Pittsburgh voters will head to the polls Tuesday, November 3, for a midterm election that will determine who leads Pennsylvania, who represents the region in Congress and which lawmakers will help shape policies affecting communities across the state.
From the governor’s office in Harrisburg to congressional seats in Washington, voters in Allegheny County will weigh in on races involving education, economic opportunity, public safety, housing affordability and health care. The election also comes as both major political parties compete for control of legislative chambers at the state and federal levels.
At the top of Pennsylvania’s ballot is the governor’s race, where Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is seeking a second term alongside Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. They face Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity and her running mate, Jason Richey, as well as Libertarian candidates Ken Krawchuk and John Thomas.
Davis, a McKeesport native who became Pennsylvania’s first Black lieutenant governor in 2023, brings a direct connection to the Pittsburgh region. His place on the statewide ticket also gives voters an opportunity to weigh in on the administration’s record and its plans for the next four years.
The governor’s race carries significant implications for Pennsylvania’s public schools, workforce development, infrastructure investments and state spending. The next administration will also work with a General Assembly where control of the House and Senate remains a central political issue.
Congressional races are another major focus of Tuesday’s election.
In Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, Democratic U.S. Rep. Summer Lee is seeking another term against Republican James Hayes. The district includes Pittsburgh and surrounding communities, making the contest particularly relevant to residents concerned about federal funding, economic development and representation in Washington.
Lee, who became the first Black woman elected to Congress from Pennsylvania in 2022, is seeking a third term. The race gives voters an opportunity to evaluate her congressional record alongside Hayes’ proposals for the district.
In the neighboring 17th Congressional District, Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio faces Republican Tony Guy. That contest adds to the broader battle over representation in the U.S. House, where all 435 seats are on the ballot nationwide.
Pennsylvania voters will also elect members of the state House of Representatives and fill seats in the state Senate. Those lawmakers will help determine the direction of state legislation involving public education, taxes, criminal justice, housing and other issues affecting families throughout Western Pennsylvania.
For Pittsburgh’s Black communities, many of these decisions intersect with longstanding concerns about neighborhood investment, affordable housing, school resources, employment opportunities and access to quality health care. While national races often receive the most attention, decisions made in Harrisburg can have an equally direct impact on local communities.
Allegheny County voters may also encounter local ballot questions, depending on their municipality and voting district. Residents are encouraged to review their ballots in advance to understand the offices and questions that apply to them.
Polls across Pennsylvania will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Voters who are in line by 8 p.m. are entitled to cast their ballots.
Pennsylvania generally requires identification only from voters casting their first ballot at a particular polling location. Acceptable identification includes certain photo and non-photo documents. Voters who cannot provide the required identification may be eligible to cast a provisional ballot.
Residents who have already received mail-in or absentee ballots must ensure their completed ballots reach their county election office by 8 p.m. Tuesday. A postmark alone does not satisfy Pennsylvania’s deadline.
Allegheny County has scheduled ballot-return services at its County Office Building in downtown Pittsburgh on Monday and Tuesday for voters who still need to return completed ballots.
Voters can confirm their polling locations through Pennsylvania’s official voter services website at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx.
With decisions about state leadership, congressional representation and legislative control on the ballot, Tuesday’s election will help determine the direction of public policy in Pennsylvania and Washington for the next several years.