Lynda Schlegel Culver will move from one chamber in the Capitol Building to the other as the Sunbury resident captured the special election for the 27th State Senate District seat.
Culver, a Republican, defeated Democrat Patricia Lawton with 69.7 percent of the vote to keep the seat in GOP hands. Republicans have held the five-county District since 1980.
“I am honored to be elected and I am happy to be able to continue to work for the residents of the 27th District,” she said. “This has been a fast few weeks and I am happy that I had the chance to get out and meet with people from across the district.”
Culver’s addition to the Senate gives Republicans a 28-22 majority in the chamber. Her departure from the House leaves the GOP with a slim 100-99 advantage. There are three special elections scheduled for next Tuesday in the 32nd, 34th and 35th Districts in Allegheny County. Democrats are heavily favored in all three races.
Culver dominated all five counties:
- Columbia – 5,270 to 3,565 (59.40 – 40.18%)
- Luzerne – 3,603 to 2,408 (59.94 – 40.06%)
- Montour – 1,494 to 546 (73.24 – 26.76%)
- Northumberland – 9,661 to 2,818 (77.42 – 22.58%)
- Snyder – 4,434 to 1,306 (77.25 – 22.75%)
According to the Department of State voter registration data, there are 161,174 registered voters in the 27th. Turnout is estimated at 21.8 percent with 35,219 votes recorded.
There will also be a special election in the 108th with her departure. It is expected that the election would be held in conjunction with the May 16 primary.