The state Democratic Party has recently made economic factors a major component of its platform, with advocacy for middle class workers of particular prominence.

Additionally, the party has committed itself to maintaining the social safety net and encouraging more transparency in state government.

[3] Key issues for the party include affordable healthcare, jobs and wages, support for workers and unions, fairer taxes, strong public education, retirement security, civil rights, environmental protection, marijuana legalization, and criminal justice reform.

However, Joe Sestak defeated Specter in the May 2010 Democratic primary before losing the fall general election to Republican Pat Toomey.

[10] The party controls three of five statewide executive offices, including the governorship, and is in the minority in the Pennsylvania State Senate.