Former Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale emerged as the Democratic nominee for attorney general in a crowded primary election Tuesday, and two candidates in a state house race in West Philadelphia were separated by less than 115 votes a day after the election.
While the races at the top of the ballot – for president and U.S. Senate – were forgone conclusions, there were competitive nominating contests for several statewide offices and in some local legislative districts.
DePasquale pulled 35% of the vote, beating out Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer (20%), attorney Joe Khan (16%), former Philadelphia chief public defender Keir Bradford-Grey (15%) and state Rep. Jared Solomon (13%), according to preliminary state results.
A Pittsburgh native, DePasquale was the only candidate in the race who was not from the Philadelphia region. Bradford-Grey finished ahead of the pack among voters in the city.
“Now, it’s time to unite toward a common vision – to make democracy work for all of us, defend abortion rights so women can get the healthcare they need, and stand up to big shots and billionaires so working families can get ahead,” DePasquale said in a statement late Tuesday night.
In November, he will face York County District Attorney Dave Sunday, who handily defeated state Rep. Craig Williams in the Republican primary.
The winner will replace Michelle Henry, who chose not to run after being appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro to serve the remainder of his term when Shapiro was elected governor.
North Philadelphia state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta defeated Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley in the Democratic primary for state auditor general, garnering about 64% of the tally, the results show.
He will be aiming to unseat incumbent Auditor General Timothy DeFoor, who was unopposed on the GOP side, in November’s general election.
Kenyatta also scored an overwhelming victory in his Pennsylvania House of Representatives district. A special election will be held to fill the seat if he beats DeFoor and resigns to take the position.
In one of the tighter contests, Erin McClelland earned 54% of the vote against state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (46%) in the Democratic race for state treasurer. McClelland, who has experience as an addiction and mental health counselor, will face incumbent Republican Treasurer Stacey Garrity in the general election.
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans cruised to reelection Tuesday with more than 85% of voters choosing him over former Philadelphia Register of Wills Tracey Gordon.
Preliminary results from the City Commissioners show state Rep. Amen Brown with a 50-vote advantage over progressive challenger Cass Green in the West Philadelphia-based 10th District.
The pair were separated by less than a percentage point Wednesday afternoon. Brown bested Green by less than 200 votes two years ago.
The three-way race also included Sajda Blackwell, who received about 20% of the vote.
Sean Dougherty, who was endorsed by the city Democratic Party, successfully challenged incumbent state Rep. Kevin Boyle in the 172nd District in the Northeast. Dougherty earned 72% of the vote total, to Boyle’s 27%, the results show.
Boyle, who has reportedly been dealing with serious mental health challenges, was reprimanded by legislative leaders after an altercation at a Rockledge bar in February. Authorities last week issued an arrest warrant – rescinded Monday – accusing him of violating a restraining order.
Burholme Townwatch and Civic Association President Aizaz Gill will face Dougherty in the general election. Gill overcame Patrick Gushue in Tuesday’s GOP primary in the 172nd, earning about 65% of the vote.
Rep. Rick Krawjewski easily defeated Democratic primary challenger Tony Dphax King in his bid for reelection in the 188th District, and Rep. Roni Green won a contested race against James Love Jackson.
All other General Assembly candidates in Philadelphia were unopposed on Tuesday.
Philadelphians approved a ballot question requiring the city to help registered community organizations, or RCOs, pay legal bills when the groups are sued over zoning matters.
About 19% of registered voters in the city voted either by mail or in-person in the primary election, according to unofficial findings posted by the City Commissioners.
