Senator John Heinz successfully sought re-election to another term, defeating Democratic nominee Joe Vignola.

Heinz, knowing this, ran a low-profile re-election campaign and was safely ahead in polling.

Vignola traveled across Pennsylvania promoting an increase in domestic spending, including education and healthcare, while decreasing the defense budget to compensate.

Heinz performed well in suburban areas, as well as the central, southwestern and northeastern portions of the state.

[3] Democrat Harris Wofford was appointed on May 8 to fill the vacancy caused by Heinz's death, and subsequently won a special election in November 1991.