One Pa. Senate race clear, one still cloudy
The outcome in one notable state Senate election was indisputable Wednesday - though another wasn't as clear. In Pennsylvania's Ninth District, Republican State Rep. Tom Killion coasted to victory Tuesday in a special election for the seat, defeating Democratic newcomer Marty Molloy by a nearly 3-2 ratio. Killion's win means the seven-term representative will begin serving as a senator almost immediately.
The outcome in one notable state Senate election was indisputable Wednesday - though another wasn't as clear.
In Pennsylvania's Ninth District, Republican State Rep. Tom Killion coasted to victory Tuesday in a special election for the seat, defeating Democratic newcomer Marty Molloy by a nearly 3-2 ratio. Killion's win means the seven-term representative will begin serving as a senator almost immediately.
The district stretches across parts of Delaware and Chester Counties. The seat was previously held by former Majority Leader Dominic F. Pileggi, who left to become a Delaware County judge. It has been in Republican control for more than a half-century.
Democrats had hoped to turn the seat blue, but Molloy faced big obstacles: a massive campaign-funding deficit and a battle against Delaware County's highly organized and highly effective Republican Party.
Still, Molloy's bid for the seat is not over. Pileggi's term expires at the end of this year, so he and Killion will face off again in November, when Democrats hope the presidential race boosts party turnout.
Things were not as settled in the Democratic primary for the Fifth Senatorial District, which extends across most of Northeast Philadelphia. Unofficial results showed Sen. John Sabatina Jr. appeared to eke out a win by about 600 votes, out of 33,000 cast, over State Rep. Kevin J. Boyle.
By Wednesday afternoon, only 97.9 percent of precincts had reported their results. Officials said they were still waiting for votes from 36 precincts, leaving it unclear if Sabatina's win would stand.
The City Commissioners' Office could not say which precincts were outstanding or how they might affect the outcome.
It was also unclear if Boyle, younger brother of U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, would challenge the tally. Neither he nor Sabatina could not be reached for comment.
The winner will face Ross Eric Feinberg in November. He was unopposed in the Republican primary.
610-313-8113
@mccabe_caitlin