Pennsylvania primary results unpacked: Democrats go far left, while GOP centers

Published May 21, 2026 9:12am ET | Updated May 21, 2026 9:12am ET



MONONGAHELA, Pennsylvania — Downballot primary results for seats in the Pennsylvania legislature and Congress had both parties heading into very different directions for November’s midterm election cycle. The Democrats are marching far left, and Republicans are beating back challengers from their far-right flanks.

In Washington County, in a strident race, Republican state Sen. Camera Bartolotta easily swatted down challenger Al Buchtan from her right. The activists who wanted to take her down were behind the Washington County Republican Party issuing a vote of no confidence in the race.

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