News & Brews April 9, 2025
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What does Lancaster election surprise mean for 2026?
While this headline sounds intriguing, the answer may well be “not much.” Spotlight PA says that while Democrat James Malone’s win in the recent special state Senate election in Lancaster County “bodes well for the party at large … politicians, operatives, and analysts warned that the special election result … may not be repeated during a higher-turnout contest — and that Democrats’ struggles with less engaged voters remain a real problem for the party.” The story dives into some of the dynamics of the special election, including the lack of unity behind the Republican candidate and the low turnout that’s typical in specials. As for 2026? The odds are good the seat will flip back to red. But then again, the results of the special election bucked the odds. So we can expect both parties to give the 2026 race a lot of focus.
Study: More natural gas production = lower carbon emissions
A new peer-reviewed study from the Miami University of Ohio has found that as natural gas production has increased, lower carbon emissions have resulted. The Delaware Valley Journal reports that the “study found overall greenhouse gas emissions dropped roughly 7.5 percent per year as American energy companies shifted from coal to hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas. The drop was even more significant for CO2 emissions, with a yearly reduction of 10.5 percent.” Of course, “Longtime industry observers say this isn’t news. Studies dating back more than a decade have shown similar results.” Still, the latest study further undermines the Left’s war on natural gas.
Talk swirls on possible Garrity for Gov. campaign
The Inquirer writes that Pennsylvania has not yet had a female governor — could state Treasurer Stacy Garrity be the first? Now in her second term as treasurer and holding the record as the state’s top vote-getter ever for statewide office (beating Shapiro), Garrity is “seriously considering” a run for governor next year. Former GOP gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano recently “floated the idea of running with Garrity, possibly as her lieutenant governor, noting her statewide popularity and his grassroots supporters.” Of course, Shapiro soundly defeated Mastriano, and many Republicans are intent on ensuring he is not on the ticket in 2026.
AG Sunday appointed co-chair of consumer protection committee
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) has appointed Pa. Attorney General Dave Sunday as co-chair of its Consumer Protection Committee. A press release from NAAG stated, “This decision … highlights the Committee’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and strengthening consumer protection efforts across the country.” Sunday said, “Protecting consumers from fraud, scams, and unfair business practices is a core function of Attorneys General throughout the country. Now more than ever, consumers need safeguards from scams perpetrated by sophisticated bad actors who have weaponized modern technology. Working together, this committee will share best practices, develop new approaches, engage stakeholders to protect our citizens, especially the most vulnerable, and hold offenders accountable.” (See a video message from AG Sunday here.)
O’Connor leads Gainey in PGH fundraising race
As the race for the Democrat nomination for Pittsburgh mayor heats up, challenger Corey O’Connor is continuing to lead incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey in the fundraising race. WESA reports, “Campaign finance reports filed with the city’s Ethics Hearing Board showed O’Connor raising $257,161.50 last month — roughly $1.80 for every dollar raised by Gainey, whose campaign raised $142,870.25 in March. But O’Connor’s fundraising success in prior months fueled some $390,386.70 in spending last month — five times as much as Gainey’s modest $78,185.49.” In terms of outside support, O’Connor is also ahead, although required reports from outside groups may still be coming in.