In a surprising turn of events, Democrat James Malone has secured an open Pennsylvania state Senate seat, according to projections from Decision Desk HQ. This victory comes in a district that had previously shown strong support for President Trump in the November election.
East Petersburg Mayor Malone is expected to win against Republican Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons in the race for Senate District 36, taking over the remainder of former state Sen. Ryan Aument’s term. Aument stepped down from his position in December to assume the role of state director for McCormick, who officially took office in January.
Parsons was seen as a strong contender in the district known for its conservative leanings, a place where President Trump secured 57 percent of the vote in November, while McCormick achieved 56 percent. Aument faced no opposition in his most recent election in 2022.
Malone managed to defy expectations, as the Democratic Party maintained its robust showing in lesser-known elections since Trump’s administration began. In January, Democrats achieved a significant victory in a traditionally conservative Iowa state Senate district, alongside securing a county executive position in New York, along with several other notable wins.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin hailed Malone’s victory as a “shockwave” to the system and a challenge to the Republican approach to governance.
“In a district that favored Trump by 15 points in 2024 and boasts a 23-point Republican voter registration edge, Malone’s win serves as a significant and unmistakable rejection of the GOP’s threats to essential programs that Pennsylvania families depend on, including Social Security, Medicaid, and public education,” Martin stated.
“To safeguard the interests of working Americans, Democrats such as Senator-elect Malone are actively engaging in races nationwide. In various special elections across the country, we are consistently exceeding expectations as voters unite with us to resist the Trump-Musk agenda,” he added.
Malone’s win will reduce the GOP’s lead in the state Senate to 27-23.
