Two House Democrats have been ousted by their Republican challengers in Pennsylvania, bolstering the GOP’s chances of defending its slim majority as it inches closer to the 218-seat threshold.
Republican candidate Ryan Mackenzie defeated three-term incumbent Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, securing a big win for Republicans. Mackenzie defeated Wild with 50.7% of the vote with more than 95% of ballots counted so far. The Associated Press called the race at 1:44 p.m. on Thursday.
The race quickly became one of the most competitive in the 2024 cycle, with Republicans pouring much of their money and resources into the district to flip in their direction. Mackenzie’s win falls in line with President-elect Donald Trump’s win in the battleground state, maintaining the district’s status as a bellwether for the presidential election. The district has chosen the winning presidential candidate for the last seven cycles.
Republicans also flipped the seat held by Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District as GOP candidate Robert Bresnahan won with 51% of the vote. That race was called at 1:46 p.m. on Thursday.
Both Wild and Cartwright conceded their races earlier this week.
The results come as Republicans defended the tossup seat held by former House Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry (R-PA), who narrowly defeated Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson on Thursday.
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Perry defeated Stelson with 50.8% of the vote, with 99% of ballots counted. The Associated Press called the race at 1:47 p.m. EST on Thursday, two days after Election Day.
The called races put Republicans at 209 House seats so far with Democrats trailing behind at 193. Republicans are currently leading in 14 other races, which would put them well past the 218-seat threshold to secure the majority.