Gov. Shapiro Endorses Second Wave of Democratic State House Candidates as Competitive Map Expands
On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the endorsement of 8 Democratic State House candidates, an addition to the 11 he previously endorsed for a grand total of 19 campaigns backed by the Governor.
October 16, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
press@pahdcc.com
Contact: Sydney Robinson
Communications Director
Gov. Shapiro Endorses Second Wave of Democratic State House Candidates as Competitive Map Expands
Harrisburg, PA – On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the endorsement of 8 Democratic State House candidates, an addition to the 11 he previously endorsed for a grand total of 19 campaigns backed by the Governor.
6 of the endorsed candidates are challengers seeking to flip seats from red to blue, many of which were recently shown as leading or tied with their Republican opponent in public polling.
“I am proud of what we’ve achieved here in the Commonwealth since I’ve taken office, and I know that with an even stronger majority in the state House, we will be able to get more stuff done for the hardworking people of Pennsylvania,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “This November, we have a real opportunity to do something that Pennsylvania has not been able to do since 1992 — win a Democratic trifecta in Harrisburg. With a Democratic trifecta, we can finally raise the minimum wage to $15/hour, build more affordable housing, codify abortion rights into law, pass statute of limitations reforms that are long overdue, and so much more. This fight starts with keeping control of the state House and expanding our majority with leaders who will fight for Pennsylvanians every day. I am proud to endorse this strong slate of candidates for the state House who I know will work with us to get stuff done for our communities.”
Governor Shapiro’s newest 2026 State House endorsements:
Rep. Brandon Dukes - Butler (HD-12)
Madelyn Alvarino - Chester (HD-13)
Jeremy Ferderber - Allegheny (HD-28)
Jon Lloyd - Allegheny, Washington (HD-40)
Brittany Bloam - Allegheny (HD-45)
Margaret Burke - Montgomery (HD-147)
Rob Gurtcheff - Philadelphia (HD-170)
Monica Weninger - Bucks (HD-178)
Governor Shapiro’s previous slate of 2026 State House endorsements include: Bryan Allen - Bucks (HD-18); Brad Chambers - Lancaster (HD-41); Hadley Haas - Allegheny (HD-44); Sara Agerton - Cumberland (HD-88); Jessica McClay - Luzerne (HD-121); Meriam Sabih – Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton (HD-131); Jeff Warren – Northampton (HD-137); Kristin Egan – Bucks (HD-142); Tim Hayes – Bucks (HD-143); Elizabeth Moro – Chester, Delaware (HD-160); Rachel Cuevas – Lehigh (HD-187).
The PA House Democratic Campaign Committee, working to elect Democrats in State House seats across the commonwealth with candidates running in 187 of 203 districts, is grateful for the Governor’s support of these key candidates.
“Governor Shapiro’s decision to expand the map and support even more State House candidates in every corner of the commonwealth is an indication of just how strong our opportunities to expand are this cycle,” said HDCC Executive Director Madeline Zann.
“These campaigns have knocked over a million doors this cycle and with the support of Governor Shapiro, we strongly believe that these candidates have what it takes to win in November and begin making positive changes to bring costs down, raise wages, fund our schools, tackle corruption, and make life easier for all Pennsylvanians.”
These seats are key to maintaining and increasing the Democratic Majority in the State House, contributing to the Democratic trifecta alongside flipping the State Senate and re-electing Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis.
Together, Governor Shapiro will have the support he needs to pass real, impactful legislation on day one - including raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, permanently protecting a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body, and taking on big tech corruption like regulating data centers.
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The Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee is the official campaign arm of Pennsylvania House Democrats. PA HDCC supports the second-largest legislative chamber in the country by protecting incumbents and recruiting and training challengers to grow Democratic representation in Harrisburg.