# Pa. Democrats secure trifecta in Harrisburg

> Pennsylvania Democrats hold state government for first time since 1993.
- Title: Pa. Democrats secure trifecta in Harrisburg · PhillyVoice
- Summary: Pennsylvania Democrats hold state government for first time since 1993. Pennsylvania Democrats now control both legislative chambers and governor's mansion…
- Keywords: pennsylvania, democrats, trifecta, harrisburg, minimum wage, reproductive healthcare, senate, house, governor, 2026 election, PhillyVoice
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/what-will-pa-democrats-do-trifecta-harrisburg
- Published: 2026-11-07T10:01:00.226+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pennsylvania, democrats, trifecta, harrisburg, minimum wage, reproductive healthcare, senate, house, governor, 2026 election, news, local
## Pennsylvania Democrats win trifecta
Pennsylvania Democrats secured control of both legislative chambers and the governor's mansion for the first time since 1993 after winning 26 Senate seats.
## House leader emphasizes responsibility
House Majority Leader Matt Bradford stated that with this honor comes tremendous responsibility to govern well, thoughtfully, and pragmatically.
## Senate speaker highlights mandate
House Speaker Joanna McClinton noted her caucus holds at least 111 seats out of 203, a mandate to respond to the needs of this hour.
## Senate majority details priorities
Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa identified increasing the minimum wage to $15 and codifying reproductive healthcare access as top priorities alongside other investments.
## Budget discussions underway
Senate Republicans emphasized fiscal responsibility while Democrats committed to being thoughtful about spending with limited resources.
## Felony murder sentencing reform
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled mandatory life sentences for felony murder unconstitutional, requiring legislators to draft new laws within 120 days.
## Skill games regulation
State police confiscated tens of thousands of skill games machines from gas stations, grocery stores, and fraternal clubs.
## Senate leadership on reform
Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa stated that felony murder sentencing reform is not a partisan issue but requires collaboration between parties.
## 2027 legislative agenda
Lawmakers plan to address felony murder sentencing, skill games regulation, and other priority issues before the current legislative session ends on November 30.
## New leadership expectations
House leadership expressed confidence in Senate's new leadership while noting the Senate has not yet shown a way forward on key issues.
## Next steps for government
Newly elected members will be sworn in on January 5, 2027, following the current legislative session ending November 30.
## Key takeaway

Pennsylvania Democrats now control both legislative chambers and governor's mansion after winning 26 Senate seats, prioritizing minimum wage increase to $15 and reproductive healthcare access.