Whenever a member of the House or Senate leaves office before their term is over, it is necessary to call a special election so that his or her constituency does not go without representation for the remainder of the term. This year could be a banner year for special elections in Pennsylvania; five retirements in the House and Senate will give rise to five special elections, and we’re only about a quarter of the way through the two year term.
Two special elections have already come and gone. In March, Republican Martina White defeated Democrat Sarah Del Ricci to represent the 170th Legislative District. The 170th became vacant when former State Rep. Brendan Boyle (D) was elected to Congress. Just last week, seated Democratic State Rep. John Sabatina, Jr. defeated Republican Tim Daily in a special election for the 5th Senatorial District. That seat was previously held by now Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack. Both districts are in the Philadelphia area.
However, in short order we can expect three more special elections. The 87th Legislative District in Cumberland County is vacant now due to the retirement of Rep. Glen Grell (R) , who will now serve as the Executive Director at PSERS . The 161st Legislative District in Delaware County is also vacant due to the retirement of Joe Hackett (R).
Finally, Sabatina’s victory to replace Stack will force yet another special election for his House seat in the 174th Legislative District. If Sabatina announces his retirement very soon, there will be enough time for that election to also be held on August 4.
The timing of Sabatina’s retirement is critical because the Election Code lays forth a very strict timeline for scheduling special sessions. The Election Code provides that when it is necessary to call a special election, the officer who presides over the chamber where the vacancy occurs (Speaker Mike Turzai in the House and Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack on the Senate side) must set the date of the special election within 10 days of the vacancy. The special election can be held after at least 60days after that announcement and is often scheduled to coincide with the next subsequent primary, municipal or general election. To date, Speaker Turzai has scheduled the special election for the 87th and 161st Legislative Districts for Tuesday, August 4. The timing of Rep. Sabatina’s official resignation from the House of Representatives will determine whether or not a special election for his House seat can also be held that day. As always, as soon as we know that to be the case, you’ll know, too. Stay tuned to this blog or follow us on Twitter @BuchananGov for updates.