# Pennsylvania Democrats Gain Power for Reform

> Pennsylvania Democrats now control state government to push election reform, marijuana legalization and minimum wage hikes.
- Title: Pennsylvania Democrats Gain Power for Reform | Shortify
- Summary: Pennsylvania Democrats now control state government to push election reform, marijuana legalization and minimum wage hikes.
- Keywords: pennsylvania, democrats, election reform, marijuana legalization, minimum wage, josh shapiro, state house, state senate, 2026 midterm elections, act 77, recreational marijuana, affordability action plan
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/pennsylvania-democrats-now-have-power-to-push-forward-on-election-reform-marijuana-legalization-and-minimum-wage-increases-295731
- Author: Daniel J. Mallinson
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pennsylvania, democrats, election reform, marijuana legalization, minimum wage, josh shapiro, state house, state senate, 2026 midterm elections, act 77, recreational marijuana, affordability action plan
## New Democratic Control
Pennsylvania Democrats now have full control of state government in 2027.
## 2026 Election Shift
Gov. Josh Shapiro defeated Republican challenger Stacy Garrity in 2026.
## State Senate Majority
Democrats flipped state Senate with 26-24 majority.
## Election Reform Priorities
Democrats aim to pass no-excuse mail voting, ballot drop boxes and precanvassing.
## Marijuana Legalization
House passed recreational marijuana bill in 2025 with Democratic control.
## Social Equity Measures
Democrats plan expungements and minority dispensary licenses for marijuana reform.
## Minimum Wage Hikes
House bill would raise minimum wage to $11 in 2027, $13 in 2028 and $15 in 2029.
## Affordability Plan
Democrats propose property tax rebates and food security funding for affordability.
## Key takeaway

Pennsylvania Democrats will control state government in 2027 to advance election reform, marijuana legalization and minimum wage increases.