Pennsylvania certified the 2020 election results to officially confirm Joe Biden’s victory in the state. Here is the Playbook. 

Report: Rivera Being Considered for U.S. Education Secretary: Former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera is being considered to serve as the U.S. Education Secretary, according to an NBC News report.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley Tests Positive for COVID-19: The Carbon County Republican sent out a statement on Monday evening announcing that he, along with two family members, tested positive for COVID-19.

Pennsylvania Certifies 2020 Election Results, Officially Confirming Biden Victory: President-elect Joe Biden received 3,458,229 votes, while President Donald Trump received 3,377,674 votes in the state, and Libertarian Party candidate Jo Jorgensen received 79,380 votes, according to the press release from the Department of State.

As of Wednesday morning, we still are waiting for a call in a state Senate race 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), Thursday (Nov. 19), Friday (Nov. 20), Monday (Nov. 23), and Tuesday (Nov. 24) Election Playbooks. 

Here’s an update of where we stand as of Wednesday, Nov. 25 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 and the state certified the results on Tuesday morning. Biden received 3,458,229 votes, while President Donald Trump received 3,377,674 votes in the state, and Libertarian Party candidate Jo Jorgensen received 79,380 votes, according to the press release from the Department of State.

Statewide. For Attorney General, Josh Shapiro defeated GOP challenger Heather Heidelbaugh. The AP called the race for Shapiro on Nov. 6. As of Wednesday morning, Shapiro leads Heidelbaugh by 306,012 votes (4.5%). For Auditor General, Republican Tim DeFoor defeated Democrat Nina Ahmad. The AP called the race for DeFoor on Nov. 6. As of Wednesday morning, DeFoor leads by 209,531 votes (3.11%). For Treasurer, Republican challenger Stacy Garrity defeated incumbent Treasurer Joe Torsella. On Nov. 10, Torsella conceded in the race. As of Wednesday morning, Garrity leads by 53,180 votes (0.79%). 

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 Wednesday morning, Wild leads by 16,163 votes (or by 4.2 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 Wednesday morning, Cartwright leads by 12,213 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 Wednesday morning, Lamb leads by 2.2 points (9,596 votes) with 97% of estimated votes reported. 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). 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) trails GOP challenger Nicole Ziccarelli by 4 votes, as of Wednesday morning, according to DOS. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Bloomberg: Trump Plans to Attend Republican Election Hearing With Giuliani
Spotlight PA: Pa. declares Biden as winner of state’s 2020 presidential election, certifies results 
Spotlight PA: Are you a Pa. contact tracer, or have you been contacted by one? Tell us your story.
AP: Biden certified as winner of Pennsylvania presidential vote
The Appeal: Two Rising Democratic Stars May Be Vying For Pennsylvania Governor. On Criminal Justice, They’re Very Different 
Washington Post: The Trailer: A liberal on how he won in a Trump district
Inquirer: Pennsylvania certifies its presidential election results, officially declaring Joe Biden the winner
Inquirer: Pa. reports 3,900 COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Cases increase in Philly, New Jersey.
Patriot News: In days, Pa. road and bridge construction projects could be shut down, putting thousands out of work
Patriot News: Online or in school? Districts weigh options before telling Pa. their plans under new COVID-19 rules
Patriot News: Coronavirus contact tracing program further limits priorities as Pa. outbreak spreads
Patriot News: Some Pa. restaurants/bars to close early, offer deals amid Gov. Wolf’s Thanksgiving booze crackdown
Patriot News: Pa. intensive care units filling with COVID-19 patients
Post-Gazette: Trump plans to attend GOP election hearing with Giuliani in Gettysburg
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Oatmeal no more, Casey chugs 11 a.m. beer after Pennsylvania certifies results  
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How state political parties helped big money pay for this year’s elections | Analysis 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: DCNR sends out-of-state park visitors without a negative COVID test packing 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. certifies election results for Biden, Harris, cementing win in key 2020 battleground state 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Slate Belt Rep. Doyle Heffley says he’s tested positive for COVD-19 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How lawmakers threw Harrisburg a fiscal lifeline in the new #PaBudget | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 in Pa.: Health Dept. announces 6,669 new cases; 81 new deaths
StateImpactPA: Can Biden’s climate plan spark cooperation in Pa.? Some see possible common ground in jobs, infrastructure
Morning Call: PennDOT’s $600 million funding shortfall threatens thousands of jobs; Pennsylvania lawmakers look for solution
WITF: The ‘cult’ of John Fetterman has a national following. What could that mean for his political future? 
WITF: Lawyers: Asylum Seekers Whose Claims Were Rejected Under Illegal Rules Should Get Another Chance
WESA: Pennsylvania State ‘Survival Budget’ Passed 
WESA: Burdened By Surging Cases, Pennsylvania Rationing Contact Tracing, Case Investigation Efforts 
KDKA: Pennsylvania Certifies 2020 Election Results, Awarding 20 Electoral Votes To Joe Biden
KDKA: CARES Act Funding To Help Pennsylvania Dairy Farmers
WHYY Newsworks: Pennsylvania certifies election results, making Biden’s victory official
PLSReporter: Election results certified, Pennsylvania’s 20 electors signed for Biden and Harris 
PLSReporter: Heffley tests positive for COVID-19, becoming third lawmaker in last week 
PLSReporter: Right 2 Know Episode 73: Giving Thanks… For A State Budget 
Fox News: Trump campaign says Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan to hold public hearings on election, states push back 
Fox News: Trump to join Giuliani at Pennsylvania GOP meeting on election irregularities, source says 
Fox News: Pennsylvania, Nevada certify election results for Biden despite Trump legal challenges 
Fox News: Philadelphia Fitness Coalition creates petition to reopen gyms amid pandemic 
The Hill: Pennsylvania certifies Biden victory 
The Hill: Pennsylvania bans alcohol sales at bars, restaurants on night before Thanksgiving 
The Hill: Trump set to attend Pennsylvania Republicans’ ‘hearing’ on voter fraud: reports 
Delaware Valley Journal: Early Analysis: GOP Beat Back 10:1 Spending Wave of Dem Independent Expenditures 
Politico: Pennsylvania, Nevada certify Biden wins as battlegrounds make 2020 results official
CNN: Trump is expected to join Giuliani at Pennsylvania GOP lawmakers’ voter fraud event 
CNN: Pennsylvania and Nevada certify election results for Biden, North Carolina for Trump
Huffington Post: Four Seasons, Part II? Maddow Finds Something Weird In Next Big Giuliani Event 
City Paper: Sen. Bob Casey drank an IPA at 11 a.m. to celebrate PA certifying election for Joe Biden

Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: New Philly quarantine hotel opens Monday after fire forces evacuation of COVID-positive residents 
Billy Penn: Less than a week before deadline, Wells Fargo relents on pandemic mortgage relief
Inquirer: No, George Soros wasn’t arrested in Philadelphia for ‘election interference’ | PolitiFact
Inquirer: COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths rise sharply in Pa.; U.S. records most new deaths in months; Philly’s ban on alcohol sales starts tonight
Inquirer: Philly’s Black-led charter schools are treated unfairly, new group says 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: Farley warns of growing infection, fatality rates in Philly; state sets contact-tracing priorities
Philadelphia Tribune: City legislators put the brakes on $13.8M proposal to outfit all cops with Tasers 
Philadelphia Business Journal: City to invest $500K to make Philadelphia the ‘most diverse tech hub’
Philadelphia Business Journal: ‘It’s only six weeks’: Kenney, Farley stand firm on closure order after Philadelphia gym owners protest 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia Health Department sends team to educate retailers on rules for masks, occupancy
KYW Newsradio: Philly officials urge people to have Thanksgiving with those in their households as cases continue to rise
KYW Newsradio: Philly gym owners fight COVID-19 closures, restrictions
KYW Newsradio: Free parking on Saturdays returns to Philly, willfully drawing holiday shoppers to pandemic-burdened businesses 
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania certifies 2020 presidential election results for Joe Biden, Kamala Harris 
Philly Voice: COVID-19 cases might be ‘leveling’ in Philly, but Thanksgiving safety looms large
Philadelphia Magazine: Here’s How the City Is Preparing to Distribute a COVID-19 Vaccine Once One Is Ready

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Biden certified as prez winner in Delco
Daily Local News: Former Chester County Sheriff ‘Bunny’ Welsh charged with theft counts in fundraising scheme 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks faces $12 million budget gap in 2021 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County leaders react to passing of Frank Bartle 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County reports 1,733 new coronavirus cases as pandemic continues
KYW Newsradio: Former Chester County sheriff and boyfriend, a former deputy, charged with theft 
Inquirer: Former Chester County sheriff and her boyfriend charged with theft for improper K-9 unit comp time
Bucks Local News: Bucks County Board of Elections certifies 2020 General Election results 
Bucks Local News: Bucks County releases preliminary 2021 operating budget 
Bucks Local News: NOV. 23 BUCKS COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE: Cases, hospitalizations, deaths continue to climb
Delaware Valley Journal: Delco Certifies Election but Leaves Out House Race Due to Court Order

Pittsburgh 
KDKA: Allegheny County Board Of Elections To Meet To Amend Election Certification 
KDKA: Ziccarelli Asks Pa.’s Supreme Court To Reconsider Vote-By-Mail Decision; Kelly-Parnell Lawsuit Gets Challenged By Republicans And Democrats
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: 42% Of Families KDKA Surveyed Say Their Child Is Learning Less Through Online Classes
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Says Child Has Died From Coronavirus, Reports 541 New Cases
Tribune Review: Pa. attorneys urge court to toss petition of Rep. Mike Kelly, Sean Parnell 
Tribune Review: Ziccarelli asks Pa. Supreme Court to reconsider decision to count undated Allegheny County ballots  
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 1st child death from covid-19, new record 7-day case total
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh looks to tighten campaign finance reports for PACs, independent expenditures 
Post-Gazette: Property taxes unchanged under budget approved by Allegheny County Council 
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania certifies election for Biden, Harris 
Post-Gazette: Agencies receive $1.62 million in CARES funds grants for pandemic relief 
Post-Gazette: Law enforcement prepares to carry out alcohol bans at bars, restaurants tonight
Post-Gazette: As COVID cases surge in Pa., contact tracers frustrated by lack of cooperation
Pittsburgh Business Times: No different than a shutdown: Restaurant owners express anger, frustration over new mitigation efforts imposed day before Thanksgiving
Pittsburgh Business Times: Producers, online news and sports teams at KDKA-TV unionize in agreement with SAG-AFTRA
WESA: Pennsylvania State ‘Survival Budget’ Passed 
WESA: Between Jammed Phone Lines, Many Are Still Fighting To Get Pandemic Unemployment Assistance 
City Paper: Allegheny County Jail transitioning to eBook system, accepting book donations through December 
City Paper: An ongoing tally of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in Allegheny County

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Two Langerholc bills presented to governor
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset Judge requiring most court proceedings to be handled via video conference 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Pandemic stressing local hospitals; Cambria adds 199 new COVID-19 cases
Tribune Review: Westmoreland plans $345M budget for 2021 without increasing taxes
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County sets records for 3 covid-19 statistics
Observer-Reporter: House bill to assist veteran organizations amid COVID-19 
Observer-Reporter: Monessen mayor, councilmen reach settlement in Sunshine Law case 
Observer-Reporter: Washington County Court suspends jury trials through January 
Observer-Reporter: Four new COVID-19 deaths reported in Washington County
Altoona Mirror: Huntingdon closes offices to walk-ins
Altoona Mirror: District courts reduce access
Beaver County Times: Beaver County District Attorney won’t advise police to cite people for not wearing a mask 

NEPA
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre City Hall employee says he lobbied for mayor’s budget on own time 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council approves sale of former juvenile detention center 
The Times Leader: 147 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 6,669 statewide
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre City Hall closed Thursday and Friday 
Citizens Voice: Council authorizes Pedri to pursue sale of former juvenile jail 
Citizens Voice: COVID-19 risk substantial for Luzerne County gatherings 
Citizens Voice: 147 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday
Times-Tribune: PEL: Scranton’s proposed budget is compliant with Act 47 exit plan 
Times-Tribune: Scranton to test wastewater to help stop spread of COVID-19 
Times-Tribune: Luzerne County Council authorizes Pedri to pursue sale of former juvenile jail

South Central 
Carlisle Sentinel: Analysis: Mapping out the 2020 vote in Cumberland County
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 112 new COVID-19 cases, two new deaths reported in Cumberland County
York Dispatch: York County officials reflect on success of Nov. 3 election 
York Dispatch: York County’s top judge to suspend jury trials through mid-January in wake of COVID-19 
York Dispatch: 223 new cases, two deaths related to COVID-19 in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster mayor airs draft of budget with no new taxes, warns against relying on reserve funds 
LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘Action is required from all of us’: Lancaster County officials urge caution as COVID-19 cases rise ahead of holiday season 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster city mayor announces her pick for interim police chief 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Tuesday’s COVID-19 updates: Lancaster County gains 268 new cases 
Patriot News: 21 civilian positions included in Harrisburg budget to create new police Community Services Division
Patriot News: York County Court of Common Pleas suspends jury trials into January
Patriot News: City of Lancaster to vote on interim Chief of Police candidate, launch nationwide search for next chief
York Daily Record: York County suspends criminal jury trials through mid-January with resurgence of COVID-19

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Berks farmer applauds agritourism bill as it advances to Pennsylvania Senate 
Reading Eagle: 169 more coronavirus cases for Berks County in state reporting
WFMZ: Allentown City Council postpones vote on resign-to-run bill
WFMZ: Lehigh County extends deadline for commissioner applications, adds Juneteenth as paid holiday 
WFMZ: Easton City Council introduces 2021 budget with no tax increase 
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 6,669 new cases; Pa. on cusp of 10K deaths; Northampton County crosses 8K cases | Pa. COVID-19 county map (11/24/20) 
Morning Call: Thanksgiving eve beer and alcohol sales restrictions deliver another blow to Lehigh Valley bars and restaurants, owners say

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: County by county, state officials report vote results
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Proposed city budget includes 2.5 mill tax hike
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 38 new COVID-19 cases
Erie Times-News: Most Erie County Court proceedings going remote 
Centre Daily Times: Still plan to have a big Thanksgiving in Centre County this year? Don’t, experts say — here’s why
Centre Daily Times: Nov. 24 update: Pa. adds 6,669 cases of COVID-19; Centre County reports 110 new positives

Opinion  
Gene Therapy: Fetterman is the MVP of election commentators
John Kromer: Is The Philadelphia Committee Person an Endangered Species? 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: State must divulge school COVID data 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Our COVID hypocrisy
Inquirer Editorial Board: Give thanks for frontline workers who keep our loved ones, society, and democracy alive 
Tribune Review Editorial: Public health orders that hurt the bar business require a chaser of aid
Ray E. Landis: Pa. has a State Plan on Aging? Here’s what you need to know about this important document
Paul Muschick: A COVID vaccine is on the way. But should you get it?
Solomon Jones: Joe Biden’s bill to the Black community is due 
Thomas Knudsen: PGW is at crossroads — and that should concern everyone 
Jenice Armstrong: Local gyms will need help to survive shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic 
Chris Kelly: Urban renewal by wrecking ball
Jessica Blatt Press: The Citizen Recommends: Words of Revolution, Words of Solace
Charles D. Allen: Freedom, Democracy, and Thanksgiving Day 2020 
Will Bunch Newsletter: In La.’s polluted ‘Cancer Alley,’ activists say new president’s guy has been MIA on climate 
Trudy Rubin: New Biden foreign policy will put Americans first alongside democratic allies 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Transitioning into the Presidential bedroom