The necessary primary elections were held on May 18. In addition, special elections for legislative vacancies were held at various times in 2021.
Special elections
Pennsylvania State Senate
22nd senatorial district
On February 14, Democratic state senator John Blake announced he would be resigning from the Senate to take a position with Congressman Matt Cartwright.[1] A special election was announced by Lieutenant Governor (and Senate President) John Fetterman for May 18, in conjunction with the 2021 primary election.[2]
Democrats held a special convention during which State Representative Marty Flynn won the party's nomination.[3] Republicans nominated Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak.[4] The Libertarian Party nominated Nathan Covington, and the Green Party nominated Marlene Sebastianelli.[5] Flynn defeated the field the special election.
Following the death of State Senator Dave Arnold, a special election was announced by Lieutenant Governor (and Senate President) John Fetterman to coincide with the 2021 primaries on May 18.[7]
Following the death of Republican state representative Mike Reese, House Speaker Bryan Cutler announced that a special election for the 59th legislative district would take place on May 18 (in conjunction with the 2021 primary).[13]
On March 16, State Representative Jeff Pyle announced his retirement due to health issues.[19] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 60th legislative district on May 18, in conjunction with the 2021 primary.[20]
As a result of his State Senate special election victory, Marty Flynn resigned from his State House seat on June 9.[19] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 113th legislative district on November 2, in conjunction with the 2021 general election.[24]
On July 22, State Representative Margo L. Davidson resigned her seat after being charged with stealing from the Commonwealth by filing fraudulent overnight per diem requests and various other expenses through the State House Comptroller's Office as well as hindering a state prosecution.[27] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 164th legislative district on November 2, in conjunction with the 2021 general election.[28]
There were two seats up for election on the Commonwealth Court. Judge Mary Hannah Leavitt, a Republican, declined to run for retention for an additional 10-year term.[42] Had Judge Leavitt won retention, she would have only been eligible to serve for one year before her mandatory retirement by December 31, 2022. A second seat was up for election due to the retirement of Judge Robin Simpson, a Republican, on December 31, 2019.[43][44] Governor Tom Wolf appointed Judge Drew Crompton[45] to fill the vacancy, who opted to run for reelection.[46]
A recount was triggered because Dumas and Crompton finished within half a percentage point of each other in the initial tally. On November 23, counties completed the recount, and Crompton conceded to Dumas. The following day, statewide recount results were published, which affirmed Dumas's lead.[53]
Results
2021 Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court election (vote for 2)[36]
In 2020, Governor Tom Wolf declared a disaster emergency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several Republicans, led by state representative Russ Diamond, opposed these public-health measures and introduced two amendments (2021-01 and 2021–02) to the Pennsylvania Constitution to restrict the emergency powers of the governor.[54] Resolutions 2021-01 and 2021-02 were placed on the May primary ballot.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment 1: Termination or Extension of Disaster Emergency Declaration
Choice
Votes
%
Yes
1,165,851
52.05
No
1,074,205
47.95
Total votes
2,240,056
100.00
Source: PA Department of State
Proposed Constitutional Amendment 2: Disaster Emergency Declaration and Management
Choice
Votes
%
Yes
1,174,528
51.97
No
1,085,371
48.03
Total votes
2,259,899
100.00
Source: PA Department of State
Racial equality
A third constitutional amendment (2021-03) was proposed to create a prohibition against denying an individual's rights because of race or ethnicity.[55] Resolution 2021-03 was included on the May primary ballot.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment 3: Prohibition Against Denial or Abridgement of Equality of Rights Because of Race or Ethnicity
Choice
Votes
%
Yes
1,629,889
72.31
No
624,205
27.69
Total votes
2,254,094
100.00
Source: PA Department of State
Statewide referendum
Act 91 of 2020 placed before the electorate a question about allowing municipal fire companies, ambulance services, and rescue squads to use loans which are usually only allowed for volunteer companies.[56] The Act 91 referendum was placed on the May primary ballot.
Government
Yes