Federal Judge Upholds PA State Sen. Jim Brewster's Election

HARRISBURG, PA — A federal judge has upheld the election victory of a Democratic Allegheny County state senator whose swearing-in was delayed last week by a Senate Republican majority. The refusal to seat Sen. Jim Brewster of the 45th Senatorial District made national headlines after the shouting match it prompted on the Senate floor.

Brewster's election was upheld by U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.

Brewster won by 69 votes in November. His election was challenged by his Republican opponent, Nicole Ziccarelli. She filed a lawsuit in in federal court challenging undated mail-in ballots.

Citing Ziccarelli's challenge, Republicans refused to seat Brewster last week. The situation drew national headlines after the contentious proceedings regarding Brewster's status led Republicans to remove Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman from presiding over the ceremony.

Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday immediately called for the Senate to swear in Brewster.

“The voters decide elections, not powerful Harrisburg politicians," Wolf said.

"Senate Republicans may not like the outcome of the election, but they cannot overturn the will of the people in western Pennsylvania or ignore court decisions. The people’s ballots are counted, and the results are accurate. Refusing to seat Sen. Brewster and leaving the district without a voice would be unethical and undemocratic. The Senate Republicans have no choice. Sen. Brewster must be sworn in."