We continue our series on the Pennsylvania state Senate races with a look at the south central part of the Keystone State. A reminder that only even-numbered Districts are up for election this season.

Contested Races

SD 14: Nick Miller (D) vs. Dean Browning (R)

Miller, vice president of the Allentown school board, defeated two opponents in the primary with 42.4%. He says the state must do more to fairly fund the education system, prepare the workforce of tomorrow, and give local property owners tax relief. Miller will oppose any attempts to eliminate the right to choose and stand up for Pennsylvania’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Browning, a former Lehigh County commissioner, also defeated two primary opponents with 49.1%. A pro-life candidate, he believes in an educational choice that allows parents and children to escape underperforming schools and will oppose gun confiscation laws, and champion conceal carry and reciprocity laws in more states.

Dave’s Redistricting Partisan Lean: D+11.0

Voter Registration: D+17.0 (49.2 – 32.2)

SD 16: Mark Pinsley (D) vs. Jarrett Coleman (R)

Pinsley, the Lehigh County controller, says he will defend the civil rights of all people, including minority rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive rights, and voter rights. Pinsley wants to fairly and largely fund our public school system and guarantee high-quality and affordable healthcare for all.

Coleman, a member of the Parkland school board, defeated Patrick Browne in the primary by 24 votes out of more than 34,000. His priorities include passing term limits on politicians, ending taxpayer-funded “Cadillac” pensions and enacting a gift ban to restore trust. He wants to protect the life in a mother’s womb and supports exemptions for instances of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is at risk.

Dave’s Redistricting Partisan Lean: R+7.4

Voter Registration: R+9.3 (46.0 – 36.7)

SD 18: Lisa Boscola* (D) vs. John Merhottein (R)

Boscola is looking for a seventh term in the state Senate. She is a leading proponent of the total elimination of the local school property tax and wants to fight for redistricting reform. Boscola was one of the prime sponsors of Act 77 and supports the continuation of mail-in voting.

Merhottein, a Bethlehem Township commissioner, says his priorities are cutting debt and working to control property taxes, giving parents more control for kids who have fallen behind at school, and supporting voter ID.

Dave’s Redistricting Partisan Lean: D+9.6

Voter Registration: D+13.4 (46.7 – 33.3)

SD 24: Jill Dennin (D) vs. Tracy Pennycuick (R)

Dennin, a former Boyertown school board member, easily defeated Emanuel Wilkerson in the primary. She says she will fight to help reduce healthcare costs protect a woman’s right to choose and prevent extremists from turning women into criminals.

Pennycuick, the 147th District state representative, easily dispatched David Moyer in the primary. She has worked to pass a budget that fully-funded schools and pushed forward legislation that reforms state lobbying practices.

Dave’s Redistricting Partisan Lean: R+0.4

Voter Registration: R+4.5 (44.0 – 39.5)

SD 44: Katie Muth* (D) vs. Jessica Florio (R)

Muth is looking for her second term in Harrisburg. She supports initiatives such as rebate programs to decrease the burden of property taxes, fair funding for our public schools, and state-sponsored healthcare for all.

Florio, president of the Honey Brook Borough council, says she would vote to override RGGI, and allow families the choice to send their student to whichever school is best for them.

Dave’s Redistricting Partisan Lean: D+9.0

Voter Registration: D+0.1 (40.9 – 40.8)