A pair of Democrats from Montgomery County are the newest members of the Senate Democratic leadership for the upcoming session. Here is the Playbook. 

Collett, Muth Elected To Senate Dem Leadership: Sens. Maria Collett and Katie Muth are the newest members of the Senate Democratic leadership. Collett will serve as Caucus Secretary, while Muth will be the Policy Committee Chair.

Krasner for Attorney General? Progressive Orgs Pitch Biden: A joint effort from the Sunrise Movement and Justice Democrats named Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner as one of three candidates they are promoting for Attorney General.

As of Friday morning, we still are waiting for a call in a few state legislature races and multiple congressional candidates have also yet to concede. 

Want to see results from previous days? Check out PoliticsPA’s Wednesday (Nov. 4), Thursday (Nov. 5), Friday (Nov. 6), Monday (Nov. 9), Tuesday (Nov. 10), Wednesday (Nov. 11), Thursday (Nov. 12), Friday (Nov. 13), Monday (Nov. 16), Tuesday (Nov. 17), Wednesday (Nov. 18), and Thursday (Nov. 19) Election Playbooks. 

Here’s an update of where we stand as of Friday, Nov. 20 in PA. 

President. Former Vice President Joe Biden has defeated President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. The AP called the race for Biden on Nov. 7 at 11:25 A.M. As of Friday morning, Biden leads Trump by 81,895 votes (1.2%) in the state with 98% estimated to be in. 

Statewide. For Attorney General, Josh Shapiro defeated GOP challenger Heather Heidelbaugh. The AP called the race for Shapiro on Nov. 6. As of Friday morning, Shapiro leads Heidelbaugh by 305,880 votes (4.51%). For Auditor General, Republican Tim DeFoor defeated Democrat Nina Ahmad. The AP called the race for DeFoor on Nov. 6. As of Friday morning, DeFoor leads by 208,803 votes (3.11%). For Treasurer, Republican challenger Stacy Garrity defeated incumbent Treasurer Joe Torsella. On Nov. 10, Torsella conceded in the race. As of Friday morning, Garrity leads by 52,686 votes (0.78%). 

Congressional Races 

All incumbents have secured another term in Congress, although a few challengers have yet to concede in their races. 

PA7: Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) has defeated GOP challenger Lisa Scheller. The AP called the race for Wild on Nov. 6. As of Friday morning, Wild leads by 14,088 votes (or by 3.8 points) with 98% of estimated votes reported. Scheller has not conceded in the race.

PA8: Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna) has defeated GOP challenger Jim Bognet. The AP called the race for Cartwright on Nov. 6. As of Friday morning, Cartwright leads by 12,157 votes (or by 3.6 points) with 95% of estimated votes reported. Bognet has not conceded in the race.

PA17: Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) has defeated GOP challenger Sean Parnell. The AP called the race for Lamb on Nov. 7. As of Friday morning, Lamb leads by 2.2 points (9,850 votes) and his lead looks to expand as more mail ballots are counted. Parnell has not conceded in the race.

State Senate and House

Republicans have flipped four state House seats, (HD-33), (HD-55), (HD-123), and (HD-143), most notably unseating House Minority Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny). Democrats have flipped one seat in the Philly suburbs (HD-152), although are still holding out hope to flip one other seat. For the state Senate, Republicans have flipped one seat in western PA (SD-37), while Democrats have flipped one seat in the Philly suburbs (SD-9), and another race in western PA has not been called yet. 

While results are not final in a number of districts, here’s an update of where things stand in competitive House and Senate races in PA. If we missed a competitive race where most results are in, and at least some writing is on the wall, please send me a note at John@PoliticsPA.com).

State Senate 

SD-45: Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny) and GOP challenger Nicole Ziccarelli are tied, as of Friday morning, according to DOS. 

State House

HD-168: Rep. Chris Quinn (R-Delaware) leads Democratic challenger Deb Ciamacca by 2 points, according to DOS. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania lawmakers begin advancing $11B budget package 
AP: GOP wins court order on mail ballots in state Senate contest 
AP: Trump, allies make frantic steps to overturn Biden’s victory 
Spotlight PA: Remaining $1.3 billion in coronavirus cash to prop up Pa. state budget rather than help ailing industries
Huffington Post: Why ‘Defund The Police’ Attacks Were So Potent Against Democrats
Patriot News: After a year of political fights, a Pennsylvania state budget is closing with minimal fuss. Really. 
Patriot News: COVID-19 vaccine may reach Pa. next month, but we could be wearing masks for all of 2021 
Patriot News: Trump campaign pins winning Pa. on statistical analysis of mail-in ballot envelopes 
Patriot News: State official accuses Trump campaign of a ‘bald-faced attempt’ to overturn will of the electorate
Patriot News: Audio recording of hearing on Trump vote challenge made public 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Senate Dems reshuffle leadership ranks, promoting two progressive women from the Philly ’burbs 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s unspent stimulus cash will pad out $35B budget 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. debuts COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Dems came up short on Election Day. That’s bad news for climate change | Friday Morning Coffee
Morning Call: Divided Pennsylvania House approves audit of 2020 election, citing inconsistencies and confusion in electorate
Post-Gazette: Lawyers: Trump actually won Pennsylvania by 300K votes 
Post-Gazette: ‘Dick Thornburgh Award’ established to honor top federal prosecutors
KDKA: Pennsylvania Lawmakers May Tap Into Coronavirus Relief Funds To Balance State Budget
WITF: Analysis: PA Faces A Several Billion Dollar Tax Shortfall Thanks To The Pandemic-Affected Economy
Inquirer: Trump legal team pushes conspiracy theories of hacked voting machines — claims it called ludicrous four years ago in court
Inquirer: Pandemic fatigue and the holidays threaten to swamp Pa. hospitals with COVID-19 cases
PLSReporter: House passes resolution for LBFC-led audit 
PLSReporter: House GOP introduces 7-month spending plan to complete 2020-21 budget 
PLSReporter: Senate passes COVID-19 liability protections, covers “good faith” actions of schools, businesses 
Fox News: Pennsylvania could be wearing masks ‘to the end of 2021,’ health secretary says 
Express Times: Who will get a COVID-19 vaccine first? Pa. outlines plans to distribute coronavirus shot.
Bucks County Courier Times: Pa. sports betting, internet gaming hit new highs 
The Hill: Pennsylvania health official: State residents could be wearing masks through ‘end of 2021’ 
The Hill: Trump campaign asks Pennsylvania court to declare Trump winner 
WFMZ: Lawmakers respond after Pa. House votes to require additional audit of 2020 election
Politico: Is the left wing overplaying its hand?
StateImpactPA: Bill heading to governor would relax environmental laws for conventional drillers

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Joe Biden has an administration to build. Will any local politicians join his White House team? 
WHYY Newsworks: Mapping Philly’s most surprising election takeaways 
WHYY Newsworks: Trump campaign lawyer in Philadelphia withdraws from federal election suit 
WHYY Newsworks: Trump’s gains in North Philly show Latino voters are not a ‘gimme’ for Democrats 
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Everyone must pay their fair share’: Philly Council president pushes for reduction of commercial real estate abatement 
WHYY Newsworks: Wholesaler or huckster? Philly Council passes bill to curb real estate scammers
Inquirer: New city law aims to crack down on real estate ‘wholesalers,’ seen as exploiting underinformed property owners
Inquirer: Philly City Council to weigh reduction in commercial tax abatement
Inquirer: Philly restaurant owners sue Mayor Kenney on indoor-dining ban 
Inquirer: Philly Dept. of Revenue workers accused of taking bribes for erasing debts 
Inquirer: With no relief in sight, Philadelphia restaurateurs feel like ‘it’s slipping away’ 
Inquirer: Pennsylvania approves 5.2% PGW rate increase, but offers some relief to gas customers hit by pandemic
Philadelphia Tribune: Health commissioner says the coronavirus is surging in Philadelphia 
Philadelphia Gay News: Overdose prevention network advocates for safe injection site 
KYW Newsradio: Council president seeks additional $83M in annual revenue by reducing Philadelphia tax abatement
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia police commissioner self-quarantining after COVID-19 exposure
KYW Newsradio: Pa. health officials: Expect to wear masks, social distance for foreseeable future; vaccine to be distributed in 3 phases
KYW Newsradio: 3 former city employees charged with accepting $58K in bribes
KYW Newsradio: More Philly restaurants shut down as owners wait for government assistance
Philly Voice: Philadelphia Housing Authority commits 240 properties for affordable development 
Philly Voice: More than 200 firearms missing from the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, report says 
Philly Voice: Three former Philly revenue department employees charged in alleged bribery scheme
Philadelphia Business Journal: ‘Everyone’s tired of this’: Farley addresses business frustrations ahead of Philadelphia shutdown 
Billy Penn: Philly to open second quarantine hotel for vulnerable COVID patients as cases surge

SEPA
Levittown Now: Bucks County Judge Denies Trump Campaign’s Effort To Invalidate Some Votes 
Daily Local News: House adopts Shusterman resolution honoring small business development centers
Daily Local News: Chester County families urged to apply for COVID childcare financial relief
Daily Local News: Chester County commissioners present agriculture awards
WHYY Newsworks: Yet another Trump legal challenge to Biden’s victory fails — this time in Bucks County
KYW Newsradio: $10M in child care assistance available for families in Chester County
Bucks County Courier Times: County switches to reporting state COVID data
Bucks County Courier Times: No talks scheduled in St. Mary nurses strike
WFMZ: Parents suing Montgomery County officials over decision to require county schools to go virtual
Pottstown Mercury: Montgomery County authorizes $5.57M in coronavirus contracts 

Pittsburgh 
Tribune Review: State appeals court orders challenged ballots in Brewster-Ziccarelli Senate race to not be counted; race tied 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh cuts without pandemic relief would be ‘disastrous,’ council members told 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County Judge Tranquilli denied back-pay; barred from seeking judicial office 
KDKA: Report: Race Between Nicole Ziccarelli & Jim Brewster Tightens Following Court Decision
KDKA: City Controller Releases Special Report On Pittsburgh Public Schools Device Distribution Plan
KDKA: Around The Table: COVID-19 Shutdowns And Stimulus
KDKA: Hundreds Of Pittsburgh Public Safety Jobs Could Be In Jeopardy Without Federal Funding
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 609 New Cases, Countywide Total Now Tops 22,000
Post-Gazette: Court strikes down counting of 2,349 ballots in Allegheny County 
Post-Gazette: City’s Gender Equity Commission offers free salary negotiation training in first step to address pay gap 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh nurse pushes Biden team to look to the front lines for COVID-19 input 
Post-Gazette: Region’s cases and hospitalizations climbing, but ICU beds not a worry, top doctors say 
Post-Gazette: Former judge Mark Tranquilli sanctioned by state’s Court of Judicial Discipline 
City Paper: An ongoing tally of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in Allegheny County

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Cook wins right-to-know case for access to Local Share Account files
Observer-Reporter: Greene County Judge Toothman extends leave of absence to Dec. 18
Tribune Review: Trump supporters plan ‘election integrity’ rally in Greensburg
Altoona Mirror: Blair to buy supply of PPE
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County commissioners approve series of reappointments
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria issues $160K in COVID-19 relief; more than half goes to War Memorial Authority
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID-19 wave building, state tops 7,000 new cases; area hospitals prep for vaccine

NEPA
The Times Leader: Critique of Luzerne County election continues 
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre City Council opposes Brown’s budget 
The Times Leader: Magisterial district courts closed until Nov. 30; jury trials postponed through January 2021 
The Times Leader: 181 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 7,126 statewide
Citizens Voice: Election Day problems still in dispute at council inquiry meeting
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre council votes down mayor’s 2021 budget, fee increases 
Citizens Voice: Levine expects mask order to remain well into 2021 
Citizens Voice: Courthouse halts non-emergency operations 
Citizens Voice: 181 new COVID-19 cases reported in county
Times-Tribune: Scranton’s 2021 budget still evolving, now includes $4.6 million shortfall 
Times-Tribune: Levine expects mask order to remain well into 2021 

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: LGH’s top official: ‘Formalized community response is difficult without a public health department’ 
LNP | LancasterOnline: COVID-19 not the only reason why Lancaster County jobless claims jumped last week 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Tribute to Manheim Twp. counselor who died of COVID-19 on MSNBC’s ‘Deadline: White House’ 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County shatters one-day COVID-19 record with 368 new cases [Thursday’s COVID-19 update]
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 112 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Cumberland County Thursday as deaths rise
York Dispatch: York County has 4 new deaths linked to COVID-19, 193 new cases

Lehigh Valley    
Express Times: Pa. shows record voter participation as 2020 election certification nears completion
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: Another day, another record with 7,126 new cases; 116 more deaths; Levine provides vaccine update; Lehigh Valley, Northampton County set case records | Pa. COVID-19 county case map (11/19/20)  
Morning Call: Trump vs. Biden in the Lehigh Valley: How did your neighborhood vote? 
Morning Call: The tax incentive that gave rise to much of SteelStacks is set to expire 
Morning Call: Lehigh County taking ‘significant step’ in seeking approval to build $47-million addition at Cedarbook 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Record shattered with 7,126 new cases as health secretary predicts hard times ahead
Reading Eagle: Berks County commissioners unveil 2021 budget proposal with no tax increase 
Reading Eagle: Reading LGBT Center leader to serve on Pennsylvania commission for LGBTQ Affairs 
Reading Eagle: Berks County adds 194 new coronavirus cases on another record-setting day for Pa.
WFMZ: Berks commissioners to hold line on taxes in 2021
WFMZ: Northampton County to give $1.3 million more to small business 
WFMZ: Republican, Democratic poll watchers say election in Lehigh County was secure 
WFMZ: Unemployment spikes in the US, though local unemployment numbers have been on the decline 

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lawmakers support no-tax hike budget
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Defense attacks merits of Trump campaign lawsuit
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: State: Lycoming County has 68 new confirmed cases
Centre Daily Times: Nov. 19 update: Pa. breaks record with 7,126 new COVID-19 cases; Centre County adds 82
Erie Times-News: City of Erie officials weigh financial impact of $96.7 million water lease deal 

Opinion  
Danene Sorace: City’s structural deficit is not sustainable
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Keep the voting momentum going
Inquirer Editorial Board: COVID-19’s magnitude is hard to comprehend — but we are not powerless 
Inquirer Staff: Should Montco schools go all virtual? Amid a lawsuit and protests, a parent and teacher debate. | Pro/Con
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Data-driven police reform 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Optimism and vigilance 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Sacrificing the great for the diverse
Maria Panaritis: ‘Defund The Police’ became a Republican weapon in suburban Philly 
Thom Nickels: A Predictable Powder Keg 
Will Bunch: How canceling student debt became the first political minefield of the Joe Biden era
David Taylor and Gail Hawkins Bush: During pandemic, cyber charter schools are an important alternative for parents, kids
Blane Stoddart: Philadelphia small business owner: Need for second stimulus is ‘an American economic survival issue’
Jonathan Lipman: I miss my family, but I’m canceling Thanksgiving and you should too