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PA Democrats declare victory in solid Trump district in Butler County special election
local21news.com ^ | Tue, August 18, 2026 | Sarah Burns, Tyler Jeski

Posted on 08/19/2026 9:42:56 AM PDT by jpl

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Pennsylvania democrats are claiming victory in Butler County's special election Tuesday night with a win secured in the State House, a position formerly held by the GOP for nearly 30 years.

Brandon Dukes is leading in the unofficial results for the state’s 12th District by less than 100 votes.

He ran against Republican Scott Timko, after former Rep Stephanie Scialabba resigned earlier this year.

Before Scialabba, Daryl Metcalfe held the house seat.

If the results stand, the win would give PA house democrats a two seat majority in the chamber until November.

Governor Josh Shapiro commented on the race.

Chairman of the PA Democratic Party, Eugene DePasquale also issued a statement.

“Tonight’s result not only shows what can be accomplished when Democrats are willing to fight everywhere, but it sets the stage for this November’s midterm elections. Pennsylvanians across the political spectrum are sick and tired of Republicans’ chaotic, corrupt, and cost-raising agenda — and they’re ready to reject them at the polls and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in historic fashion.“

Historically, the District 12 seat favored President Trump by more than 18%.


TOPICS: News/Current Events
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This should scare the hell out of anyone on our side who believes we have absolutely nothing to worry about in November. Butler County is where President Trump was almost killed just a couple of years ago.
1 posted on 08/19/2026 9:42:56 AM PDT by jpl
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To: jpl

“...accomplished when Democrats are willing to fight everywhere...”

More like IQ’s dropping sharply, cheating, or illegals moving in a voting.


2 posted on 08/19/2026 9:45:56 AM PDT by Resolute Conservative
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To: Resolute Conservative

Run on the right, vote on the left. Who is this clown?


3 posted on 08/19/2026 9:54:28 AM PDT by kaktuskid
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To: jpl

We can safely assume the democrats were cheating. It’s how they win.


4 posted on 08/19/2026 9:54:34 AM PDT by Blennos (This is the official Blennos tagline. Thanks to Big Red Badger. )
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To: Blennos

Not always. Too many times voters do not go vote unless it is a presidential or governors election. Dems get the unions out and win low turnout elections consistently. No cheating required.


5 posted on 08/19/2026 10:00:06 AM PDT by pas
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To: Blennos
We can safely assume the democrats were cheating. It’s how they win.

Ya' know, sometimes the other guys just win. If our only response is "We wuz robbed!", then it's going to be an ugly November.

6 posted on 08/19/2026 10:01:26 AM PDT by Engraved-on-His-hands (If someone says that there are no absolutes, ask them if they are absolutely sure.)
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To: Engraved-on-His-hands; pas

Sure, maybe the dem would have won in an honest election. Rare, but it does happen. But they still cheat. It’s their modus operandi, in their nature. After all, why take a chance?


7 posted on 08/19/2026 10:09:11 AM PDT by Blennos (This is the official Blennos tagline. Thanks to Big Red Badger. )
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To: jpl

I don’t think anyone is saying that. We know we face an uphill battle in a mid-term where we have the White House. It is the gravity. But we also aren’t panicking and doing what the RINOs would always do, namely, pander to the Left thinking that they could be appeased in voting for a GOP incumbent.


8 posted on 08/19/2026 10:20:16 AM PDT by FlipWilson
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To: jpl

We absolutely suck at Special Elections:


9 posted on 08/19/2026 10:21:53 AM PDT by cowboyusa (YESHUA IS KING OF AMERICA!)
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To: jpl

Especally in the summer


10 posted on 08/19/2026 10:22:25 AM PDT by cowboyusa (YESHUA IS KING OF AMERICA!)
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To: jpl

We will be told by many here that this reporting is full of sound and fury signifying nothing. But I think there is more of this to come.


11 posted on 08/19/2026 10:40:40 AM PDT by lastchance (Cognovit Dominus qui sunt eius.)
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To: Blennos

My assumption would be that voters (even those who voted straight GOP in the past) are more concerned with everyday domestic policies that impact their lives than sitting politicians realize and they are sick of being taken for granted.


12 posted on 08/19/2026 10:42:39 AM PDT by lastchance (Cognovit Dominus qui sunt eius.)
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To: jpl
Let the Dems be overconfident, and let Republican voters realize that nothing should be taken for granted. Winning requires outworking the other side.

That said, this seat will flip back to the GOP in November. Holding a special election in August when everyone is on vacation is advantage Democrats.


13 posted on 08/19/2026 10:48:42 AM PDT by Antoninus (Confusion and disorder to the Left.)
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To: jpl

That’s all that party cares about. Is winning and dumping on the President. And they have the schill/Hill to do it for them . Please don’t let them get power back to lord over us again. They don’t deserve it and these leftwing rags don’t deserve you reading the garbage they put out.


14 posted on 08/20/2026 4:42:57 AM PDT by alaskamomma
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