Pennsylvania voters will head to the polls on February 24, 2026, to elect representatives for two vacant state House seats. The 22nd District in Lehigh County and the 42nd District in Allegheny County became vacant after the November election when their incumbents were elected to new offices.
Rep. Joshua Siegel (D) of the 22nd District will serve as Lehigh County’s next county executive, while Rep. Dan Miller (D) of the 42nd District was elected to the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. Both lawmakers resigned on Wednesday, allowing House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) to issue writs of election, formally scheduling the special elections.
These elections could carry significant consequences for the state House, where Democrats hold just a one-seat majority. Control of the chamber may be influenced by the outcomes in these districts.
Unlike regular elections, special elections do not include primaries. Political parties directly nominate their candidates, and the winners serve the remainder of the unexpired terms.
Election officials and party leaders are now preparing for campaigns in both districts, focusing on voter turnout and outreach to secure these key seats.
The upcoming special elections will give residents in Lehigh and Allegheny counties the opportunity to select new representation and could impact legislative priorities in Pennsylvania for the remainder of the current term.
