⏰  Here we go … another Monday.

🗞️  The PoliticsPA Playbook is written by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.

PA Weather
☔  Penn Hills | Rain, 53
🌧️  Hummelstown | Rain, 45
☂️  Holland | Rain, 50

PA Sports
🏈  Steelers (10-3) | Cleveland 27-14 | Sun vs. Philadelphia
🏈  Eagles (11-2) | Carolina 22-16 | Sun vs. Pittsburgh
🏈  Penn State (11-2) | Oregon 37-45 | Dec. 21 vs. SMU
🏀  Sixers (7-15) | Orlando 102-94 | Chicago 108-100 | Fri vs. Indiana
🏒  Flyers (12-12-4) | Boston 3-4 (OT) | Utah 2-4 | Tue vs. Columbus
🏒  Penguins (12-13-4) | NY Rangers 2-4 | Toronto 5-2 | Tue vs. Colorado

🔊  What We’re Hearing. Corey O’Connor will announce he is a candidate for mayor of Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.

🎂  Happy Birthday. Cake and candles for Sen. Amanda Cappelletti.

📱 Social Media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media outlets for you to get the latest political news from around the Commonwealth: Twitter | Bluesky | Facebook | LinkedIn

Top Story

1. Citing ‘Political Polarization’ Throughout the U.S., Shapiro Urged Collaboration at Pennsylvania Society Dinner

“Pennsylvania’s wealthy and political elite held their annual glitzy gathering in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday night to celebrate civility and philanthropy in the state, at a dinner headlined by Gov. Josh Shapiro.

The dinner closed out the swanky weekend, where legislators, policymakers, and lobbyists schmooze their way through more than a dozen parties, incentivizing Pennsylvania’s most powerful officials to come together where no one has a home-field advantage.

Shapiro, a first-term Democrat, listed his administration’s accomplishments over the last year and how Democrats and Republicans were able to come together on major issues.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Elsewhere

At PA Society, Dave McCormick is the Most Popular Person in the Room. “As he worked through a packed schedule of more than a dozen events starting Thursday, the soon-to-be-sworn-in Republican was surrounded by Republicans ecstatic McCormick had ousted three-term U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. In nearly equal measure, he was greeted warmly by Democrats eager to form a new relationship with Pennsylvania’s next junior senator.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Sen. Bob Casey Poised to Leave U.S. Senate After 18 Years ‘With His Head Held High’. “As he prepares to leave office, his Democratic colleagues and advocates say they’ll miss his hard work, humility and bipartisanship, while even prominent Pennsylvania Republicans are quick to describe him as a good guy dedicated to public service. ” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser Is Considering a Run For PA Governor In 2026 — And Treasurer Stacy Garrity Isn’t Ruling One Out. “Many Pennsylvania Republicans, gathered for the state’s annual New York City getaway of fancy parties, had similar desire to more seriously challenge Shapiro this time.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

State

2. Meet Trump’s 2024 Electors and Learn About the Electoral College

“Republican Donald Trump will again become president in January, but first, his electors must meet around the country to cast their votes.

This ceremonial part of the Electoral College comes shortly before Congress counts the electoral votes ahead of the inauguration on Jan. 20.

Here’s a look at Pennsylvania’s electors and their responsibilities.” (Spotlight PA)

Elsewhere

Over $38 Million Spent in Lehigh Valley Congressional Race. “The Lehigh Valley’s congressional district proved to be one of the costliest U.S. House races in the country this year, racking up more than $38.2 million in expenses, according to a campaign finance tracker.” (LehighValleyNews.com)

A Former Trump Adviser — Backed by a Bucks County Venture Capitalist — Says He’s Running For Pennsylvania’s GOP chair. “Ted Christian, who worked as state director for the Trump campaign in 2016, announced his intention to run for the position Friday.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Weakened US Public Broadcasters Will Fight For Their Lives in 2025. “Last week, Republican Sen. John Kennedy introduced the subtly named “No Propaganda Act.” If enacted, it would end federal funding for America’s public media. Kennedy is the latest in a long line of Republicans who have drafted legislation to defund NPR, PBS, their member stations and their primary funding mechanism, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.” (Semafor)

Around The Commonwealth

3. December is Preparation of a Different Sort For Political Candidates

“December, for the average person in Pittsburgh, typically includes holiday preparation and hunkering down from the cold, but for politicians with upcoming elections it means fundraising, hiring and hashing out campaign strategies.

It’s the time of year when campaigns are doing the behind-the-scenes prep work: lobbying donors, hiring staff and drafting stump speeches.

But it’s also about striking a balance.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Elsewhere

Math Takes a Backseat, Social Justice Drives the Bus in PA Schools. “Despite abysmal student test scores across the commonwealth, the state continues to prioritize social justice initiatives over academic outcomes. Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) signed an agreement for $350,000 to “achieve educational equity and racial justice by rebuilding the national Black teacher pipeline.”” (Broad + Liberty)

Pittsburgh’s Budget on the Brink in 2025. “The city’s grim financial outlook is putting a strain on police ranks and emergency services.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Philly Judge Patrick Dugan Resigns With Plans to Run For District Attorney As Race Heats Up. “Dugan, 64, is expected to announce his plans to challenge District Attorney Larry Krasner in the coming weeks.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

A New Form of Government? Why the City of Erie Could Explore a Home Rule Charter. “Should the city of Erie move to a new form of government? Voters could be asked to weigh in as soon as 2025.” (Erie Times-News)

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

• John Fetterman is Right About the Left. (Adriana E. Ramírez)
• ‘Trump-Proofing’: Elected Leaders Must Step Up to Protect Vulnerable Communities. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
• When It Comes to Energy Policy, Pennsylvania Needs a Reset. (Sen. Lisa Boscola)
• In the Midst of Political Turmoil, We Must Cultivate Our Own Gardens. (Mark S. Singel)
• Why You Should Talk to People You Disagree With About Politics. (Rachel Wahl)
• Pennsylvania Almost Saw a Stolen Election. (Ari Fleischer)
• The Election Couldn’t Solve Our Crisis of Belief. Here’s What Can. (Rich Harwood)
• Draft Poll Workers Like We Do Juries. (Courtney Duchene)

1 Educational Thing

5. They’re All Winners

Later today, Interim Acting Secretary of Education Angela Fitterer will announce the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. The finalists are:

• Sherry Appleton, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology
• Anne Fisher, Downingtown Middle School, Downingtown Area School District
• Rob Hodgson, McDowell High School, Millcreek Township School District
• Jill Hyatt, Meadville Area Middle School/High School, Crawford Central School District
• Brooke Nenadal, Curtin Intermediate School, Williamsport Area School District
• Darla Romberger, Cumberland Valley High School, Cumberland Valley School District
• Bo Shappell, Daniel Boone Area High School, Daniel Boone Area School District
• Jennifer Sharek, Blackhawk Intermediate School, Blackhawk School District
• Leon Smith, Haverford High School, Haverford Township School District
• Kevin Tomlinson, Evergreen Elementary School, Perkiomen Valley School District
• Jennifer Toney, Sharpsville Area Elementary School, Sharpsville Area School District
• Jessica Waber, Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School, School District of Philadelphia

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