On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Pennsylvania held two closely watched elections: the gubernatorial race between Republican Doug Mastriano and Democrat Josh Shapiro and the Senate race between Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz and Democrat John Fetterman.
The Democrats were victorious in both these races. For the gubernatorial election, Shapiro won 56.3% of the vote and Mastriano received 41.9%, according to the Associated Press (AP).
“Tonight, voters from Gen Z to our seniors, voters from all walks of life, have given me the honor of a lifetime, given me the chance to serve you as Pennsylvania’s next governor,” Shapiro said in his victory speech.
In a video circulating on Twitter a few days after the election, Mastriano admitted he lost—after many called on him to concede.
“We would have beat[en] him [Shapiro] without his lies and accusations,” Mastriano said. “And the media as well…they demand obedience and compliance and subservience to their ideas, and we will not fall underneath their expectations. We’re in it for different reasons than they are, obviously. The other side’s in it for power, and ours is for freedom.”
Shapiro’s victory is the first time since the 1950s that a single party in Pennsylvania has won three consecutive gubernatorial terms.
In the Senate race, Fetterman won with 51% of the vote, while Oz got 46.6%, reported by AP. This was also the most expensive race in the country, with $373,605,258 spent in total.
Before election day, the polls were virtually tied. Many believed Oz would win the race due to his opponent’s poor debate performance and health conditions. Yet, Fetterman defied the odds against him.
“I’m proud of what we ran on: protecting a woman’s right to choose, raising our minimum wage [and] fighting the union way of life,” Fetterman said to an excited crowd during his victory speech, “Health care is a fundamental human right. It saved my life, and it should all be there for you when you ever should need it. Standing up to corporate greed, making more things right here in America and right here in Pennsylvania and standing up for our democracy.”
Fetterman will be joining fellow Democrat Bob Casey in the U.S. Senate.
After the results became clear, Oz called Fetterman to concede in the race. He then released a statement:
“This morning I called John Fetterman and congratulated him. I wish him and his family all the best, both personally and as our next United States Senator. Campaigning throughout our great Commonwealth was the honor of a lifetime, and I will cherish the memories and the people I met. Pennsylvanians showed up with passion and a vision for a bright future that I found inspiring every day. I want to thank my supporters, so many of whom worked tirelessly to spread our message and support me and my family. We are facing big problems as a country and we need everyone to put down their partisan swords and focus on getting the job done. With bold leadership that brings people together, we can create real change. As a Doctor, I always do my best to help others heal. That’s why I ran for Senate. I hope we begin the healing process as a nation soon.”
Republicans closely monitored this race throughout the campaign cycle, as keeping this seat red was important for obtaining a majority in the Senate. However, this loss was one of the most disappointing races for the party that night.
