PA Primary 2018: Congressional, Senate and Gubernatorial Races

PITTSBURGH, PA - With all new congressional districts across Pennsylvania since the last general election, the May 15 Pennsylvania primary could prove confusing for some.

After all, some people who didn’t live in the old 18th Congressional District tried to vote in the March special election to fill the vacant seat there. That was before the new district boundaries went into effect.

So it might be best to familiarize yourself with this Patch guide to the primary that won’t just touch on congressional races. But since the new districts are bound to cause the most uncertainty among voters, it’s probably best to begin with them.

14th District

State Rep. Rick Saccone of Elizabeth, who narrowly lost to Conor Lamb in the 18th District special election, will take on state Sen. Guy Reschenthaler of Jefferson Hills for the Republican nomination.

Seeking the Democratic nomination are scientific researcher Thomas Prigg of Mccandless; physician Robert Solomon of McCandless; former automotive executive Bibiana Boerio of Unity, Westmoreland County and psychologist Adam Sedlock of Wharton, Fayette County.

17th District

Lamb, who was sworn in last week as the 18th District representative, will run against financial professional Ray Linsenmayer of McCandless for the Democratic nomination. The winner will face U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus of Sewickley, who is running unopposed for the GOP nomination.

18th District

Democrat Mike Doyle, 64, has served in the House since 1995 and is Pennsylvania's longest-tenured congressman. He will face Janis Brooks, a former pastor, in the primary.

U.S. Senate

Two-term Democratic incumbent Bob Casey Jr., 57, is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. He’ll face the winner of the Republican race pitting U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta of Hazleton against state Rep. Jim Christiana of Beaver County.

Pennsylvania Governor

Incumbent Tom Wolf is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Vying for the Republican nomination are State Sen. Scott Wagner of York County, retired businessman and U.S. Army veteran Paul Mango of Pittsburgh and attorney Laura Ellsworth of Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor

Incumbent Mike Stack faces a plethora of Democratic challengers, including Braddock Mayor John Fetterman, Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone, Lancaster County Commissioner Craig Lehman, Montgomery County Commissioner Ray Sosa and Nina Ahmad, a former aide to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.

Republicans seeking the nomination are Washington County Commissioner Diane Irey Vaughan, management consultant and Allegheny County resident Kathleen Coder, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale, Montgomery County developer Jeff Bartos and pro-life advocate Peg Luksik.

Feature photo of voters via Shutterstock. Map via Pennsylvania Supreme Court.