BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Lehigh Valley voters could shape the next few years of American politics when they head to the polls Tuesday.
Democrats control both the U.S. House and Senate by narrow margins. But Lehigh Valley voters can vote in the Pennsylvania 7th Congressional District and the Pennsylvania Senate campaigns — races political scientists have identified as toss-ups that could flip the chambers to Republicans or allow Democrats to protect their slim majorities.
The stakes are also high in the race for governor. The status quo on election integrity, gun control and abortion rights could dramatically change depending on the winner.
- Lehigh Valley voters will weigh in on two federal races that could determine control of the U.S. House and Senate
- The winner of the gubernatorial campaign will determine the state's policy for abortion, education spending and election integrity
- In person voting begins at 7 a.m. Tuesday and closes at 8 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be returned by 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, this election will be the first time new district boundaries come into play in state legislative races. Republicans have dominated the General Assembly for 20 years. Voter registration totals suggests the new map should be kinder to Democrats, but past elections suggest Republicans should expect positive results this midterm election.
Governor
Gov. Tom Wolf, a York County Democrat, is term-limited, but his policies over the last eight years have defined the race. He's acted as a bulwark against many Republican-backed bills, vetoing efforts to loosen gun control laws, restrict abortion and roll back voting by mail-in ballot.
State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, would sign those bills into law. He also vocally opposed the COVID-19 lockdown. But even major Republican PACs have steered clear of the retired Army colonel due to some of his more extreme stances.
Polling suggests Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Montgomery County Democrat, is a significant favorite in the race. He's vowed to continue most of Wolf's policies.
U.S. Senate
A few weeks ago, Democratic candidate and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman held a sizable lead in the polls over Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz in the Senate race. But political observers say the race has tightened to a dead heat.
Fetterman built his political career as a progressive in the vein of Sen. Bernie Sanders. Days before the primary, he suffered a stroke that nearly killed him. His doctors say he will make a full recovery, but his speaking ability is still limited six months later.
Oz, an Emmy award-winning TV host, has been attacked as a carpetbagger; the longtime New Jersey resident moved to Pennsylvania in late 2020. But the heart surgeon secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, which pushed him to the top of the crowded Republican primary.
Congressional Race
Voters in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District may be feeling deja vu. The race between Democratic incumbent Susan Wild and Republican challenger Lisa Scheller is a rematch of the 2020 campaign. Wild eked out a 3-point victory two years ago, but circumstances have changed.
This year's redistricting process saw the battleground district add more registered Republican voters, narrowing the majority of registered Democrats.
Still, multiple polls have found the race is too close to call. Politicos have invested more than $24 million into the race, and political VIPsfrom both parties have visitedto back their candidates.
State Senate
Voters across Lehigh and Northampton counties will be voting in one of three different state Senate races.
The 14th District covers some of the region's most politically diverse areas. It stretches from Emmaus to Bushkill Township and includes inner-city Democratic strongholds and deeply Republican rural communities. The race pits Republican Dean Browning, a former Lehigh County commissioner, against Democrat Nick Miller, an Allentown School Board director.
The 16th Districtcovers the northern portion of Bucks County and most of Lehigh County's suburbs. Parkland School Board Director Jarrett Coleman ousted longtime incumbent Pat Browne in the Republican primary. Coleman will face Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley in the general election.
Democratic incumbent Lisa Boscola faces Republican John Merhottein, a Bethlehem Township commissioner, in the 18th District. The district represents the Easton, Bethlehem and Nazareth areas, along with the Slate Belt.
State House Seats
The 22nd District race pits Allentown City Councilman Josh Siegel, a Democrat, against former Allentown School Board Director Robert Smith Jr., a Republican. The district includes Fountain Hill and parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township.
Republican incumbent Milou Mackenzie and Democratic challenger Kevin Branco are in a rematch for the 131st District. It ranges from Lower Saucon Township to Lower Milford Township along with portions of Montgomery County.
Democratic incumbent Michael Schlossberg faces two challengers in the 132nd District, Republican Beth Finch and Libertarian Matthew Schutter. The district is based in South Whitehall Township and includes portions of Upper Macungie Township and Allentown.
The 134th District sees Rep. Peter Schweyer against Republican challenger Brent Labenberg. The winner will represent Emmaus and parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township.
The 137th District features Bethlehem, Lower Nazareth and Upper Nazareth townships, Nazareth, Tatamy and most of Palmer Township. Rep. Joe Emrick and Democratic challenger Anna Thomas are vying for a district that's about evenly split between registered Democratic and Republican voters.
Rep. Ann Flood and Democratic challenger Gene Hunter face off for the 138th District. It covers Bath, Stockertown, the Bangor and Pen Argyl area school districts, Bushkill and Forks townships and the eastern half of Moore Township.
Reps. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd; Steve Samuelson, D-135th; Robert Freeman, D-136th; Zach Mako, R-183rd; and Ryan Mackenzie, R-187th are running uncontested.
