State, federal level incumbents expected to retain seats in General Election
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Area elected officials in various levels of state and federal government seem to have retained their seats for another term, according to preliminary election results.
State Representatives Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) and Paul Takac (D-Centre) are projected to retain their seats in the House for another two years. In another state race, Senator Cris Dush (R-Jefferson) is looking to retain his seat in the 25th District which includes Clinton and Centre counties.
On a Federal level, Republican Incumbent Glenn "GT" Thompson is expected to retain his seat in US Congress, according to preliminary results.
The Express has provided the following breakdown of preliminary polling results for each race:
STATE REPRESENTATIVES
76th District
Incumbent State Representative Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) is set to retain her seat for another 2-year term, according to preliminary results from Tuesday's General Election.
In Clinton County, Borowicz sailed past her Democratic opponent Denise Maris collecting 12,843 votes, according to preliminary results from the Clinton County Election office. Of that number, 10,552 were cast in person and 2,291 were cast via mail-in ballot.
Maris gathered 5,380 votes, according to preliminary results, with 3,551 of those cast in person and another 1,829 via mail-in ballot.
Ballots reflected similarly in portions of Union County, which is included in the 76th District. Municipalities included in the district are: Buffalo Township, Hartleton, Hartley Township, Kelly Township, Lewis Township, Lewisburg, Limestone Township, Mifflinburg, New Berlin and West Buffalo Township.
According to preliminary results from the Union County Election office Borowicz received 2,233 votes versus Maris's 1,101 votes.
82nd District
In a much closer race than he won in 2022, the Democratic incumbent representative for Pennsylvania's 82nd state legislative district, Paul Takac, narrowly defeated Republican challenger Therese Hollen to secure a second 2-year term.
Winning by less than a thousand votes, Takac, like many Democrats on the ballot, experienced weaker-than-anticipated support based on preliminary election results. In 2022, Takac won the 82nd District, encompassing much of northern and eastern Centre County, with 56.2% of the vote. Monday night his lead had narrowed to 51.7%.
“While the outcomes for our Presidential election and statewide row officers are decided, several races still hang in the balance - mine included. Some organizations and outlets have called the race in my favor, but we are still granting the Centre County Board of Elections the critical time they need to process all of the mail-in ballots before sharing any definitive decision," Rep. Takac said. "We will share more official information as it becomes available, but for now, we remain patient and trust in our officials and the process.”
Centre County experienced a notable decline in voter turnout this year compared to previous presidential election years, with a turnout of only 60.9%, down from 69.67% in 2020, which likely contributed to Takac's narrow margin of victory.
Despite choosing not to declare victory, Takac expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the election process. “I want to thank our Centre County Commissioners, staff and every person who has dedicated countless hours both inside the polls and out to ensure that we have a free and fair election, and that every person's vote is counted and voice is heard. Their diligence and dedication to the democratic process is immensely appreciated," he said.
The 82nd District includes Penn State's University Park Campus, about half of the Borough of State College and nearby College, Harris and Benner Townships. It also encompasses the communities of Unionville, Snow Shoe, Pine Glen, Milesburg, Howard and Blanchard
Preliminary results indicate that Takac had a particularly strong showing in State College, as well as in Harris and College Townships. Hollen appears to have performed better in the communities around Milesburg, in Benner Township and the rural areas of Howard, Liberty and Marion Townships.
While tabulation of mail-in ballots in Center County is complete, officials say that technical issues have prevented them from being placed in report form at this time.
According to Centre County Government officials, software issues related to scanning mail-in ballot data for the state required 13,000 mail-in ballots to be rescanned.
Centre County elections staff started scanning these ballots the morning of Nov. 6. The county will continue re-scanning these ballots until complete. Re-scanning will take place in the Willowbank Building in Bellefonte.
Watchers from both major parties will be present in the room throughout the re-scanning process, even before the process begins. The re-scanning of ballots will not impact the results of the election.
STATE SENATE
25th District
Senator Cris Dush (R-Jefferson) is projected to retain his seat for another four-year term as the 25th District representative after receiving more votes than Democratic incumbent William "Bill" McGill, according to preliminary results. The 25th District consists of Cameron, Centre, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties.
According to preliminary results, Dush received 82,625 votes throughout all seven counties with McGill receiving 37,272 votes.
US CONGRESS
15th District
Republican Incumbent Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson is expected to retain his seat in the United States House of Representatives 15th District.
The 15th District consists of Armstrong, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union, Venango and Warren counties.
According to preliminary results, Thompson received 272,368 votes following Tuesday's General Election. His Democratic opponent Zach Womer received 101,356 votes, according to preliminary results.