Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

On this week's episode of Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick dissect the Democratic sweep in elections across the country and the Lehigh Valley last week.

The House passed a bill Wednesday night to end the nation's longest government shutdown, sending the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature after a historic 43-day funding lapse that saw federal workers go without multiple paychecks, travelers stranded at airports and people lining up at food banks to get a meal for their families.

Billions of dollars for Pennsylvania’s public schools and social services will soon start flowing after months of delay, as lawmakers on Wednesday approved a $50 billion spending plan to break the state’s budget impasse.

The historic 40-day federal shutdown could be coming to an end after eight members of the Democratic caucus broke ranks on a procedural vote Sunday.

Gov. Josh Shapiro says Pennsylvania's utility companies have stepped up to shelter low-income households this winter. The customers are usually covered by LIHEAP, but the federal assistance program has experienced delays due to the federal government shutdown.

“If my vote is the deciding vote … let me save you the suspense: No va pa sa. It’s not happening,” Councilwoman Cynthia Mota said during her Election Night speech last week.

State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Lehigh/Bucks, introduced the bill in 2023 after a student brought a knife to Schnecksville Elementary School. Parents didn't learn of the incident until a week later.

Three Democrats will join the Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners in January. The trio appear to have become the first Democrats to be elected to the township governing body in more than a half century.

The winners, based on unofficial results, are Democratic candidates: Kimberly Jaramillo, Luis Melecio, Josh Rager and Chris Sykora — who ran together on a slate.

The councilman fell to defeat Tuesday in his bid for mayor, and his second term on the body ends soon.

Norberto Dominguez says a shortened timeframe to campaign affected his decision.

In most cases the violators can't be identified, so no one will be prosecuted.

Lisa Scheller and Kevin Dellicker are seeking the Republican nomination for the 7th Congressional District.

Attention focused on a candidate not in attendance -- Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.

Six candidates -- 3 Republicans and 3 Democrats -- are vying for the Lehigh Valley's new state Senate seat.

Among the demands: moderators be registered Republicans who live in Pennsylvania.

Candidates say they intend to run for the Lehigh Valley's new Senate seat as well as a 3rd state House seat in Allentown.

Amy Cozze has left the Northampton County elections department and is now working for U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.)

The party is launching its campaign for the wide-open races of governor and U.S. Senate.

Pennsylvania is losing a seat in the U.S. House because of population losses in the 2020 Census.

Democrats running for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania will debate April 3.

Pennsylvania's election calendar is on hold amid the deliberations.