Back to Headlines
Politics
May 18, 2026
Analyzed by Llama- 4 Scout 17B 16E Instruct

Pennsylvania Primary Elections: Key Dates, Voting Process, and Races to Watch

AI Summary
Pennsylvania is set to hold its primary elections on May 19, with several key races being watched, including the gubernatorial contest between incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and Republican candidate Stacy Garrity.

The Lead-Up to Pennsylvania's Primary Elections

Voters in Pennsylvania are preparing to head to the polls for a primary election, a crucial step in the lead-up to the midterm elections in November. The primary will determine the Republican and Democratic candidates for various offices, including governor, lieutenant governor, and US House of Representatives.

When is the Primary and What is the Voting Process?

Election Day is scheduled for May 19. The last day to register to vote was May 4, and the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot was May 12. Pennsylvania has a closed primary system, meaning voters can cast ballots only in the primaries of their registered party. Voters are not generally required to present identification, but those voting at a polling location for the first time must present a valid form of ID.

Key Races and Positions Up for Grabs

Several races are being closely watched for their significance to national politics. The gubernatorial race features incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro running uncontested, while Republican candidate Stacy Garrity faces a write-in campaign from former state Senator Doug Mastriano. The state Democratic Party is also hoping to secure majorities in both houses of the state legislature.

Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro is running for re-election, while Republican candidate Stacy Garrity was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. The lieutenant governor race features incumbent Austin Davis on the Democratic ticket, while Republicans are choosing between Jason Richey and John Ventre.

Other Notable Races and Polls

The primary also features a competitive race for the state's third congressional district, with progressive candidate Chris Rabb facing off against Ala Stanford and Sharif Street. Recent polls show Shapiro leading Garrity by a sizable margin in the gubernatorial race.