Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Pennsylvania

PA’s 2025 Primary Elections Run Smoothly

Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt called the 2025 primary elections “relatively calm and successful,” with only minor issues reported statewide. Despite the complexity of local races, voter turnout and hotline calls were typical, reflecting an improved voting experience overall. The elections were defined by Republican court upsets, mayoral shakeups, and generally strong incumbent showings. Republican candidates Matthew Wolford and Maria Battista won their respective primaries for Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth and Superior Courts and will face Democratic nominees Stella Tsai and Brandon Neuman in the general election. 

Lawmakers Scale Back Hospital Merger Oversight Bill

Pennsylvania lawmakers narrowed a proposed hospital merger oversight bill to focus only on private equity, excluding nonprofit hospitals. While some officials support broader regulation, they acknowledge political challenges in advancing more comprehensive legislation. Spotlight PA has more.

PA Awards $22.5M in Solar Grants to Help Schools Cut Energy Costs

Pennsylvania awarded $22.5 million in Solar for Schools grants to 73 schools statewide to support solar energy projects aimed at reducing utility costs and creating construction jobs, with hopes for additional funding in the next state budget. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

Report Finds Opioid Crisis Cost PA More Than $232B in 2024

A new report reveals opioid use disorder cost Pennsylvania more than $232 billion in 2024, over 5% of the state’s GDP and exceeding the national per-case average. While individuals bear most of the financial burden, treatment combining behavioral therapy and medication could save up to $295,000 per case. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Handheld Device Ban for Drivers Takes Effect June 5

Starting June 5, Pennsylvania will ban handheld cell phone use while driving, including at red lights, with violators receiving warnings for the first year and fines beginning in 2026. WESA has more.

Philadelphia

DA Krasner Poised for Third Term, Voters Approve 3 Ballot Measures

District Attorney Larry Krasner is on track for a third term after winning the Democratic primary. Meanwhile, Philadelphia voters approved ballot measures to boost affordable housing funding, create a homelessness ombudsperson, and enhance prison oversight.

City Council Bill Seeks to Enforce Developer Promises on Affordable Housing

A Philadelphia City Council bill would require developers seeking zoning variances to legally commit to building affordable housing units they promise to communities with the goal of increasing accountability and strengthening trust in the development process. WHYY has more.

Pittsburgh

O’Connor Defeats Incumbent Mayor Gainey in Pittsburgh Primary

Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor won the Democratic primary for Pittsburgh mayor, defeating incumbent Ed Gainey by focusing on concerns over crime, housing, and City finances. With Pittsburgh’s strong Democratic lean, O’Connor is now the frontrunner for the general election, while Republican nominee Tony Moreno secured his party’s nomination with over 60% of the vote. WESA has more.

Federal

Senate Set to Revise President Trump’s Budget Bill After House Approval

The U.S. House narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s major tax-and-immigration budget bill, which now moves to the Senate for expected revisions on key provisions like Medicaid and tax deductions. Senate Republicans aim to finalize the bill by July 4 using budget reconciliation, though procedural hurdles and internal disagreements may complicate its path to becoming law. The Washington Post has more.

Food Banks Urge Congress to Protect Nutrition Aid for 38,000 PA Seniors

Food banks across Pennsylvania are urging Congress to maintain funding for a USDA program that provides monthly food packages to low-income seniors, warning that proposed federal cuts could jeopardize aid for 38,000 residents. The program, praised for its nutritional impact and delivery success, faces elimination under a new proposal to replace it with farmer-sourced food boxes. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star had more.

PA State Rep. Kenyatta Faces DNC Revote Amid Procedural Dispute

Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) criticized the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) decision to redo its vice chair election as a distracting controversy, while defending the legitimacy of the original February vote and expressing concern over the party’s focus. The Philadelphia Tribune 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.

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