In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, voters are gearing up to participate in the state’s primary races on Tuesday, offering a glimpse into the sentiments of key battleground voters ahead of the general election in six months. Although Joe Biden and Donald Trump have secured their party nominations, other options are available for Pennsylvania voters in the upcoming presidential primaries.
In the Republican primary, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley remains on the Pennsylvania ballot despite withdrawing from the presidential race recently. Haley’s ability to garner support, exemplified by her 13% of the vote in Wisconsin’s Republican primary, poses a potential challenge for Trump’s general election prospects.
On the Democratic side, Biden faces resistance in Pennsylvania as progressive activists push for Democrats to write in “uncommitted” in protest of the president’s handling of the conflict in Gaza. This movement mirrors the “Listen to Michigan” campaign and aims to secure at least 40,000 write-in votes, a process that may take several weeks to tally.
Both Biden and Trump have made appearances in Pennsylvania leading up to the primary, acknowledging the state’s significant role in the general election. During a campaign stop in Scranton, Biden emphasized contrasting visions for the economy, framing it as a choice between “Scranton values” and “Mar-a-Lago values.”
In addition to the presidential race, Pennsylvania voters will also influence outcomes in congressional primaries crucial for determining control of the Senate and the House in November. Notably, the Senate race features incumbent Bob Casey facing no opposition in the Democratic primary, while a competitive Republican primary includes candidate Dave McCormick.
Various House races across Pennsylvania provide further insight into voter preferences before the general election. Notable contests include incumbent congresswoman Summer Lee facing a challenge from Bhavini Patel in the 12th district and Brian Fitzpatrick encountering opposition from Mark Houck in the first district.
Polls are set to close at 8 pm ET in Pennsylvania, with results expected shortly afterward. The outcomes will shed light on a state poised to play a pivotal role in deciding the presidency and the balance of power in Congress come November.