How did Pa. Dems keep the state House during a red wave? Meet Frank Burns.

[FakeNoose]

Spotlight PA link: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/11/frank-burns-who-pennsylvania-legislature-democrats-win-majority-cambria-blue-dog/

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania House Democrats have clung to their one-vote majority despite a statewide wave of GOP wins that flipped two congressional seats and may have ousted a veteran U.S. senator.

A huge part of the reason is that state Rep. Frank Burns, a conservative Democrat with a district in the middle of an overwhelmingly Donald Trump-supporting region, held on to his seat.

In this era of Pennsylvania politics, Burns, of Cambria County, is one of the most important members of the state House — both during elections and when it comes to whipping votes in a narrowly divided chamber.

He rarely gives interviews. But in a statement on his victory, Burns said he was “humbled” by his constituents’ support and set out something of a political mission statement. “This election was a win for Cambria County people and another humiliating defeat for the outsiders and local business elites who funded and orchestrated an incredibly divisive, dishonest and bitter campaign,” he wrote.

- more at link -

Congratulations Rep. Frank Burns (D) 72nd District, Cambria County

Link to website: https://www.pahouse.com/Burns/

[Think. Again.]

1. Yeah, so many states with successfully blue down ballot...

...races but all red for trump.

It just doesn't make any sense.

[Wiz Imp]

2. There was no "red wave"

[Deminpenn]

3. The D row office candidates were underwhelming

Although he'd been elected statewide twice as Auditor General, DePasquale lost 2 years ago when he ran as the candidate for PA-10 (Scott Perry). The Dem primary for Atty Genl had about 8 candidates running. DePasquale got a plurality due to name recognition in western PA and won. There were Dem primary candidates who could've given Sunday, the R, a better run for the money imho.

Erin McClelland who ran for state treasurer was another gift from western PA voters in a contested primary. She has run before, but never won an election outside her hometown area. There was no enthusiasm for her and her campaign was invisible.

Malcolm Kenyatta was a good candidate, but largely unknown outside of SE PA. As a young, gay, AfAm man, he faces an uphill battle outside of the Phila/SE Pa area.

A lot of state house districts moved east in the last redistricting which is how Dems captured the state house in 2022. The fact is, incumbents are usually re-elected.