Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, April 6, 2026

April 6, 2026

Pennsylvania

Three Mile Island Restart Signals Economic Revitalization

The restart of the Crane Clean Energy Center, formerly Three Mile Island Unit 1, is being hailed by local lawmakers as a major economic victory for Central Pennsylvania. State Senator Patty Kim (D-15-Dauphin) and State Representative Tom Mehaffie (R-106-Dauphin) highlighted the return of hundreds of high-skilled, family-sustaining jobs that were lost when the facility shuttered in 2019. Under an agreement between plant owner Constellation and Microsoft, the facility will provide carbon-free power to the grid, supporting both growing electricity demands and regional grid stability. The project has garnered bipartisan support, with both Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visiting the site to endorse its role in Pennsylvania’s energy future.

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Philadelphia

PA-3 House Race Narrows Ahead of Primary Election

The Democratic primary to succeed retiring U.S. Representative Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) has consolidated into a three-way contest between physician Dr. Ala Stanford, State Senator Sharif Street (D-3-Philadelphia), and State Representative Chris Rabb (D-200-Philadelphia). Dr. Stanford currently leads the airwaves with $2 million in support from the 314 Action Fund super PAC, while Senator Street holds the backing of the Democratic City Committee and the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council. Representative Rabb is positioning himself as the progressive, anti-establishment candidate, relying on a grassroots organization to counter his opponents’ financial advantages. The race remains fluid as candidates vie for a decisive voting coalition and a potential endorsement from Mayor Cherelle Parker.

Pittsburgh

Mayor O’Connor Secures $18 Million Through Nonprofit Partnerships

Mayor Corey O’Connor has secured over $18 million in commitments from major nonprofits and corporations, signaling a shift toward collaboration over past litigation. Contributions include $10 million from UPMC for new ambulances, $5 million from the University of Pittsburgh for parks, $2 million from the PNC Foundation for snow removal equipment, $750,000 from The Heinz Endowments to help finish a citywide comprehensive plan, and $600,00 from the Pirates and Pennsylvania Laborers’ District Council to upgrade and renovate city baseball fields. By aligning requests with the specific missions of tax-exempt institutions, the administration aims to address a $28.3 million budget gap and underfunded city obligations without the protracted legal battles seen in previous years.

Federal

Governor Shapiro Joins Multistate Lawsuit Over Federal Voting Order

Governor Josh Shapiro joined officials from 22 other states in a lawsuit against a new federal executive order that restricts mail voting and mandates the creation of a national eligible voter list. The lawsuit argues that the directive exceeds presidential authority by interfering with the constitutional power of states to manage their own elections and potentially allowing federal agencies to withhold funds from noncompliant jurisdictions. Governor Shapiro characterized the order as an unconstitutional attempt to interfere with the 2026 midterms, making this his 22nd legal challenge against the administration since 2025. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday (R) declined to participate in “political lawsuits”, stating his office would remain focused on core prosecutorial duties.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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