Area residents voted en masse on Tuesday for the 2022 midterm elections. While statewide races for governor and United States Senate grabbed headlines, many local races were on the ballot as well.
Here’s where many of the local races currently stand, based on unofficial results provided by Montgomery County and the state of Pennsylvania.
Malagari Defeats Sodha in 53rd Legislative District
Incumbent Democrat state Rep. Steve Malagari defended his seat against Republican challenger Jennifer Sodha, earning 16,383 votes to 10,524 votes respectively.
"I am incredibly grateful to the broad coalition of voters who came out and made their voices heard in yesterday's election. I have been honored to serve as my community's State Rep for the past four years and look forward to serving every member of my district for the next two.
I'd also like to acknowledge my opponent's hard work and participation in the democratic process. Running for office is not easy; her willingness to step up and engage with our community should be commended.
Finally, I want to congratulate all the other candidates on the ballot this year. Their commitment to public service is laudable and shows just how well our democratic process can work."
I reached out to Steve Malagari earlier today, where I conceded and congratulated Steve on his win. Steve returned my call and respectfully thanked me for running a spirited campaign focusing on issues and not on the person, i.e. not personal attacks, etc.
Throughout this race, I felt, to truly benefit our 53rd District residents, it was not only the win/loss end result that mattered, but the path we took to get there. I wanted the manner in which we conducted our campaigns in our North Penn 53rd District to serve as an example for what we want to see in both our local and national politics, even while making our respective cases for the honor of being chosen by our constituents to represent them.
Our democracy works only when both sides work towards trusting the process, it’s verdict and most importantly, in each other. I am happy to report that we have achieved that goal, and that’s a win for our 53rd residents and democracy.
The election was free and fair, and I respect our constituents’ verdict. For what it’s worth, I offered Steve my support in his efforts to continue working to benefit the residents of our 53rd District, and as a Republican, I pledge to act as a responsible opposition so our democracy can work successfully.
Hanbidge Defeats Bradica in 61st Legislative District
Incumbent Democrat state Rep. Liz Hanbidge defended her seat against Republican challenger Jessica Bradica, earning 21,163 votes to 13,021 votes respectively
Stephens and Cerrato in Tight Race in 151st Legislative District
Incumbent Republican Todd Stephens holds a very narrow lead over Democratic challenger Melissa Cerrato, 16,611 to 16,585 respectively. While all in-person votes across the county have been counted, there remain approximately 4,331 absentee and mail-in ballots pending, and military and provisional ballots have yet to be counted.
It’s unclear how many of those ballots fall into the 151st District.
Collett Defeats Davies in 12th Senate District
Incumbent Democrat Maria Collett has defeated Republican challenger Rob Davies, earning 76,475 votes to Davies 51,768.
Pennycuick Leads Dennin in 24th Senate District
Republican state Rep. Tracy Pennycuick currently holds a lead over Democratic challenger Jill Dennin, with 62,550 votes to 57,081 votes respectively. The totals are incomplete and do not include all mail and provisional ballots, according to the Reading Eagle.
Pennycuick and Dennin are vying for the seat currently held by state Sen. Bob Mensch, who previously announced he would retire at the end of his current term.
See also:
Towamencin Residents Vote for Government Study Commission to Explore Home Rule Charter
Democrat Josh Shapiro Elected Governor of Pennsylvania, Defeating Republican Doug Mastriano
Montgomery County Announces Campaign Yard Sign Recycling Sites
Election Officials Should Not Count Undated Mail Ballots on Nov. 8, Pa. High Court Rules
