November 2026 Midterm Elections

Written by Hillary Bedeian – 10/1/2026

Coming at a pivotal moment during the federal administration’s push for fossil fuels, the rise of data center development, and an unprecedented rise in consumer energy costs, November’s midterm elections have the potential to shape the future of clean energy, energy affordability, and consumer protections in Pennsylvania. In this blog post, The Energy Co-op staff explores what this year’s midterm election outcomes could mean for Pennsylvania’s energy outlook.  

 
What’s at Stake 

It’s widely known that Pennsylvania lags behind nearly all states in renewable energy development: the state has long been a leading natural gas producer, generating over 60% of its electricity from natural gas, and the fossil fuel lobby’s roots run deep. In its legislative landscape, Pennsylvania’s state legislature has been divided, with Democrats holding a narrow majority in the State House, and Republicans controlling the State Senate. This split has often led to stalled advancements in priorities for both parties, including clean energy legislation.  

More recently, growing concerns about PJM governance and grid reliability, as well as concerns about the impacts of hyperscale data center development, have taken center stage during this election cycle, and shaped much of the conversation regarding clean energy and energy affordability. Pennsylvania’s next governor will be poised to play a pivotal role in policy decisions that impact renewable energy progress and consumer energy costs. 

 
Key Race: Pennsylvania Governor 

Incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and his running mate Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis are seeking re-election this November, facing Republican challenger and current state treasurer Stacy Garrity and her running mate Jason Richey. Polls show a likelihood of Shapiro retaining the Governor’s seat, with Stacy Garrity lagging far behind, largely due to a lack of name recognition. In his first term as Governor, Shapiro has gained widespread popularity, building his reputation as a pragmatic Democrat who can work with both parties. As state treasurer, Garrity has managed the state’s savings, which total around $55 billion, and has positioned herself as an advocate for the fossil fuel industry. 

Where They Stand: Affordability and the Energy Economy 

Affordability has become a central theme for this year’s midterm elections across the U.S., and the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race is no exception. While both candidates readily acknowledge the energy affordability crisis rapidly taking shape in the Commonwealth that has largely been driven by skyrocketing electricity prices in recent PJM auctions, each candidate has set forth starkly different solutions.  

In recent months, Shapiro has taken a more aggressive stance towards utility companies, warning executives that his office will not approve rate increase requests without a comprehensive plan to lower consumer energy costs. This past year, he also negotiated a cap on auction prices with PJM, Pennsylvania’s regional grid operator, which his administration touts as a measure that has saved consumers billions of dollars on their energy bills.  

While Garrity has focused on rising energy bills, she has not taken a stance on utility profits, or on the role that PJM governance plays in energy affordability. She has proposed eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax, which would provide immediate savings for Pennsylvania households, but would leave the state with an over one-billion-dollar revenue shortfall.  

On energy production, both candidates have set forth plans to increase Pennsylvania’s energy output but diverge on the sources of energy the state should prioritize. Shapiro’s Lightning Plan aims to add power generation that includes a mix of natural gas, nuclear energy, and renewables, while Garrity’s plan puts forward major investments in natural gas production.  

Where They Stand: Data Centers  

The data center debate has become more contentious between both candidates in recent months as data center development has expanded at a rapid rate both nationally and within Pennsylvania. Despite previously taking a more welcoming and enthusiastic stance towards data centers, both candidates have since shifted their positions in response to growing public opposition. 

In August, Shapiro issued an executive order establishing regulatory guardrails and requirements for data center development in the Commonwealth. While the executive order has drawn criticism from advocacy groups for its omissions, Shapiro has positioned Pennsylvania among a number of states that have instated restrictions on data center development.  

Calling attention to the change in Shapiro’s position on data centers, Garrity’s campaign has used the issue of data center development as an angle to provide her with a competitive edge. Beginning in early 2026, Garrity has hosted community listening sessions to solicit public feedback on data center development in local communities. While her campaign has not addressed specific questions on data centers, she has stated that she supports a pause on data center development, and more restrictions on the industry.  

Congressional Races 

Several key down ballot races in both the State House and Senate could shift the landscape of Pennsylvania’s state legislature, where State House Democrats currently hold a narrow majority, and State Senate Republicans maintain control. Trifectas – wherein the Governor’s seat and both chambers of the state legislature are of the same party – can often signal the most promise for state governments effecting notable policy action. Particularly on issues of climate and renewable energy policy, states with Democratic trifectas have a better track record of reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy generation. A Pennsylvania Democratic trifecta could yield more positive outcomes for renewable energy advancement than if the state legislature remains divided.  

For a comprehensive look at elections and ballot measures in your voting district, you can use Ballotpedia’s sample ballot lookup tool.  

Make Your Plan to Vote 

Polls will open from 7:00am to 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026. All voters in line before 8:00pm are able to vote, even if they cast their ballots after polls close. Voters can also vote by mail – the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, October 27th, 2026. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 19th, 2026.  

The official PA Voter Services website allows voters to check their registration or find their polling place. The PA voter hotline is also available at (877) 868-3772 for assistance with registration, voting questions, or provisional ballots. 

Your Vote Matters  

As states continue to play a significant role in determining climate and energy policy, elections at the state and local level gain importance with each election cycle. With a unified state legislature and executive, Pennsylvania could see clean energy policy advancements in the next several years that could pave the way for decades of progress.  

The Energy Co-op encourages you to exercise your civic responsibility and vote for candidates that best represent your values, and we also acknowledge that the work continues beyond the ballot box. Regardless of which candidates assume office, our responsibility lies in continuing to demonstrate the power of clean energy and to advocate for clean energy progress in the Commonwealth.