight PA review. This far exceeded any previous such election in Pennsylvania.

The race had the potential to tip the scales in a politically divided state that has often deferred to the court over election law and major issues. Many Republicans hoped voters would have given the party a chance to run replacements in the next odd-year election, which would have been 2027.

Blue Wave Crashes

The off-year election brought more issues for Republicans. A blue wave crashed across the Commonwealth, up and down the ballot. Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo, a well-known and qualified district attorney, lost a judgeship to Democrat La Tasha C. Williams, a virtual unknown who spent less than $3,000 on her campaign.

"It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it is what it is," Chardo said. "The voters decided."

Eugene DePasquale, chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, called the election "an across the board rejection" of Republicans.

Senators Hit the National Scene

Pennsylvania’s two senators made waves on the national scene this year. Sen. Dave McCormick (R) stunned PA icon Bob Casey, who served as senator for nearly two decades, to become the state’s junior senator. He was sworn into office in January.

His year was highlighted by an energy and AI summit in Pittsburgh attended by industry executives who pledged to invest billions into the state. Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and President Donald Trump both attended the event.

Despite frustrations from progressive Democrats, Sen. John Fetterman (D) continued to make headlines for his staunch support of Israel, cozy relationship with Trump, and frequent criticism of fellow Democrats.

What’s Ahead in 2026

Pennsylvania won’t rest from being a battleground state with the eyes of the nation upon it this year. Shapiro is up for election, and Republicans have fielded a candidate who has already been elected statewide.

All of the State House, with its one-seat Democratic majority, is up for reelection, along with half the State Senate, which has been dominated by Republicans for decades. Democrats will also seek to flip four congressional seats held by Republicans in the state.