Democrats are waking up with control of the U.S. House, while here at home, both parties are looking at what local results mean moving forward.
From the Sheraton Erie Bayfront to Republican headquarters on Peninsula Drive, supporters on both sides watched as Erie County voters made their choices.
For Democrats, one of those victories belonged to Ryan Bizzarro, who defeated Republican challenger Donna Reese in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Legislative District.
Heading into another term, Bizzarro says affordability remains a priority.
“It has been a signature part of my campaign, affordability issues have, and I’ve had a long history of fighting for affordability issues in Harrisburg. Now granted, it looks like we’re gonna be a little bit closer in the Senate, so we’re gonna be able to get more things done to help alleviate some of those financial concerns for consumers and for Pennsylvania. So I’m really excited to start this new term,” said Representative Ryan Bizzarro of Pennsylvania House District 3.
Across town, Republicans gathered at their headquarters, talking about the issues they believe matter to voters.
“We talked about issues, we talked about different things going on and about how far the left has gone,” said William Chuhn, West County Republican Chairman.
Republican State Representative Brad Roae also won another term representing Pennsylvania’s 6th District. He says one election doesn’t necessarily predict the next.
“The political pendulum swings back-and-forth pretty rapidly. Whether it’s a good night or a bad night, a year from now could be completely different, so time will tell,” said Roae.
Back at the Democratic watch party, Erie Democratic Chairman Seth Trott says he sees the results as a sign his party is becoming more united.
“I think across the board it shows that we are becoming a more united front. Over the past 10 years, I think our party has been factionalized a little bit, and we’re starting to see Democrats uniting and getting united across the board, both locally and across the nation,” said Trott.