Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, April 9, 2026

Pennsylvania

PA Governor’s Race Fundraising Numbers

Governor Josh Shapiro widens his fundraising lead over gubernatorial candidate and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity according to new Q1 campaign finance reports, with Governor Shapiro’s reported contributions and receipts totaling $10.5 million in the quarter ending March 31, and Treasurer Garrity reported just over $1 million. Governor Shapiro currently has over $36 million cash on hand and Treasurer Garrity has $1.5 million moving forward during the 2026 election cycle. Governor Shapiro’s campaign is fueled by major contributions including $1 million from Ripple executive Chris Larsen and significant sums from labor unions and national figures, while Treasurer Garrity’s fundraising is supported by a mix of Republican committees, regional PACs, and donors from the real estate and skill games industries.

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PA House 12th District Special Election

Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-191-Philadelphia/Delaware) issued a writ of election requiring state and local officials to hold a special election for District 12 on August 18 following the resignation of Republican Stephenie Scialabba. Butler County commissioner Leslie Osche stated that she is disappointed that the district will be without representation during the budget negotiations process, with the budget due on June 30. The vacancy leaves the House with a narrow 102-99 Democratic majority, with another special election set for May 19 to fill the seat vacated by Republican Seth Grove in the 196th District.

PA Primary Election Guides

Spotlight PA released a list of primary election guides that consist of information on the Governor’s race and State House and Senate races. The guides on the Democratic gubernatorial candidate and current Governor Josh Shapiro and the Republican gubernatorial candidate and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity provides information on each candidates’ biographies, accomplishments, and positions on policies such as education, elections, energy, climate, and data centers, taxes, economic development, and the justice system. Another guide provides a framework for Pennsylvania voters to vet state legislative candidates ahead of the 2026 primary by outlining how to research incumbent voting records, analyze campaign finance data, and interpret organizational endorsements. Click here for Spotlight PA’s 2026 voting guides.

Philadelphia

ICE Agents to Depart Philadelphia International Airport

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are set to leave Philadelphia International Airport following their temporary deployment to assist with security queue management during the recent Department of Homeland Security shutdown. During a City Council budget hearing, interim CEO Tracy Borda confirmed that while the agents were “well trained” and their stay resulted in “no issues” or arrests, they are no longer needed as federal operations stabilize. The transition comes as the airport’s proposed $599.5 million budget for fiscal year 2027 is aimed at infrastructure upgrades ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebrations.

Pittsburgh

City Council Approves Diverting $2M in Fleet Funds to Cover Budget Gaps

Pittsburgh City Council preliminarily approved Mayor Corey O’Connor’s plan to reallocate $2 million originally earmarked for ambulances to address broader budget deficits. The administration argued the move was justified by a recent $10 million UPMC donation for emergency vehicles, which allowed the city to shift its own funds toward underfunded areas like bridge maintenance and health care costs. While Councilwoman Barb Warwick (D) opposed the shift, citing a “dire” vehicle shortage and high repair costs for aging snowplows and fire trucks, the majority of the council viewed the reallocation as a necessary step to balance the city’s $28 million spending gap.

City Council Formally Restricts ICE Cooperation

Pittsburgh City Council unanimously approved legislation formally codifying a long-standing policy that prohibits city law enforcement and employees from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The new law prevents the city from entering into a 287(g) agreement, which would have allowed local police to perform certain Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) duties, and establishes enforcement mechanisms through the Citizen Police Review Board and the Office of Municipal Investigations for any violations. Council also passed a bill requiring a comprehensive report on city surveillance technologies, while delaying two more restrictive measures, including a ban on ICE using city-owned property, for further legal review.

NFL Draft Security Upgrades

Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) are calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to elevate the security rating for the 2026 NFL Draft from Level 3 to Level 2. The request cited the massive expected crowd of 700,000 fans, the potential presence of President Donald Trump, and heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran as reasons for increased federal support. A Level 2 designation would provide additional resources, including counter-drone technology, K9 units, and enhanced intelligence sharing for open-air venues at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium. While DHS has yet to grant the upgrade, Pennsylvania leaders argue the draft’s global profile necessitates a more robust interagency response.

Federal

Governor Shapiro Attends Unofficial Presidential Nomination Conference

Governor Josh Shapiro joined several top-tier Democrats in New York this week for Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network conference, a key testing ground for the party’s unofficial 2028 presidential nomination contest. Governor Shapiro delivered a sharp critique of President Donald Trump, calling for the upcoming 2026 midterms to be a “national referendum” on the current administration’s leadership and its impact on social cohesion. The governor also hinted at a potential 2028 presidential run, stating that he wants to “be a part of that conversation” as Democrats consider the party’s direction. The four-day event features other potential contenders, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, among others.

PA Reactions to President Trump’s Rhetoric on the Iran War

After President Donald Trump’s increasingly sharp rhetoric and threats against Iran on social media, U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Summer Lee (D-PA-12) have called for the President’s removal from office, condemning his threats against Iran as unfit for the presidency and demanding an immediate War Powers resolution. U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15) defended the President, stating that while he may disagree with the specific language, he supports the administration’s commitment to securing a national security deal regarding Iran’s history of state-sponsored terrorism. U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) also separately cited “moral clarity” over his unwavering support for Israel and President Trump’s war with Iran. The U.S. and Iran have agreed to a two-week temporary ceasefire following President Trump’s threats toward Iran as negotiations continue in Pakistan.

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