2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania
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All 19 Pennsylvania seats to the United States House of Representatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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![]() 2010 election results by district Democratic hold Democratic gain Republican hold Republican gain |
Elections in Pennsylvania |
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The 2010 congressional elections in Pennsylvania were held on November 2, 2010. Pennsylvania had nineteen seats in the United States House of Representatives. The election was held on the same day as many other PA elections, and the same day as House of Representatives elections in other states. Party primary elections were held May 18, 2010.
Overview
United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania, 2010[1] | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Party | Votes | Percentage | Seats Before | Seats After | +/– | |
Republican | 2,034,145 | 51.41% | 7 | 12 | +5 | |
Democratic | 1,882,202 | 47.57% | 12 | 7 | -5 | |
Independent | 40,054 | 1.01% | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Totals | 3,956,401 | 100.00% | 19 | 19 | — |
Congressional districts
District 1
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Bob Brady | 149,944 | 100 | |
Total votes | 149,944 | 100 |
Democratic incumbent Bob Brady was the only member of the Pennsylvania delegation who ran unopposed in 2010.
Brady, a long time central figure in the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, has never received less than 74% in a general election, and opponents have had difficult recruiting even moderately electable candidates in this majority-minority district that includes South Philadelphia and some working class suburbs in Delaware County. No Republican has represented this district since 1949. In 2008, he earned 91% of the vote against Mike Muhammad, a teacher who raised no outside funds. Respected for his ability to reach political deals behind the scenes, Brady has garnered an image as an effective politician, and thus has been rarely challenged by other Democrats. In 2010, Pia Varma, a young freelance writer for conservative publications attempted to gain the Republican nomination, but failed to produce enough signatures to appear on the ballot.
- PA - District 1 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 2
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Chaka Fattah | 182,800 | 89.3 | |
Republican | Rick Hellberg | 21,907 | 10.7 | |
Total votes | 204,707 | 100 | ||
Turnout |
Democratic incumbent Chaka Fattah ran for reelection. He faced Republican Rick Hellberg (PVS), the CEO of a small financial firm. In 2008, Obama carried this district with 90% of the vote.
Fattah represents one of the top five most Democratic districts in the country, and has never received less than 79% of the vote in his over fifteen year House career. The district includes North Philadelphia and several traditionally liberal suburbs in Montgomery County. Fattah has had the consistent support of the African American community that is the base of a district that hasn't swung Republican since the 1946 elections. Despite this huge Democratic advantage, the district has small pockets of solid Republican territory, and thus Fattah has continuously received GOP opponents (although ones who were unable to raise all more than a few thousand dollars in fundraising), unlike his counterpart in the 1st District. In 2008, Fattah defeated engineer Adam Lang with 81% of the vote.
Fattah won the 2010 general election with 89.3% of the vote.[2]
- PA - District 2 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 3
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Mike Kelly | 111,909 | 55.7 | |
Democratic | Kathy Dahlkemper | 88,924 | 44.3 | |
Total votes | 200,833 | 100 | ||
Turnout |
Democratic incumbent Kathy Dahlkemper unsuccessfully ran for re-election, losing to Republican businessman Mike Kelly (campaign site, PVS, WhoRunsGov), who received 55.7% of the vote.[2] In 2008, McCain carried this district with 49% of the vote.
Dahlkemper faced a difficult reelection bid, in a race that considered a tossup by most political analysts. Dahlkemper became used to tight campaigns in her short political career. A political unknown prior to her 2008 campaign, Dahlkemper leveraged a moderate, blue collar image that enticed Democratic voters in a district this is generally pro-union, with a center-right tilt on social issues. Dahlkemper, the owner of a large landscaping business and manager of an Erie County arboretum, came from behind to defeat Erie County Concilman Kyle Foust, the endorsed Democratic candidate. She then went on to narrowly unseat (with 52% of the vote) Congressman Phil English, a moderate Republican who had maintained good relations with labor, by attacking his ties to the Bush administration and for failing to follow through on a promise to retire after six terms. During her first term, Dahlkemper has served as a member of the Blue Dog Coalition of conservative Democrats, which has allowed her to keep a middle ground image. However, her vote in favor of healthcare legislation and the lack of an entrenched image in certain corners of the district left her vulnerable.
In 2010, Dahlkemper faced a primary challenge from former foreign affairs official Mel Marin, winning with 73% of the vote. Republicans focused heavily on regaining the seat, and six GOP candidates earned spots on the ballot: automobile dealer Mike Kelly, manufacturing executive Paul Huber, pharmaceutical representative Clayton Grabb, physician Steve Fisher, factory foreman Ed Franz, and accountant Martha Moore. Kelly and Huber far outraised the remaining four challengers, and they became entangled in an expensive campaign. Kelly was eventually victorious, winning 28% of the vote to Huber's 27% in the factious affair.
Kelly, a former member of the Butler City Council, had a base of support in the heavily Republican Butler County, while Dahlkemper was well known in Erie, the center of population for the district. Other small cities in the district, such as Sharon and Meadville were swing regions, with a slightly conservative tilt that balanced out strongly Democratic Erie. John McCain carried the 3rd District by a 49%-48% margin, which reflects the political balance of the area.
- PA - District 3 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
Polling
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Kathy Dahlkemper (D) | Mike Kelly (R) | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Hill/ANG Alliance | September 25–27, 2010 | 401 | ± 4.9% | 36% | 49% | 15% |
Franklin-Marshall | September 14–19, 2010 | 482 | ± 4.5% | 38% | 44% | 18% |
The Polling Company | July 29-August 1, 2010 | 314 | ± 5.5% | 46% | 42% | 11% |
District 4
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Jason Altmire | 120,827 | 50.8 | |
Republican | Keith Rothfus | 116,958 | 49.2 | |
Total votes | 237,785 | 100 | ||
Turnout |
Democratic incumbent Jason Altmire ran for re-election and faced Republican attorney Keith Rothfus (campaign website, PVS). In 2008, McCain carried this district with 55% of the vote.
Altmire narrowly won re-elected with 50.8% of the vote.[2]
- PA - District 4 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 5
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Glenn Thompson | 127,427 | 68.7 | |
Democratic | Michael Pipe | 52,375 | 28.2 | |
Libertarian | Vernon Etzel | 5,710 | 3.1 | |
Total votes | 185,512 | 100 |
Republican incumbent Glenn "G.T." Thompson successfully ran for re-election. He defeated Democrat Michael Pipe (campaign website, PVS) and Libertarian Vernon Etzel (PVS). In 2008, McCain carried this district with 55% of the vote.
- PA - District 5 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 6
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Jim Gerlach | 133,770 | 57.1 | |
Democratic | Manan Trivedi | 100,493 | 42.9 | |
Total votes | 234,263 | 100 |
Republican incumbent Jim Gerlach successfully ran for re-election. He defeated Democrat Iraq War veteran Manan Trivedi (campaign website, PVS). In 2008, Obama carried this district with 58% of the vote.
- PA - District 6 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 7
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Pat Meehan | 134,751 | 54.9 | |
Democratic | Bryan Lentz | 108,197 | 44.1 | |
independent (politician) | Jim Schneller | 2,670 | 1.1 | |
Total votes | 245,618 | 100 | ||
Turnout |
Democratic incumbent Joe Sestak retired to run for the U.S. Senate. Democratic nominee State Representative Bryan Lentz faced Republican nominee U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan and American Constitution Party (independent) nominee Jim Schneller (campaign site, PVS).
- PA - District 7 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 8
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Mike Fitzpatrick | 130,759 | 53.5 | |
Democratic | Patrick Murphy | 113,547 | 46.5 | |
Total votes | 244,306 | 100 | ||
Turnout |
Democratic incumbent Patrick Murphy unsuccessfully ran for re-election. He was defeated by Republican former U.S. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. In 2008, Obama carried this district with 54% of the vote.
- PA - District 8 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
Polling
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Patrick Murphy (D) | Mike Fitzpatrick (R) | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Franklin-Marshall | September 14–19, 2010 | 464 | ± 4.6% | 35% | 49% | 15% |
Franklin-Marshall | October 14–19, 2010 | 464 | ± 4.6% | 40% | 47% | 5% |
Franklin-Marshall | October 24–29, 2010 | 464 | ± 4.6% | 35% | 55% | 5% |
District 9
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Bill Shuster | 141,904 | 73.1 | |
Democratic | Tom Conners | 52,322 | 26.9 | |
Total votes | 194,226 | 100 |
Republican incumbent Bill Shuster successfully ran for re-election. He defeated Democrat Tom Conners (campaign website, PVS) and Independent Chad Clopper (campaign website).
- PA - District 9 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 10
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Tom Marino | 110,599 | 55.2 | |
Democratic | Chris Carney | 89,846 | 44.8 | |
Total votes | 200,445 | 100 |
Democratic incumbent Chris Carney unsuccessfully ran for re-election, losing to Republican nominee U.S. Attorney Tom Marino. In 2008, McCain carried this district with 54% of the vote.
- PA - District 10 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 11
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Lou Barletta | 102,179 | 54.7 | |
Democratic | Paul Kanjorski | 84,618 | 45.3 | |
Total votes | 186,797 | 100 |
Democratic incumbent Paul E. Kanjorski unsuccessfully ran for re-election, losing to Republican Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta.[3] In 2008, Obama carried this district with 57% of the vote.
Kanjorski faced Corey O'Brien and Brian Kelly in the May 2010 Democratic primary, and won with 49.3% of the primary vote.
- PA - District 11 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 12
Special election
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Mark Critz | 72,218 | 52.6 | |
Republican | Tim Burns | 61,722 | 45.0 | |
Libertarian | Demo Agoris | 3,249 | 2.4 | |
Total votes | 137,189 | 100 |
General election
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Mark Critz | 94,056 | 50.8 | |
Republican | Tim Burns | 91,170 | 49.2 | |
Total votes | 185,226 | 100 |
Democrat Mark Critz won a May 2010 special election to replace John Murtha, who served the district for 36 years. He faced Republican businessman Tim Burns. Critz again defeated Burns in the regularly scheduled November general election. In 2008, McCain carried this district with 49% of the vote.
- PA - District 12 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
- Pennsylvania 12th District Candidates debate on C-SPAN, May 5, 2010 (1:00:00)
District 13
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Allyson Schwartz | 118,710 | 56.3 | |
Republican | Dee Adcock | 91,987 | 43.7 | |
Total votes | 210,697 | 100 |
Democratic incumbent Allyson Schwartz successfully ran for re-election. She defeated Republican Dee Adcock (campaign website, PVS). Obama carried this district with 59% of the vote.
- PA - District 13 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 14
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Mike Doyle | 122,073 | 68.8 | |
Republican | Melissa Haluszczak | 49,997 | 28.2 | |
Green | Ed Bortz | 5,400 | 3.0 | |
Total votes | 177,470 | 100 |
Democratic incumbent Mike Doyle successfully ran for re-election. He defeated Republican Melissa Haluszczak (campaign website, PVS) and Green Party nominee Ed Bortz (campaign site, PVS). In 2008, Doyle received 91% of the vote and Obama carried this district with 70% of the vote.
- PA - District 14 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 15
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Charlie Dent | 109,534 | 53.6 | |
Democratic | John B. Callahan | 79,766 | 39.0 | |
independent (politician) | Jake Towne | 15,248 | 7.5 | |
Total votes | 204,548 | 100 | ||
Turnout |
Republican incumbent Charlie Dent successfully ran for re-election. He defeated Democrat Bethlehem Mayor John B. Callahan and Independent Jake Towne (campaign site, PVS). In 2008, Obama carried this district with 56% of the vote.
- PA - District 15 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
Polling
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
John Callahan (D) | Charlie Dent (R) | Jake Towne (I) | Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning Call/Muhlenberg | September 11–15, 2010 | 496 | ± 5.0% | 38% | 49% | 3% | 10% |
District 16
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Joe Pitts | 134,113 | 65.4 | |
Democratic | Lois Herr | 70,994 | 34.6 | |
Total votes | 205,107 | 100 |
Republican incumbent Joe Pitts successfully ran for re-election. He again defeated Democratic nominee Lois Herr. In 2008, McCain carried the district with 51% of the vote.
- PA - District 16 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 17
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Tim Holden | 118,486 | 55.5 | |
Republican | Dave Argall | 95,000 | 44.5 | |
Total votes | 213,486 | 100 |
Democratic incumbent Tim Holden successfully ran for re-election. He defeated Republican State Senator Dave Argall. In 2008, McCain carried this district with 51% of the vote.
- PA - District 17 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 18
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Tim Murphy | 161,888 | 67.3 | |
Democratic | Dan Connolly | 78,558 | 32.7 | |
Total votes | 240,446 | 100 |
Republican incumbent Tim Murphy successfully ran for re-election. He defeated Democrat Dan Connolly (campaign website, PVS). In 2008, McCain carried this district with 55% of the vote.
- PA - District 18 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
District 19
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Todd Platts | 165,219 | 71.9 | |
Democratic | Ryan Sanders | 53,549 | 23.3 | |
Independence | Joshua Monighan | 10,988 | 4.8 | |
Total votes | 229,756 | 100 |
Republican incumbent Todd Platts successfully ran for re-election. He defeated Democrat Ryan Sanders (campaign website, PVS) and Independence Party nominee Joshua Monighan (campaign site, PVS).[4][5] In 2008, McCain carried this district with 56% of the vote.
- PA - District 19 from OurCampaigns.com
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.org
References
- ^ Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
- ^ a b c "2010 General Election - Representative in Congress". Commonwealth of PA - Elections Information. Pennsylvania Department of State. 2010. Retrieved 2013-05-18.
- ^ Kanjorski wins easily; eyes Barletta rematch Archived 2012-03-08 at the Wayback Machine, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Timesleader.com. Retrieved on 2010-07-12.
- ^ "Pennsylvania Primary Results". Fox News. Archived from the original on May 23, 2010.
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External links
- Pennsylvania Secretary of State
- U.S. Congress Candidates for Pennsylvania at Project Vote Smart
- Pennsylvania U.S. House from OurCampaigns.com
- Campaign contributions for U.S. Congressional races in Pennsylvania from OpenSecrets.org
- 2010 Pennsylvania General Election graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com
- House - Pennsylvania from the Cook Political Report