In one of the most closely-watched races of the 2023 primary campaign season, Democrat Heather Boyd defeated Republican Katie Ford and Libertarian Alfe Goodwin to capture the special election for the 163rd State House District seat.

Boyd will take the seat previously occupied by Mike Zabel, who resigned in March amid allegations of sexual harassment while in office.

The former senior advisor to Congresswomen Mary Gay Scanlon received 59.9 percent of the vote to easily dispatch Ford who garnered 38.8%.

The race has gained nationwide attention for its potential impact on the majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Democrats held a slender 102-101 lead entering the day that featured two special elections that could have flipped the chamber. President Joe Biden and Gov. Josh Shapiro both made visible endorsements of Boyd in their quest to keep their party’s majority.

Boyd’s victory offset the triumph by Republican Mike Stender over Democrat Trevor Finn in the 108th District in north central PA, leaving the House under Democratic control.

“Heather Boyd is a teacher, mom, and public servant —now, she’s Delaware County’s newest state rep,” said Shapiro. “Together, we’ll work to get things done for Pennsylvanians and protect real freedom.”

Democratic Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) tweeted, “CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FIRST WOMAN TO SERVE THE 163rd Legislative District!”