Elections were held in Pennsylvania on , to fill judicial positions, allow judicial retention votes, and fill numerous county, local and municipal offices, the most prominent being the Mayor of Philadelphia. The necessary primary elections were held on May 16, 2023. In addition, special elections for legislative vacancies could be held at various times in 2023.
One vacancy occurred after Democratic Chief Justice Max Baer died on .
Although McCaffery outraised Carluccio 2-to-1 in direct fundraising, Carluccio received over $4 million in independent expenditures supporting her campaign, primarily through Republican donor Jeff Yass. In comparison, McCaffery only received $330,000 in support from outside groups.
There were two seats up for election.
The election of Jill Beck and Timika Lane, flips the partisan makeup of the Superior Court, from a 8âÂÂ7 Republican majority, to a 9âÂÂ6 Democratic majority. However, the makeup was decreased to a 8âÂÂ6 Democratic majority when Judge Dan McCaffery vacated his seat after being elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
There was one vacancy on the Commonwealth Court when Judge Kevin Brobson vacated his seat after being elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2021.
President Judge Jack A. Panella (D) and Judge Victor P. Stabile (R) were scheduled for retention votes in 2023. Both informed the Pennsylvania Department of State that they would seek retention.
A special election took place after the resignation of City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart in October 2022 to run for mayor.
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Incumbent Stephen Zappala accepted the Republican nomination upon losing the Democratic primary, though he remained a registered Democrat.
On , state senator John Gordner announced his resignation in order to serve as counsel to interim Senate Pro Tempore Kim Ward. Gordner's resignation was effective on November 30. A special election to replace Gordner was held on .
Democrats nominated speech pathologist Patricia Lawton while Republicans nominated State Representative Lynda Schlegel-Culver. Libertarians had nominated business consultant and constable Thomas Anderson, but he failed to file the necessary paperwork in time and his lawsuit for ballot access was denied by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.
Three vacancies in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives opened between Election Day 2022 and the start of the 2023 session in January. The vacancies have made the difference between Democratic and Republican control, and paralyzed the chamber due to representatives' inability to agree on basic operating rules.
On October 9, 2022, incumbent representative Anthony DeLuca died of lymphoma while seeking reelection. The time of his death occurred after the deadline to conduct candidate substitutions, causing his name to remain on the ballot. Despite his death, he defeated Green challenger Queonia Livingston, receiving 85% of the vote. A special election to replace DeLuca was held on .
Democrats nominated Penn Hills Democratic Committee chair Joe McAndrew. Republicans nominated pastor and Army veteran Clay Walker. 2022 Green Party candidate Queonia Livingston had filed nomination papers but they were rejected by the Pennsylvania Department of State.
On On November 8, 2022, incumbent representative Summer Lee was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district, while simultaneously running unopposed for reelection to the 34th legislative district. Pennsylvania's constitution forbids General Assembly lawmakers from holding another office, but does not prevent them from running for reelection while seeking another office. A special election to replace Lee was held on .
Democrats nominated Swissvale borough councilor Abigail Salisbury while Republicans nominated Robert Pagane, a kickboxing instructor.
On January 4, 2022, incumbent representative Austin Davis announced he would be seeking the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, with Josh Shapiro's endorsement. He was nominated to be on the ticket on May 18 and was elected to the position in the general election. Davis was subsequently reelected to represent the 35th district, defeating Republican challenger Donald Nevills with 65% of the vote. Pennsylvania's constitution forbids General Assembly lawmakers from holding another office, but does not prevent them from running for reelection while seeking another office. A special election to replace Davis was held on .
Democrats nominated McKeesport official Matt Gergely, brother of previous seatholder Marc Gergely. Republicans nominated their 2022 general election nominee Don Nevills.
On , incumbent representative Lynda Schlegel-Culver was elected to Pennsylvania's 27th Senatorial district in a special election amid the resignation of Senator John Gordner. House Speaker Joanna McClinton announced a special election for May 16 in conjunction with the 2023 primary.
Republicans nominated Shikellamy School Board Member Mike Stender, while Democrats nominated Montour County Commissioner Trevor Finn. Libertarians nominated Marine Corps veteran Elijah Scretching.
On , incumbent representative Michael Zabel resigned from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, effective March 16, following a sexual harassment controversy. House Speaker Joanna McClinton announced a special election for May 16 in conjunction with the 2023 primary.
Democrats nominated Heather Boyd, a senior staffer to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and former Upper Darby School Board member. Republicans nominated Kathleen "Katie" Ford, an Army veteran and special education therapist. Libertarians nominated Alfe Goodwin, a retired Philadelphia Police officer and nominee for this district in 2022.
On , incumbent representative Sara Innamorato resigned from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after becoming the Democratic nominee for Allegheny County Executive. House Speaker Joanna McClinton announced a special election for September 19.
Democrats nominated Lindsay Powell, a nonprofit executive, while Republicans nominated Erin Connolly Autenreith, a realtor and local Republican Party chair.