Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, January 15, 2026

January 15, 2026

Editor’s note: The Pennsylvania Perspective will be taking a break for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Regular updates will resume on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Pennsylvania

Lawmakers Signal 2026 Reelection and Retirement Plans

A preliminary list of Pennsylvania General Assembly members have announced their intentions for the 2026 election cycle. The early declarations include several incumbents in both the state House and Senate who intend to defend their seats in the November midterm, while several lawmakers in competitive districts have confirmed they will not seek reelection. These announcements begin to shape the electoral map as both parties prepare for a high stakes cycle that will determine the balance of power in Harrisburg. PoliticsPA has more.

Subscribe

Legislative Debate Intensifies Over Data Center Expansion

State lawmakers are weighing a range of proposals to regulate the rapid growth of data centers across the commonwealth as residents raise concerns over water usage, energy costs, and environmental impacts. While some legislative leaders and the executive branch have embraced these projects as vital for economic competition and job creation, other members of the General Assembly are advocating for increased oversight or temporary pauses on development. Proposed measures include accelerating the permitting process, incentivizing clean energy use, mandating resource usage reports, and establishing community involvement standards to protect local interests. Spotlight PA has more.

Treasurer Garrity Navigates Search for 2026 Running Mate

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity is evaluating potential running mates for her 2026 gubernatorial bid as the state Republican Party approaches its winter meeting and endorsement deadline. While Garrity has secured early party backing for the top of the ticket, only two candidates have officially entered the race for lieutenant governor: State Senator Cris Dush (R-25-Jefferson) and Bucks County businessman Brian Thomas. Other figures including former State Representative Rick Saccone and State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33-Adams/Franklin) have expressed interest in the role, though party leaders remain divided over whether a conservative or more moderate partner would best help the ticket challenge Governor Josh Shapiro. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

IFO Releases SNAP Update Amidst New Federal Requirements

The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), the state agency responsible for providing revenue projections and impartial analysis for state legislators, has released a budget brief that uses the latest SNAP benefits data for December 2025. For the second consecutive month, the data show that the number of enrollees declined by 160,000 (-8%) from the prior year as new work requirements took effect. This update comes as new federal work requirements and time limits go into effect. View the report here.

Philadelphia

District Attorney and Sheriff Reiterate Warnings Against Federal Agents

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and Sheriff Rochelle Bilal doubled down on pledges to arrest federal immigration agents who violate state law during a news conference. The officials emphasized that any federal agents committing crimes in Philadelphia would face local prosecution and jail time, regardless of potential federal pardons. The rhetoric follows national attention on the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis by an ICE agent. In response to Sheriff Bilal’s criticism of ICE agents, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel issued a clarifying statement to distinguish the separate jurisdictions of his department and the Sheriff’s Office. WHYY has more.

Affordable Housing and Tenant Protections on Council Agenda

Philadelphia City Council is set to open its new session with a focus on resolving the city’s affordable housing crisis and strengthening renter protections. Lawmakers are expected to finalize the borrowing of an initial $277 million for Mayor Cherelle Parker’s $2 billion H.O.M.E. initiative, following a lengthy debate that shifted funding priority toward the city’s lowest income residents. Additionally, the administration is preparing a new 20 year tax abatement program for developers who convert underutilized commercial and industrial buildings into residential units. Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke also plans to reintroduce the Safe Healthy Homes Act, which includes a controversial proposal for the city’s first proactive rental inspection program and expanded legal protections against landlord retaliation. WHYY has more.

Federal

Senator McCormick to Recuse From Meta-Specific Business

U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R) announced he will recuse himself from Senate matters specifically involving Meta following the appointment of his wife, Dina Powell McCormick, as president and vice chairman of the company. While stepping back from direct dealings with the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, the Pennsylvania Republican intends to remain a leader on broader industry issues including artificial intelligence (AI) and social media guidelines. Ethics experts noted that navigating these potential conflicts may be complex given the company’s significant impact on the Commonwealth’s energy and technology sectors. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

New Poll Shows Top Issues for Pennsylvania Voters Ahead of 2026 Elections

A new poll reveals dissatisfaction among Pennsylvania voters regarding the nation’s direction, with 57% of respondents disapproving of President Donald Trump. While the federal outlook remains strained, Governor Josh Shapiro enters his reelection campaign with strong momentum, as 58% of voters indicated they would support him for a second term. The survey also highlights a polarized landscape for Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senators. Senator Dave McCormick (R) holds a 37% approval rating against 43% disapproval, while Senator John Fetterman (D) sits at 44% approval and 46% disapproval. Top concerns for Pennsylvania voters remain centered on the economy and healthcare, followed by taxes, immigration, government spending, education, national security, abortion, foreign policy, and energy. PennLive has more.

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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News