Franklin County, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis campaigned in Mercer County days before Election Day, Nov. 3, urging turnout for Democratic candidates. Davis pledged Pennsylvania would not become a right-to-work state if reelected, emphasizing workers' rights to union representation, health care, and negotiated wages. Both officials endorsed Justin Wagner, a Democrat challenging incumbent Michael Kelly in the 16th Congressional District, who criticized his opponent's nearly 16-year record of prioritizing PAC donors over Western Pennsylvania. Shapiro framed the election as a moment for voters to push back against political dysfunction and reaffirmed his commitment to serving constituents if given another term.

Republican state Rep. Skyler Rude of Walla Walla announced he will resign from his 16th Legislative District seat on Oct. 31, taking a job the next day as legislative director for Democratic Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. His name will still appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, where he faces Democratic challenger Derek Sarley.

Rude said the job offer became final only days before his announcement and he chose to disclose it before the election rather than wait, calling transparency a priority. If Rude wins, Republican precinct officers and officials across the district's four counties — Walla Walla, Franklin, Benton and Grant — would appoint his replacement, creating two vacancies to fill given the new term starts in January. If Sarley wins, Republicans could still appoint a replacement to serve out Rude's remaining term until Sarley is sworn in.

Rude, first elected in 2018, serves as assistant House floor leader and ranking Republican on the Education Committee. He urged voters who want a Republican successor to vote for him despite his departure.