Democrats take full control of Pennsylvania government. What does it mean for schools?
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. Pennsylvania’s legislature will no longer be divided. Tuesday night’s Democratic midterm election sweep handed the party control of the swing state’s governorship and both chambers of the General…
Democrats have taken full control of Pennsylvania's government following a sweep in the midterm elections, potentially bringing significant changes to statewide education policy. The Democratic trifecta includes control of the governor's mansion, the state House, and the state Senate for the first time since 1993. Governor Josh Shapiro secured reelection, while Democrats gained a majority in the state House and secured control of the state Senate, marking a shift that advocates hope will accelerate school funding efforts.
Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson expressed optimism about the Democratic takeover, stating, "This shift will help us move our priorities forward and deliver on the issues that matter most to Philadelphians, including education." However, achieving increased funding for public schools is not guaranteed.
A 2023 Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruling deems the state's school funding system unconstitutional, and despite annual increases in K-12 public school spending, districts remain $3.3 billion in debt. Republicans have opposed the funding formula, favoring expanded school choice and voucher programs instead.
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur Steinberg emphasized that the Democratic victory does not automatically guarantee the closure of the district's multimillion-dollar budget deficit. Enrollment in Philadelphia Public Schools continues to decline, and the district's plan to close 17 schools has faced criticism from the City Council and several Democratic state lawmakers.
Additionally, supporters of the federal government's education tax-credit scholarship program see the Democrats' victory as an opportunity to expand school choice funding. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who won her race decisively after embracing the Trump-backed education tax credit, could encourage other Democratic governors to opt-in, as governors have until January 1, 2027, to do so.
Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform, expressed pride in working with Governor Shapiro for Pennsylvania's students, noting that Democrats can invest in public schools and support families with more educational options simultaneously.
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