Considered a swing state, it is one of the most competitive nationally, with narrow victories that alternate between the parties across all major offices.
In a 2020 study, Pennsylvania was ranked by the Election Law Journal as the 19th hardest state for citizens to vote in, based on registration and identification requirements, and convenience provisions.
Democratic senator John Fetterman entered office in January 2023, succeeding Republican Pat Toomey who retired after two terms.
The ten most recent elections: Democrats and Republicans have alternated in the governorship of Pennsylvania every eight years from 1950 to 2010.
Pennsylvania has also voted against the party of the sitting president in 19 of the last 21 gubernatorial contests dating back to 1938; Democrats lost 16 of the previous 18 Pennsylvania gubernatorial races with a Democratic president in the White House, a pattern begun in 1860.