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🗞️  Good Morning Pennsylvania. Find all the latest news on what’s happening in Keystone State politics with the PoliticsPA Playbook. We’ll deliver all the latest headlines in an easy-to-read format every weekday at 8 AM. And it’s free. Add your name to the list and subscribe now.

Top Story

1. Poll: Shapiro Trails Other Democrats Early On For 2028 Primary

“Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, seen as a front-runner for the Democratic nomination in 2028, is polling behind some fellow Democrats and presidential hopefuls in Emerson College’s first post-election poll released Tuesday.

The popular swing state governor who has been working to build his national brand is polling at 3% in Emerson College’s nationwide poll of 1,000 registered voters. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is also polling at 3%, and both governors are polling four points behind California Gov. Gavin Newsom and one point behind Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Thirty-seven percent of voters – the highest favorability of the candidates listed — want to see a redo of 2024, with Vice President Kamala Harris leading the ticket in 2028, according to the poll.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Elsewhere

Trump’s Campaign to Win Over Black Philadelphians Had Some Success. Black Voters Told Us Why. “Democrats performed worse in 649 of the 688 majority-Black precincts in Philadelphia while Trump grew his share of votes in 635 majority-Black precincts as compared to 2020.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Trump’s Second Administration Set To Be Filled With Losers. “For someone who has made winning a key part of his personal, professional and political brand, Donald Trump is set to rely on a large stable of losers in his second term. The president-elect has tapped more than a dozen people who previously lost elections to join his administration next year.” (Roll Call)

State

2. How Did Democrats Keep Their PA House Majority During a Red Wave? Redistricting Is Part of the Answer

“In an election year that saw big wins for Republicans in Pennsylvania, the state House stayed under Democratic control — by one seat.

The party’s ability to hold onto its majority during a red wave is partly explained by newer district boundaries approved in early 2022 and partly by the idiosyncratic ways voters behave.

Experts say the current state House map was drawn so the majority reflects statewide party preferences. Based on election results across the commonwealth, a narrow majority for either Democrats or Republicans was a reasonable outcome.” (Spotlight PA)

Elsewhere

Wild Contemplates Her Future Away From Congress. Another Run Isn’t Out of the Question. “ For the first time in decades, U.S. Rep. Susan Wild’s itinerary is about to open up.” (LehighValleyNews.com)

Why the State ‘Bled Red’ in 2024. A Voices of Reason Podcast with pollsters Berwood Yost and Chris Borick. (PoliticsPA)

Pennsylvania Lawmaker Proposes Mandatory Death Penalty For “Illegal Aliens Convicted of Murder”. “State Representative Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) says he plans to introduce the bill while citing cases across the country where those who have entered the United States illegally have been convicted of serious crimes.” (abc27)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Election 2024 Post-Mortem: In Southwest PA, Democrats’ Fortunes Turn South Again

“Over the full arc of these seven election cycles, the region’s voting patterns have moved away from the Democrats, with the exception of Pittsburgh-based Allegheny County, which has, if anything, become even bluer.

Such developments have tracked the parallel paths of the two parties – the Democratic Party has become predominantly urban and suburban with a strong appeal to college-educated voters, while the Republican Party has become increasingly rural and attractive to blue-collar voters, who predominate in all but Allegheny County.” (PoliticsPA)

Elsewhere

KDKA-TV’s Jon Delano Looks Back At His Career Reporting on Pennsylvania Politics. “KDKA-TV money and political editor Jon Delano is retiring after 30 years. He talked to Ken Rice about his remarkable career.” (CBS Pittsburgh)

Montgomery County Voters Slam Election Commissioners, Say They ‘Don’t Trust’ the Process. “The election may be over but residents in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, lined up on Monday to give their election commissioners a piece of their mind, accusing them of trying to steal the contentious Senate race and disenfranchise their votes.” (Washington Examiner)

Delaware County Facing $76 Million Budget Deficit — 28 Percent Tax Increase Proposed. “In order to pay for $52 million of that gap, taxpayers are facing a 28 percent real estate tax increase. To fill the remainder, the draft budget spends $10 million in non-renewable funding from the federal government, and also dips into the county’s “fund balance” — essentially the reserve fund — for another $14 million.” (Broad + Liberty)

Luzerne County Election Board Frustrations Erupt at Final Adjudication Session. “The Luzerne County Election Board’s Nov. 5 general election adjudication wrapped up Monday — with contention. Two board members separately walked out of the morning adjudication in frustration, although one later returned.” (Wilkes-Barre Times Leader)

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

• Gov. Shapiro Helped Keep SEPTA Going, But a Long-Term Solution Is Needed. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
• Pennsylvanians Should Honor the Hard Work and Dedication of Election Workers. (Mark S. Schweiker and Lou Barletta)
• Three Ways to Avoid More Election Drama. (Ryan Silverstein)
• At The Crossroads of News and Opinion, ‘Morning Joe’ Hosts Grapple With Aftermath of Trump Meeting. (David Bauder)
• The Election Was a Referendum on Elitism. (Rep. Joe D’Orsie)
• Time for Shapiro to Ditch Corporate Welfare and Cut Red Tape. (Elizabeth Stelle)
• Are Red MAGA Hat-Wearers the Only Ones With the Right to Free Speech in Erie? (Linda Romey)

1 Thing

5. The History of One of Washington’s Weirdest Traditions: The Turkey Pardon

“A lame-duck president “pardoned” a turkey Monday.

Not to be snood-y about it, but this fowl tradition has a long and oft-confused history. So let’s dispel the myths that get stuck in our beaks that too many have clawed onto and get to the truth of the matter.

Which president was the first to pardon a turkey? This might be a shaggy turkey story, but bear with us.” (WHYY)

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