Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
The Republican Party of Pennsylvania is based in Harrisburg in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is affiliated with the Republican Party
of the United States
.
(Bradford County
) by former Congressman David Wilmot
. Wilmot invited a small group of friends and political leaders to the organization's first meeting, which took place in his home. Among the attendees were Senator Simon Cameron
, Congressman Thaddeus Stevens
, Colonel Alexander McClure and future Governor Andrew Curtin
. Wilmot convinced the group to form local Republican Clubs in their home counties. George Bloom made the Republican Party a statewide organization in 1959. He had the headquarters based in Harrisburg, where it remains to this day.
until around 1856. This is at least partially attributed to the desire of many in the state to promote its growing industries by raising taxes. From the period immediately preceding the Civil
until the mid-1930's, political dominance in the state largely rested with the Republican Party. During this time, Republican gubernatorial administrations outnumbered Democratic ones by a margin of 16 to two. Republican dominance was ended by the growing influence of labor and urbanization, and the implimentation of the New Deal
.
held the governorship for one term, from 1935 to 1939, afterwhich time Republicans held the governorship until the 1954 election
of state senator George Leader
. Democrats continued to hold the governorship into 1963, following the 1958 election
of Pittsburgh Mayor David Lawrence
to succeed Leader.
Republicans Bill Scranton
and Ray Shafer
followed Lawrence. In 1968, state law was changed to allow governors to run for a second four-year term. However, in the 1970 election
(the first which allowed the winner the opportunity to run for a second term), Democrat Milton Shapp
defeated Shafer's Lieutenant Governor
, Ray Broderick
. Shapp was re-elected over GOP nominee Drew Lewis
in 1974
.
Since Shapp's election, no governor has lost his bid for re-election, and partisan control of the governorship has alternated between Democratic and Republican.
’s victory in 1976
(in which he carried the state), Pennsylvania was carried by the Republican presidential nominee in three consecutive elections. In 1980
, Ronald Reagan
won 49.6% of the popular vote and Carter received 42.5%. In 1984
Reagan acquired 53% of the votes. In 1988
George Bush won with 50.7% of the popular vote against Michael Dukakis who obtained 48.4%. In 1992
, Pennsylvania was carried by Democrat Bill Clinton
, who received 45.1% of the popular vote and Republican Bush got 36.1%. In 1996
Clinton again carried the state with 49.2% of the vote against Bob Dole's 40%. Al Gore
carried the state with 50.6% of the vote in 2000
and Bush only received 46.4%. Democrat John Kerry
became the fourth straight Democratic presidential nominee to carry the state in 2004
receiving 51% and Bush obtained 48.3% of the votes.
, a special election was held. In the election, former Kennedy administration official and Democrat Harris Wofford
defeated former governor Dick Thornburgh
, who resigned as President Bush's Attorney General
to run in the election. The Republican defeat was considered to be a major upset. Wofford went on to be defeated in his bid for a full six year term in 1994
by Congressman Rick Santorum
. Republicans would hold both of Pennsylvania's Senate seats until Santorum was defeated in his bid for a third term in 2006.
In 1992, Democrats had the majorities in both houses of the General Assembly
for the first time since 1978. Following the 1994 state and federal elections, Republicans regained the majority in both houses of the General Assembly, as well as a majority of the state's Congressional seats.
In 1998, 42% of Pennsylvania’s registered voters were Republican, 48% were Democrats, and the other 9% were either unaffiliated or with other parties.
By 2003, there were 12 Republicans and seven Democrats in the state's U.S. House delegation, as well as 29 Republicans and 21 Democrats in the state Senate, and 109 Republicans and 94 Democrats in the state House.
, son of former Governor Bob Casey, Sr., won 58.7% of the votes defeating the incumbent Republican Rick Santorum who received 41.3% of the votes. This defeat was by 18 points--the largest margin of defeat for an incumbent Republican Senator in state history. Casey also became the first Democrat elected to a full Senate term from Pennsylvania since Joseph Clark
was re-elected in 1962. In the gubernatorial election
, incumbent Democratic Governor Ed Rendell
won a comfortable re-election with 60.4% of the votes over Republican challenger Lynn Swann
who won 39.6%.
Democrats also retook the majority
in the State House this year, though the balance-of-power in the State Senate remained the same
.
, Democrat Barack Obama
won Pennsylvania’s 21 electoral votes with a total of about 3.2 million votes (54.7%). The Republican nominee, John McCain
, won about 2.7 million votes (44.3%).
There were also three other statewide elections that year. Republican State Attorney General
Tom Corbett
was re-elected
with 52.4% of the vote, defeating Democrat John Morganelli. Republicans have held the office of Attorney General since it became an elected one in 1980. The State Auditor General, Democrat Jack Wagner
, was re-elected
with 59% of the vote, while Democrat Rob McCord was elected
State Treasurer with 55% of the vote.
, Republican Joan Orie Melvin
garnered about 900,000 votes (53.2%), defeating Democrat Jack Panella, who garnered about 800,000 votes (46.8%).
The other two elections were for the state's two intermediate appellate courts. In the election for four judges to the State Superior Court
, there were nine candidates. Of the winners, three were Republicans and one Democrat. Additionally, in the election for two judges to the Commonwealth Court
, Republicans Patricia McCullough and Kevin Broboson came-out on top of a four-candidate field.
, Republican nominee Pat Toomey
garnered about 2.2 million votes (51%), defeating Democrat Joe Sestak, who garnered about 1.9 million votes (49%). Sestak had defeated incumbent Senator Arlen Specter
in the Democratic primary
after Specter, who had been a Republican since his election to the Senate in 1980
, switched his partisan affiliation to Democratic. Specter's partisan defection had briefly given Democrats control of both of Pennsylvania's Senate seats for the first time since before the Civil War. In the gubernatorial election
, Tom Corbett garnered about 2.1 million votes (54.5%), defeating Democrat Dan Onorato
, who garnered about 1.8 million votes (45.5%).
Republicans also retook the majority in both the State Senate
and the State House
, which were both caputred by Democrats in 2006.
and 2016 presidential elections) to the winner of each congressional district, while the other two votes would go to the winner of the state's aggregate popular vote. If this change had affected the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama would have received 11 of the state's 21 electoral votes (which it had at time based off of the 2000 Census), even though he won the state by a 10-point margin.
There are also some State Senators, of both parties, who want to change the electoral college vote apportionment process to a proportional one based on the popular vote. Supporters assert that such a system would allow each voter and region of the state to decide which candidate is best, and electoral college votes would be apportioned accordingly.
. Republicans also hold one of the state's U.S. Senate seats and 12 of the state's 19 House seats.
Legislative leadership
by county. Each county party chairman is a state committee member by virtue of office.
The breakdown of members per county, along with caucus of county is as follows:
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Founding
The party was founded on November 27, 1854, in TowandaTowanda, Pennsylvania
Towanda is a borough in and the county seat of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, United States, northwest of Wilkes Barre, on the Susquehanna River. The name means "burial ground" in the Algonquian language...
(Bradford County
Bradford County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 62,761 people, 24,453 households, and 17,312 families residing in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile . There were 28,664 housing units at an average density of 25 per square mile...
) by former Congressman David Wilmot
David Wilmot
David Wilmot was a U.S. political figure. He was a sponsor and eponym of the Wilmot Proviso which aimed to ban slavery in land gained from Mexico in the Mexican-American War of 1846–1848. Wilmot was a Democrat, a Free Soiler, and a Republican during his political career...
. Wilmot invited a small group of friends and political leaders to the organization's first meeting, which took place in his home. Among the attendees were Senator Simon Cameron
Simon Cameron
Simon Cameron was an American politician who served as United States Secretary of War for Abraham Lincoln at the start of the American Civil War. After making his fortune in railways and banking, he turned to a life of politics. He became a U.S. senator in 1845 for the state of Pennsylvania,...
, Congressman Thaddeus Stevens
Thaddeus Stevens
Thaddeus Stevens , of Pennsylvania, was a Republican leader and one of the most powerful members of the United States House of Representatives...
, Colonel Alexander McClure and future Governor Andrew Curtin
Andrew Gregg Curtin
Andrew Gregg Curtin was a U.S. lawyer and politician. He served as the Governor of Pennsylvania during the Civil War.-Biography:...
. Wilmot convinced the group to form local Republican Clubs in their home counties. George Bloom made the Republican Party a statewide organization in 1959. He had the headquarters based in Harrisburg, where it remains to this day.
Overview
Pennsylvania was dominated politically by the Democratic PartyDemocratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
until around 1856. This is at least partially attributed to the desire of many in the state to promote its growing industries by raising taxes. From the period immediately preceding the Civil
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
until the mid-1930's, political dominance in the state largely rested with the Republican Party. During this time, Republican gubernatorial administrations outnumbered Democratic ones by a margin of 16 to two. Republican dominance was ended by the growing influence of labor and urbanization, and the implimentation of the New Deal
New Deal
The New Deal was a series of economic programs implemented in the United States between 1933 and 1936. They were passed by the U.S. Congress during the first term of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The programs were Roosevelt's responses to the Great Depression, and focused on what historians call...
.
Governorship
The first Republican governor was elected in 1861, and there was a Republican governor until 1883. The governorship alternated between Democrat and Republican every term until 1895. From 1895 until 1935, the GOP held an unbroken grip on the governor's office. Democrat George Howard EarleGeorge Howard Earle III
George Howard Earle III was an American politician. He was great-grandson of noted abolitionist and philanthropist Thomas Earle, grandson of Philadelphia lawyer George H. Earle, Sr., and son of Philadelphia lawyer and "financial diplomat," George H. Earle, Jr. Earle served as the U.S...
held the governorship for one term, from 1935 to 1939, afterwhich time Republicans held the governorship until the 1954 election
Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 1954
The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 1954 was held on November 2. In what is considered a crucial realigning election for the state, Democratic State Senator George Leader defeated Republican incumbent Lieutenant Governor Lloyd Wood by a surprisingly large margin.Entering the 1954 campaign,...
of state senator George Leader
George M. Leader
George Michael Leader served as the 36th Governor of Pennsylvania from January 18, 1955 until January 20, 1959. He is a member of the Democratic Party, and a native of York County, Pennsylvania. Currently he is the only person from that county ever to be elected governor of the state.-Early...
. Democrats continued to hold the governorship into 1963, following the 1958 election
Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 1958
The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 1958 was held on November 4. Democrat David Lawrence defeated Republican Art McGonigle by a smaller than anticipated margin....
of Pittsburgh Mayor David Lawrence
David L. Lawrence
David Leo Lawrence was an American politician who served as the 37th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1959 to 1963. He is to date the only mayor of Pittsburgh to be elected Governor of Pennsylvania. Previously, he had been the mayor of Pittsburgh from 1946 through 1959...
to succeed Leader.
Republicans Bill Scranton
William Scranton
William Warren Scranton is a former U.S. Republican Party politician. Scranton served as the 38th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1963 to 1967. From 1976 to 1977, he served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations.-Early life:...
and Ray Shafer
Raymond P. Shafer
Raymond Philip Shafer served as the 39th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1967 to 1971. He had previously served as Lieutenant Governor from 1963 to 1967...
followed Lawrence. In 1968, state law was changed to allow governors to run for a second four-year term. However, in the 1970 election
Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 1970
The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 1970 was held on November 3. Democrat Milton Shapp challenged incumbent Republican Lieutenant Governor Raymond Broderick....
(the first which allowed the winner the opportunity to run for a second term), Democrat Milton Shapp
Milton Shapp
Milton Jerrold Shapp was the 40th Governor of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania from 1971 to 1979 and was the first Jewish governor of Pennsylvania.- Early life :...
defeated Shafer's Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
The Lieutenant Governor is a constitutional officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Lieutenant Governor is elected every four years along with the Governor. Jim Cawley of Bucks County is the incumbent Lieutenant Governor...
, Ray Broderick
Raymond J. Broderick
Raymond Joseph Broderick was a United States federal judge, and the Republican Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 1967 to 1971.-Biography:...
. Shapp was re-elected over GOP nominee Drew Lewis
Andrew L. Lewis, Jr.
Andrew Lindsay Lewis, Jr. is a businessman who was Secretary of Transportation for part of the administration of United States President Ronald Reagan. He is widely known as Drew Lewis....
in 1974
Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 1974
The Pennsylvania gubernational election of 1974 was held on November 5. Incumbent Democratic Governor Milton Shapp defeated Republican Drew Lewis...
.
Since Shapp's election, no governor has lost his bid for re-election, and partisan control of the governorship has alternated between Democratic and Republican.
Presidential elections
After Democrat Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter
James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, the only U.S. President to have received the Prize after leaving office...
’s victory in 1976
United States presidential election, 1976
The United States presidential election of 1976 followed the resignation of President Richard Nixon in the wake of the Watergate scandal. It pitted incumbent President Gerald Ford, the Republican candidate, against the relatively unknown former governor of Georgia, Jimmy Carter, the Democratic...
(in which he carried the state), Pennsylvania was carried by the Republican presidential nominee in three consecutive elections. In 1980
United States presidential election, 1980
The United States presidential election of 1980 featured a contest between incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter and his Republican opponent, Ronald Reagan, as well as Republican Congressman John B. Anderson, who ran as an independent...
, Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
won 49.6% of the popular vote and Carter received 42.5%. In 1984
United States presidential election, 1984
The United States presidential election of 1984 was a contest between the incumbent President Ronald Reagan, the Republican candidate, and former Vice President Walter Mondale, the Democratic candidate. Reagan was helped by a strong economic recovery from the deep recession of 1981–1982...
Reagan acquired 53% of the votes. In 1988
United States presidential election, 1988
The United States presidential election of 1988 featured no incumbent president, as President Ronald Reagan was unable to seek re-election after serving the maximum two terms allowed by the Twenty-second Amendment. Reagan's Vice President, George H. W. Bush, won the Republican nomination, while the...
George Bush won with 50.7% of the popular vote against Michael Dukakis who obtained 48.4%. In 1992
United States presidential election, 1992
The United States presidential election of 1992 had three major candidates: Incumbent Republican President George Bush; Democratic Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, and independent Texas businessman Ross Perot....
, Pennsylvania was carried by Democrat Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
, who received 45.1% of the popular vote and Republican Bush got 36.1%. In 1996
United States presidential election, 1996
The United States presidential election of 1996 was a contest between the Democratic national ticket of President Bill Clinton of Arkansas and Vice President Al Gore of Tennessee and the Republican national ticket of former Senator Bob Dole of Kansas for President and former Housing Secretary Jack...
Clinton again carried the state with 49.2% of the vote against Bob Dole's 40%. Al Gore
Al Gore
Albert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election....
carried the state with 50.6% of the vote in 2000
United States presidential election, 2000
The United States presidential election of 2000 was a contest between Republican candidate George W. Bush, then-governor of Texas and son of former president George H. W. Bush , and Democratic candidate Al Gore, then-Vice President....
and Bush only received 46.4%. Democrat John Kerry
John Kerry
John Forbes Kerry is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, the 10th most senior U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, but lost to former President George W...
became the fourth straight Democratic presidential nominee to carry the state in 2004
United States presidential election, 2004
The United States presidential election of 2004 was the United States' 55th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Republican Party candidate and incumbent President George W. Bush defeated Democratic Party candidate John Kerry, the then-junior U.S. Senator...
receiving 51% and Bush obtained 48.3% of the votes.
State and congressional elections
Republicans held both US Senate seats from 1968 to 1991. In 1991, after the death of Senator John HeinzH. John Heinz III
Henry John Heinz III was an American politician from Pennsylvania, a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate .-Early life:...
, a special election was held. In the election, former Kennedy administration official and Democrat Harris Wofford
Harris Wofford
Harris Llewellyn Wofford served as a Democratic U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania from 1991 to 1995 and as the fifth president of Bryn Mawr College, and is a noted advocate of national service and volunteering...
defeated former governor Dick Thornburgh
Dick Thornburgh
Richard Lewis "Dick" Thornburgh is an American lawyer and Republican politician who served as the 41st Governor of Pennsylvania from 1979 to 1987, and then as the U.S...
, who resigned as President Bush's Attorney General
United States Attorney General
The United States Attorney General is the head of the United States Department of Justice concerned with legal affairs and is the chief law enforcement officer of the United States government. The attorney general is considered to be the chief lawyer of the U.S. government...
to run in the election. The Republican defeat was considered to be a major upset. Wofford went on to be defeated in his bid for a full six year term in 1994
United States Senate election in Pennsylvania, 1994
The 1994 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania was held on November 8, 1994. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Harris Wofford, who was recently appointed to the position in 1991, decided to seek re-election to a full six year term, but was defeated by Republican Rick Santorum.- Democratic...
by Congressman Rick Santorum
Rick Santorum
Richard John "Rick" Santorum is a lawyer and a former United States Senator from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Santorum was the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference -making him the third-ranking Senate Republican from 2001 until his leave in 2007. Santorum is considered both a social...
. Republicans would hold both of Pennsylvania's Senate seats until Santorum was defeated in his bid for a third term in 2006.
In 1992, Democrats had the majorities in both houses of the General Assembly
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The legislature convenes in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. In colonial times , the legislature was known as the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. Since the Constitution of 1776, written by...
for the first time since 1978. Following the 1994 state and federal elections, Republicans regained the majority in both houses of the General Assembly, as well as a majority of the state's Congressional seats.
In 1998, 42% of Pennsylvania’s registered voters were Republican, 48% were Democrats, and the other 9% were either unaffiliated or with other parties.
By 2003, there were 12 Republicans and seven Democrats in the state's U.S. House delegation, as well as 29 Republicans and 21 Democrats in the state Senate, and 109 Republicans and 94 Democrats in the state House.
2006 general election
Two statewide elections took place in 2006. In the U.S. Senate race, State Treasurer Bob Casey, Jr.Bob Casey, Jr.
Robert Patrick "Bob" Casey, Jr. is the senior U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania and a member of the Democratic Party. He previously served as Pennsylvania Treasurer, and Pennsylvania Auditor General. He is the son of former Governor Bob Casey, Sr..He is the first Democrat elected to a full term in...
, son of former Governor Bob Casey, Sr., won 58.7% of the votes defeating the incumbent Republican Rick Santorum who received 41.3% of the votes. This defeat was by 18 points--the largest margin of defeat for an incumbent Republican Senator in state history. Casey also became the first Democrat elected to a full Senate term from Pennsylvania since Joseph Clark
Joseph S. Clark
Joseph Sill Clark, Jr. was a U.S. lawyer and Democratic Party politician in the mid-20th century. He served as the mayor of Philadelphia from 1952 until 1956, and as a United States Senator from Pennsylvania from 1957 until 1969...
was re-elected in 1962. In the gubernatorial election
Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 2006
The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 2006 was held on November 7, 2006, and included the races for the Governor of Pennsylvania and Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.Incumbent Governor Ed Rendell, a Democrat, ran for re-election...
, incumbent Democratic Governor Ed Rendell
Ed Rendell
Edward Gene "Ed" Rendell is an American politician who served as the 45th Governor of Pennsylvania. Rendell, a member of the Democratic Party, was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 2002, and his term of office began January 21, 2003...
won a comfortable re-election with 60.4% of the votes over Republican challenger Lynn Swann
Lynn Swann
-Collegiate:Swann attended the University of Southern California, where he was an All-American on the Trojans football team. He played under legendary coach John McKay, including the 1972 undefeated and national championship season. McKay said of Swann, "He has speed, soft hands, and grace." He...
who won 39.6%.
Democrats also retook the majority
Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2006
The 2006 Elections for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives were held on November 7, 2006, with all districts being contested. Necessary primary elections were held on May 16, 2006. Members elected in 2006 were inaugurated on January 2, 2007...
in the State House this year, though the balance-of-power in the State Senate remained the same
Pennsylvania Senate elections, 2006
The 2006 Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate were held on November 7, 2006, with even-numbered districts being contested. Necessary primary elections were held on May 16, 2006. State Senators are elected for four-year terms, with half of the Senate seats up for a vote every two years...
.
2008 general election
In 2008United States presidential election, 2008
The United States presidential election of 2008 was the 56th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on November 4, 2008. Democrat Barack Obama, then the junior United States Senator from Illinois, defeated Republican John McCain, the senior U.S. Senator from Arizona. Obama received 365...
, Democrat Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
won Pennsylvania’s 21 electoral votes with a total of about 3.2 million votes (54.7%). The Republican nominee, John McCain
John McCain
John Sidney McCain III is the senior United States Senator from Arizona. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 United States election....
, won about 2.7 million votes (44.3%).
There were also three other statewide elections that year. Republican State Attorney General
Pennsylvania Attorney General
The Pennsylvania Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It became an elected office in 1980. Currently, the office is held by Linda Kelly.- Authority and Responsibilities :...
Tom Corbett
Tom Corbett
Thomas W. Corbett is the 46th and current Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. He is a former Attorney General of Pennsylvania and was elected to that office in 2004 and reelected in 2008...
was re-elected
Pennsylvania Attorney General election, 2008
The Pennsylvania Attorney General election of 2008 was held on November 4, 2008. The primary primary election was held on April 22.-Candidates:...
with 52.4% of the vote, defeating Democrat John Morganelli. Republicans have held the office of Attorney General since it became an elected one in 1980. The State Auditor General, Democrat Jack Wagner
Jack Wagner
Jack Wagner may refer to:*Jack Wagner *Jack Wagner , an announcer for Disney theme parks*Jack Wagner , from The Bold and the Beautiful...
, was re-elected
Pennsylvania Auditor General election, 2008
The Pennsylvania Auditor General Election, 2008 was held on Election Day. Incumbent Democrat Jack Wagner of Pittsburgh was unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Republican Chet Beiler of Penn Township, Lancaster County was also unopposed for the Republican nomination after primary opponent...
with 59% of the vote, while Democrat Rob McCord was elected
Pennsylvania State Treasurer election, 2008
Pennsylvania's election for Treasurer was held on November 4, 2008. Democratic incumbent Treasurer Robin Wiessmann had been appointed by Governor Ed Rendell to fill Bob Casey Jr.'s term when he was elected to the U.S...
State Treasurer with 55% of the vote.
2009 municipal election
There were three major statewide judicial contests in 2009. In the election for Justice of the State Supreme CourtSupreme Court of Pennsylvania
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the court of last resort for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It meets in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.-History:...
, Republican Joan Orie Melvin
Joan Orie Melvin
Joan Orie Melvin is a Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. She was born in Pittsburgh to a prominent Western Pennsylvania political family. Her sister, Jane Orie, is a Republican state senator, who until April 2010 served as the Majority Whip.-Education:...
garnered about 900,000 votes (53.2%), defeating Democrat Jack Panella, who garnered about 800,000 votes (46.8%).
The other two elections were for the state's two intermediate appellate courts. In the election for four judges to the State Superior Court
Superior Court of Pennsylvania
The Superior Court of Pennsylvania is one of two Pennsylvania intermediate appellate courts, the other being the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Appeal to the Superior Court is generally of right from final decisions of the Court of Common Pleas...
, there were nine candidates. Of the winners, three were Republicans and one Democrat. Additionally, in the election for two judges to the Commonwealth Court
Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania is one of two Pennsylvania intermediate appellate courts. The Commonwealth Court's headquarters is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Superior Court of Pennsylvania is the other intermediate appellate court in the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System...
, Republicans Patricia McCullough and Kevin Broboson came-out on top of a four-candidate field.
2010 general election
There were two statewide elections held in Pennsylvania in 2010. In the election for United States SenateUnited States Senate election in Pennsylvania, 2010
The 2010 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania took place on November 2, 2010, during the 2010 midterm elections. Incumbent Republican-turned-Democrat U.S. Senator Arlen Specter ran for re-election to a sixth term, but lost in the Democratic primary to Joe Sestak. Republican nominee Pat...
, Republican nominee Pat Toomey
Pat Toomey
Patrick Joseph "Pat" Toomey, Sr. is the junior United States Senator for Pennsylvania and a member of the Republican Party. Previously, Toomey served as a U.S. Representative for three terms, but did not seek a fourth in compliance with a pledge he had made while running for office in 1998...
garnered about 2.2 million votes (51%), defeating Democrat Joe Sestak, who garnered about 1.9 million votes (49%). Sestak had defeated incumbent Senator Arlen Specter
Arlen Specter
Arlen Specter is a former United States Senator from Pennsylvania. Specter is a Democrat, but was a Republican from 1965 until switching to the Democratic Party in 2009...
in the Democratic primary
United States Senate Democratic primary election in Pennsylvania, 2010
The Democratic primary for the 2010 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania took place on May 18, 2010, when Congressman Joe Sestak defeated incumbent Arlen Specter, which led to the end of Specter's five-term Senatorial career...
after Specter, who had been a Republican since his election to the Senate in 1980
United States Senate election in Pennsylvania, 1980
The 1980 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania was held on November 4, 1980. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Richard Schweiker decided to retire, instead of seeking a third term. Republican Arlen Specter won the open seat.-Results:...
, switched his partisan affiliation to Democratic. Specter's partisan defection had briefly given Democrats control of both of Pennsylvania's Senate seats for the first time since before the Civil War. In the gubernatorial election
Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 2010
The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 2010 was held on November 2, 2010. The winning candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor will serve a four-year term from 2011 to 2015. Candidates for Lieutenant Governor were nominated in a separate primary contest; however, the Lieutenant Governor,...
, Tom Corbett garnered about 2.1 million votes (54.5%), defeating Democrat Dan Onorato
Dan Onorato
Daniel "Dan" Onorato is the current Chief Executive of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, Onorato won a crowded four-way primary to become the Democratic nominee for governor...
, who garnered about 1.8 million votes (45.5%).
Republicans also retook the majority in both the State Senate
Pennsylvania Senate elections, 2010
The 2010 elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate were held on November 2, 2010, with the even-numbered districts contested. Necessary primary elections were held on May 18, 2010. The term of office for those elected in 2010 run from January 4, 2011 until November 30, 2014...
and the State House
Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2010
The 2010 elections for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives were held on November 2, 2010, with all districts being contested. Necessary primary elections were held on May 18, 2010. The term of office for those elected in 2010 will run from January 4, 2011 until November 30, 2012...
, which were both caputred by Democrats in 2006.
Proposed change to the electoral college
Republicans in Pennsylvania are currently discussing a change to the way in which the state's votes in the Electoral College are allocated. Some want to eliminate the current "winner take all" system in which all electoral votes go to the candidate who wins the most popular votes, and replace it with one in which electoral votes are apportioned to each candidate based on the popular vote within each congressional district. This system would give 18 of the state's 20 electoral votes (which it is slated to have following the 2010 Census, and would affect the 2012United States presidential election, 2012
The United States presidential election of 2012 is the next United States presidential election, to be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. It will be the 57th quadrennial presidential election in which presidential electors, who will actually elect the President and the Vice President of the United...
and 2016 presidential elections) to the winner of each congressional district, while the other two votes would go to the winner of the state's aggregate popular vote. If this change had affected the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama would have received 11 of the state's 21 electoral votes (which it had at time based off of the 2000 Census), even though he won the state by a 10-point margin.
There are also some State Senators, of both parties, who want to change the electoral college vote apportionment process to a proportional one based on the popular vote. Supporters assert that such a system would allow each voter and region of the state to decide which candidate is best, and electoral college votes would be apportioned accordingly.
Current elected officials
The Pennsylvania Republican Party controls three of the five statewide offices and holds a majority in both the Pennsylvania State Senate and the Pennsylvania House of RepresentativesPennsylvania House of Representatives
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is the lower house of the bicameral Pennsylvania General Assembly, the legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. There are 203 members, elected for two year terms from single member districts....
. Republicans also hold one of the state's U.S. Senate seats and 12 of the state's 19 House seats.
U.S. Senate
- Pat ToomeyPat ToomeyPatrick Joseph "Pat" Toomey, Sr. is the junior United States Senator for Pennsylvania and a member of the Republican Party. Previously, Toomey served as a U.S. Representative for three terms, but did not seek a fourth in compliance with a pledge he had made while running for office in 1998...
U.S. House of Representatives
- Mike KellyMike Kelly (Pennsylvania)George Joseph "Mike" Kelly, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party.-Early life, education, and pre-congressional career:...
, 3rd DistrictPennsylvania's 3rd congressional districtPennsylvania's third district is located in the northwestern part of the state and includes the cities of Erie, Sharon, Hermitage, Butler and Meadville.... - Glenn Thompson,5th DistrictPennsylvania's 5th congressional districtPennsylvania's fifth district is currently the largest in area of all of Pennsylvania's congressional districts. It is Republican leaning and is currently represented by G.T...
- Jim GerlachJim GerlachJames "Jim" Gerlach is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party.- Early life, education and career :...
, 6th DistrictPennsylvania's 6th congressional districtPennsylvania's 6th Congressional District was substantially redrawn in 2002. Its strange shape brought charges of gerrymandering by Democrats who argued it "looms like a dragon descending on Philadelphia from the west, splitting up towns and communities throughout Montgomery and Berks Counties." ... - Pat MeehanPat MeehanPatrick Leo "Pat" Meehan is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing since January 3, 2011. The district includes most of Delaware County and parts of Chester and Montgomery Counties...
, 7th DistrictPennsylvania's 7th congressional districtPennsylvania's 7th congressional district incorporates parts of the Philadelphia suburbs, including most of Delaware County. It is currently represented by Republican Pat Meehan in the 112th United States Congress.... - Mike FitzpatrickMike FitzpatrickMichael G. "Mike" Fitzpatrick is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party. He was reelected to Congress in 2010, and previously represented the district from 2005 to 2007, but lost to Patrick Murphy in 2006....
, 8th DistrictPennsylvania's 8th congressional districtThe 8th Pennsylvania Congressional District serves Bucks County, along with a small portion of Montgomery County and Northeast Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania... - Bill ShusterBill ShusterWilliam Shuster is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2001. He is a member of the Republican Party. He is a son of former Congressman Bud Shuster.-Early life, education and career:...
, 9th DistrictPennsylvania's 9th congressional districtPennsylvania's 9th congressional district is a relatively safe seat for the Republicans. In 2004, for example, the Republican candidate, former businessman Bill Shuster, won a convincing majority over his Democratic opponent winning 70% of the vote. In 2006, he defeated teacher Tony Barr 60%-40%... - Tom MarinoTom MarinoThomas Anthony Marino is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party.The district, located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, includes Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties outside of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre as well as all or most of...
, 10th DistrictPennsylvania's 10th congressional districtPennsylvania's 10th congressional district is located primarily in the northeast corner of the state. The district was one of the 12 original districts created prior to the 4th Congress. It is currently represented by Republican Tom Marino, who defeated Democratic incumbent Chris Carney during the... - Lou BarlettaLou BarlettaLouis J. Barletta is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party. He is the former Mayor of Hazleton, known for his vocal opposition to illegal immigration and his efforts to keep illegal immigrants out of the city.-Early life, education, and business career:Barletta was...
, 11th DistrictPennsylvania's 11th congressional districtPennsylvania's 11th congressional district is in the northeastern part of the state and includes Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and most of the Poconos. Republican Lou Barletta has represented the district since 2011, the first Republican to do so in almost 30 years... - Charles DentCharles DentCharles Dent may refer to:* Charlie Dent , American politician* John Charles Dent , Canadian author and journalist* Charles Dent , Northwest Territories politician...
, 15th DistrictPennsylvania's 15th congressional districtPennsylvania's 15th Congressional District is located in eastern Pennsylvania, comprising all of Northampton County, most of Lehigh County, and small parts of Berks and Montgomery Counties... - Joseph R. PittsJoseph R. PittsJoseph R. "Joe" Pitts is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1997. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district is based in Lancaster and includes much of Amish country...
, 16th DistrictPennsylvania's 16th congressional districtPennsylvania’s 16th congressional district is located in the southeastern part of the state, just west of Philadelphia. Created after the 2000 Census, the district is composed of a large portion of southern Chester County, all of Lancaster County, and a sliver of Berks County, including a sliver... - Timothy F. Murphy, 18th DistrictPennsylvania's 18th congressional districtPennsylvania's 18th congressional district includes parts of Washington County, Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties. Republican Tim Murphy has represented the district since 2003....
- Todd Russell PlattsTodd Russell PlattsTodd Russell Platts is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2001. He is a member of the Republican Party.The district is located in south-central Pennsylvania, encompassing all of York and Adams Counties, and a large portion of Cumberland County...
, 19th DistrictPennsylvania's 19th congressional districtPennsylvania's 19th congressional district includes all of Adams and York Counties, and parts of Cumberland County. Republican Todd Russell Platts has represented the district since 2001...
Statewide offices
- Governor: Tom CorbettTom CorbettThomas W. Corbett is the 46th and current Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. He is a former Attorney General of Pennsylvania and was elected to that office in 2004 and reelected in 2008...
- Lieutenant GovernorLieutenant Governor of PennsylvaniaThe Lieutenant Governor is a constitutional officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Lieutenant Governor is elected every four years along with the Governor. Jim Cawley of Bucks County is the incumbent Lieutenant Governor...
: Jim CawleyJim CawleyJames "Jim" Cawley is the 32nd and current Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.-Political career:He was appointed to the Bucks County Board of Commissioners following the resignation of Mike Fitzpatrick and was elected to a full term in 2007, when he became chairman of the board... - Attorney GeneralPennsylvania Attorney GeneralThe Pennsylvania Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It became an elected office in 1980. Currently, the office is held by Linda Kelly.- Authority and Responsibilities :...
: Linda KellyLinda L. KellyLinda L. Kelly is an American attorney. She is currently serving as the Attorney General of Pennsylvania.-Education:Kelly is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and the Duquesne University School of Law.-Legal career:...
Legislative leadershipPennsylvania General AssemblyThe Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The legislature convenes in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. In colonial times , the legislature was known as the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. Since the Constitution of 1776, written by...
- President pro tempore of the SenatePresident pro tempore of the Pennsylvania SenateThe President pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate is a constitutionally-created office in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania...
: Joe Scarnati-
- Senate Majority Leader: Dominic PileggiDominic PileggiDominic Pileggi is an American politician from Pennsylvania who serves as Republican Leader of the Pennsylvania State Senate. Pileggi represents the 9th district, which includes portions of Chester and Delaware Counties. Pileggi earned a B.A. in economics from Saint Joseph's University in 1979 and...
- Senate Majority Leader: Dominic Pileggi
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- Speaker of the HouseSpeaker of the Pennsylvania House of RepresentativesThe speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives holds the oldest state-wide elected office in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since its first session under the Frame of Government in 1682, presided over by William Penn, over 130 House members have been elevated to the speaker's chair...
: Sam SmithSamuel H. Smith (politician)Samuel H. "Sam" Smith is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 66th District and was elected in 1986. The district includes portions of Jefferson, Indiana and Armstrong counties...
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- House Majority Leader: Mike TurzaiMike TurzaiMike Turzai is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Turzai has represented the 28th legislative district since 2001 and is a member of the Republican Party...
- House Majority Leader: Mike Turzai
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Current
- Robert GleasonRobert A. Gleason Jr.Robert A. Gleason, Jr. serves as Chairman of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania. He is Chairman and CEO of Gleason, Inc. He joined the family’s business in 1965, after four years of active duty as a Captain in the United States Air Force. Gleason Insurance Company is ranked among the 150 largest...
, Chairman - Joyce Haas, Vice Chairwoman
- Luke Bernstein, Executive Director
- Bob AsherRobert B. AsherRobert B. "Bob" Asher is an American political figure and businessman and convicted felon from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He is the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asher’s Chocolates in Pennsylvania and also serves as Pennsylvania's committeeman on the Republican National Committee...
, National Committeeman - Christine TorettiChristine Jack TorettiChristine Jack Toretti is a businesswoman, philanthropist, and GOP National Committee member from Indiana, Pennsylvania.-S.W. Jack Drilling Co.:...
, National Committeewoman - Renee Amoore, Deputy Chairwoman
- Skip Brion, Treasurer
- John McNally, Secretary
- Peg Ferraro, Assistant Secretary
Previous
- Eileen MelvinEileen MelvinEileen Barbera Melvin is a former chairwoman of the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania, a position she held from 2004-2005.She was named to the PoliticsPA list of "Pennsylvania's Most Politically Powerful Women."-Biography:...
, Chairwoman, 2004-2006 - Alan NovakAlan NovakAlan Paul Novak is a Pennsylvania attorney and former chairman of the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania, a position he held from 1996-2004...
, Chairman, 1996-2004 - Anne AnstineAnne AnstineAnne Anstine was a former member of the Republican National Committee and Chairwoman of the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania....
, Chairwoman, 1990-1996 - Earl BakerEarl M. BakerEarl M. Baker is a former Republican member of the Pennsylvania State Senate. Baker also served twelve years as a member of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, and is a former Chairman of the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania....
, Chairman, 1986-1990 - Bob AsherRobert B. AsherRobert B. "Bob" Asher is an American political figure and businessman and convicted felon from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He is the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asher’s Chocolates in Pennsylvania and also serves as Pennsylvania's committeeman on the Republican National Committee...
, Chairman, 1983-1986
Current membership by county
Most members are elected every two years in the Republican primary electionPrimary election
A primary election is an election in which party members or voters select candidates for a subsequent election. Primary elections are one means by which a political party nominates candidates for the next general election....
by county. Each county party chairman is a state committee member by virtue of office.
The breakdown of members per county, along with caucus of county is as follows:
| County | Members |
| Adams Adams County, Pennsylvania Adams County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 101,407. It was created on January 22, 1800, from part of York County and named in honor of the second President of the United States, John Adams... |
3 |
| Allegheny Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Allegheny County is a county in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,223,348; making it the second most populous county in Pennsylvania, following Philadelphia County. The county seat is Pittsburgh... |
21 |
| Armstrong Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Armstrong County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,941. It is located northeast of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Armstrong County was added to the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area in 2003.The county seat is Kittanning... |
3 |
| Beaver Beaver County, Pennsylvania -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 181,412 people, 72,576 households, and 50,512 families residing in the county. The population density was 418 people per square mile . There were 77,765 housing units at an average density of 179 per square mile... |
4 |
| Bedford Bedford County, Pennsylvania Bedford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 49,762. The county seat is Bedford. It is part of the Altoona, Pennsylvania, Metropolitan Statistical Area.- History :... |
3 |
| Berks Berks County, Pennsylvania -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 373,638 people, 141,570 households, and 98,532 families residing in the county. The population density was 435 people per square mile . There were 150,222 housing units at an average density of 175 per square mile... |
9 |
| Blair Blair County, Pennsylvania -Significant Topographic Features:*Brush Mountain*Logan Valley*Morrison Cove*Tussey Mountain-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 129,144 people, 51,518 households, and 34,877 families residing in the county. The population density was 246 people per square mile . There were 55,061... |
4 |
| Bradford Bradford County, Pennsylvania -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 62,761 people, 24,453 households, and 17,312 families residing in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile . There were 28,664 housing units at an average density of 25 per square mile... |
3 |
| Bucks Bucks County, Pennsylvania - Industry and commerce :The boroughs of Bristol and Morrisville were prominent industrial centers along the Northeast Corridor during World War II. Suburban development accelerated in Lower Bucks in the 1950s with the opening of Levittown, Pennsylvania, the second such "Levittown" designed by... |
18 |
| Butler Butler County, Pennsylvania -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 174,083 people, 65,862 households, and 46,827 families residing in the county. The population density was 221 people per square mile . There were 69,868 housing units at an average density of 89 per square mile... |
6 |
| Cambria Cambria County, Pennsylvania Cambria County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It comprises the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010, the population was 143,679.... |
3 |
| Cameron Cameron County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 5,974 people, 2,465 households, and 1,624 families residing in the county. The population density was 15 people per square mile . There were 4,592 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile... |
2 |
| Carbon Carbon County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 58,802 people, 23,701 households, and 16,424 families residing in the county. The population density was 154 people per square mile . There were 30,492 housing units at an average density of 80 per square mile... |
2 |
| Clarion Clarion County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 41,765 people, 16,052 households, and 10,738 families residing in the county. The population density was 69 people per square mile . There were 19,426 housing units at an average density of 32 per square mile... |
2 |
| Centre Centre County, Pennsylvania Centre County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It is part of the State College, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010, the population was 153,990.... |
4 |
| Chester Chester County, Pennsylvania -State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were... |
15 |
| Clearfield Clearfield County, Pennsylvania Clearfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 81,642.Clearfield County was created on March 26, 1804, from parts of Huntingdon and Lycoming Counties but was administered as part of Centre County until 1812... |
3 |
| Clinton Clinton County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 37,914 people, 14,773 households, and 9,927 families residing in the county. The population density was 43 people per square mile . There were 18,166 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile... |
2 |
| Columbia Columbia County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 64,151 people, 24,915 households, and 16,568 families residing in the county. The population density was 132 people per square mile . There were 27,733 housing units at an average density of 57 per square mile... |
3 |
| Crawford Crawford County, Pennsylvania Crawford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 88,765.Crawford County was created on March 12, 1800, from part of Allegheny County and named for Colonel William Crawford... |
3 |
| Cumberland Cumberland County, Pennsylvania Cumberland County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and is one of three counties comprising the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010, the population was 235,406.-History:... |
8 |
| Dauphin Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Dauphin County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and is one of the three counties comprising the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010 census, the population was 268,100. The county includes the city of Harrisburg, which has served as the state capital... |
8 |
| Delaware Delaware County, Pennsylvania Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties.... |
20 |
| Elk Elk County, Pennsylvania Elk County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 31,946.Elk County was created on April 18, 1843, from parts of Jefferson, Clearfield and McKean Counties, and is named for the Eastern elk that historically inhabited the region. Its county... |
2 |
| Erie Erie County, Pennsylvania Erie County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 280,566. Its county seat is the City of Erie.- Geography :... |
7 |
| Fayette Fayette County, Pennsylvania Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area.... |
3 |
| Forest Forest County, Pennsylvania Forest County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population is 7,716. Forest County is famous as a rural retreat. Nearly 75% of all dwellings in the county are second or vacation homes . Forest County does not have a single traffic light, the only county in the... |
2 |
| Franklin Franklin County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 129,313 people, 50,633 households, and 36,405 families residing in the county. The population density was 168 people per square mile . There were 53,803 housing units at an average density of 70 per square mile... |
5 |
| Fulton Fulton County, Pennsylvania Fulton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 14,845.Fulton County was created on April 19, 1850, from part of Bedford County and named for inventor Robert Fulton.Its county seat is McConnellsburg.... |
2 |
| Greene Greene County, Pennsylvania -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 40,672 people, 15,060 households, and 10,587 families residing in the county. The population density was 71 people per square mile . There were 16,678 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile... |
2 |
| Huntingdon Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania Huntingdon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. In 2010, its population was 45,913.Huntingdon County was created on September 20, 1787, from part of Bedford County. Its county seat is Huntingdon.-Geography:According to the U.S... |
3 |
| Indiana Indiana County, Pennsylvania -Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 58,077 registered voters in Indiana County .* Democratic: 26,653 * Republican: 24,159 * Other Parties: 7,265 -County commissioners:*Rodney Ruddock, Chairman, Republican... |
3 |
| Jefferson Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. In 2010, its population was 45,200. It was established on March 26, 1804, from part of Lycoming County and named for then-President Thomas Jefferson. Its county seat is Brookville... |
2 |
| Juniata Juniata County, Pennsylvania Juniata County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 24,636. Juniata County was created on March 2, 1831, from part of Mifflin County and named for the Juniata River. Its county seat is Mifflintown.... |
2 |
| Lackawanna Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 213,295 people, 86,218 households, and 55,783 families residing in the county. The population density was 465 people per square mile . There were 95,362 housing units at an average density of 208 per square mile... |
4 |
| Lancaster Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster County, known as the Garden Spot of America or Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is a county located in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of 2010 the population was 519,445. Lancaster County forms the Lancaster Metropolitan Statistical Area, the... |
16 |
| Lawrence Lawrence County, Pennsylvania Lawrence County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. In 2010, its population was 91,108. The county was added to the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area in 2003. The county seat is New Castle.... |
3 |
| Lebanon Lebanon County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 120,327 people and 32,771 families residing in the county. The population density was 332 people per square mile . There were 49,320 housing units at an average density of 136 per square mile... |
4 |
| Lehigh Lehigh County, Pennsylvania -Climate:Most of the county's climate is considered to fall in the humid continental climate zone. Summers are typically hot and muggy, fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is cold. Precipitation is almost uniformly distributed throughout the year.... |
8 |
| Luzerne Luzerne County, Pennsylvania - Demographics :As of the 2010 census, the county was 90.7% White, 3.4% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 3.3% were of some other race, and 1.5% were two or more races. 6.7% of the population was of Hispanic or Latino ancestry... |
7 |
| Lycoming Lycoming County, Pennsylvania -Appalachian Mountains and Allegheny Plateau:Lycoming County is divided between the Appalachian Mountains in the south, the dissected Allegheny Plateau in the north and east, and the valley of the West Branch Susquehanna River between these.-West Branch Susquehanna River:The West Branch of the... |
5 |
| McKean McKean County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 45,936 people, 18,024 households, and 12,094 families residing in the county. The population density was 47 people per square mile . There were 21,644 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile... |
3 |
| Mercer Mercer County, Pennsylvania Mercer County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 116,638. Its county seat is Mercer; Sharon is its largest city.... |
3 |
| Mifflin Mifflin County, Pennsylvania Mifflin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 46,682. Its county seat is Lewistown. It is named after Thomas Mifflin, the first Governor of Pennsylvania.-Geography:... |
2 |
| Monroe Monroe County, Pennsylvania -National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River -Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there are 176,567 people, 49,454 households, and 36,447 families residing in the county. The population density was 228 people per square mile... |
4 |
| Montgomery Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Montgomery County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of 2010, the population was 799,874, making it the third most populous county in Pennsylvania . The county seat is Norristown.The county was created on September 10, 1784, out of land originally part... |
24 |
| Montour Montour County, Pennsylvania Montour County is located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. In 2010, the county's population was 18,267. Its county seat is Danville. It is named for Andrew Montour, a prominent métis interpreter who served with George Washington during the French and Indian War. The county is part of the... |
2 |
| Northampton Northampton County, Pennsylvania As of the 2010 census, the county was 86.3% White, 5.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 2.4% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 2.2% were two or more races, and 3.8% were some other race. 10.5% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry.As of the census of... |
7 |
| Northumberland Northumberland County, Pennsylvania There were 38,835 households out of which 27.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.40% were married couples living together, 9.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.10% were non-families. 30.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.50% had... |
3 |
| Perry Perry County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 43,602 people, 16,695 households, and 12,320 families residing in the county. The population density was 79 people per square mile . There were 18,941 housing units at an average density of 34 per square mile... |
3 |
| Philadelphia Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania -History:Tribes of Lenape were the first known occupants in the area which became Philadelphia County. The first European settlers were Swedes and Finns who arrived in 1638. The Netherlands seized the area in 1655, but permanently lost control to England in 1674... |
16 |
| Pike Pike County, Pennsylvania -National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River * Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:... |
3 |
| Potter Potter County, Pennsylvania Potter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It is in the Allegheny Plateau region. As of 2010, the population was 17,457. Its county seat is Coudersport. Potter County was named after James Potter, who was a general from Pennsylvania in the Continental Army during the... |
2 |
| Schuylkill Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania -Notable people:*Boxing heavyweight great Muhammad Ali had his training camp in Deer Lake.*Charles Justin Bailey, commanding general of the 81st Division in World War I, was born in Tamaqua on June 21, 1859.... |
5 |
| Snyder Snyder County, Pennsylvania Snyder County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 39,702. Snyder County was formed in 1855 from parts of Union County... |
2 |
| Somerset Somerset County, Pennsylvania Somerset County is a county located in the state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 77,742. Somerset County was created on April 17, 1795, from part of Bedford County and named for Somerset, United Kingdom. Its county seat is Somerset. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania,... |
3 |
| Sullivan Sullivan County, Pennsylvania Sullivan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population is 6,428. Sullivan County was created on March 15, 1847, from part of Lycoming County and named for Charles Sullivan, leader of the Pennsylvania Senate... |
2 |
| Susquehanna Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 42,238 people, 16,529 households, and 11,785 families residing in the county. The population density was 51 people per square mile . There were 21,829 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile... |
3 |
| Tioga Tioga County, Pennsylvania Tioga County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 41,981. Tioga County was created on March 26, 1804, from part of Lycoming County and named for the Tioga River. Its county seat is Wellsboro.... |
3 |
| Union Union County, Pennsylvania -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 41,624 people, 13,178 households, and 9,211 families residing in the county. The population density was 131 people per square mile . There were 14,684 housing units at an average density of 46 per square mile... |
2 |
| Venango Venango County, Pennsylvania Venango County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 54,984. Its county seat is Franklin.-History:Venango County was created on March 12, 1800 from parts of Allegheny and Lycoming Counties... |
3 |
| Warren Warren County, Pennsylvania Warren County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 41,815. It was formed in 1800 from parts of Allegheny and Lycoming counties; attached to Crawford County until 1805 and then to Venango County until Warren was formally organized in 1819. Its county... |
2 |
| Washington Washington County, Pennsylvania -Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 152,534 registered voters in Washington County .* Democratic: 89,027 * Republican: 49,025 * Other Parties: 14,482... |
4 |
| Wayne Wayne County, Pennsylvania As of the census of 2000, there were 47,722 people, 18,350 households, and 12,936 families residing in the county. The population density was 65 people per square mile . There were 30,593 housing units at an average density of 42 per square mile... |
3 |
| Westmoreland Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile... |
8 |
| Wyoming Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Wyoming County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It was created in 1842 from part of Luzerne County. Its county seat is Tunkhannock.-Geography:According to the U.S... |
2 |
| York York County, Pennsylvania York County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 434,972. It is in the Susquehanna Valley, a large fertile agricultural region in South Central Pennsylvania.... |
12 |