In both 2016, Donald Trump managed to win the presidential election despite having lost his home state. By 2020, he changed his home state and barely hung onto it in the 2020 presidential election.
But in President Jo Biden’s home state and his home district, it appears people there still like him.
In a critical state senate special election, Democratic candidate Marty Flynn managed to hold on to state district 22, which includes Scranton in Lackawanna County. Scranton is the home town of President Biden and he endorsed Flynn as a candidate.
According to a local Pennsylvania news outlet:
‘A four-candidate race for a vacant state Senate seat became a two-candidate slugfest. In the end, a politician who is no stranger to Harrisburg will fill that Senate seat.
‘It was a close race, but in the end 113th District State Representative Marty Flynn emerged victorious in a special election to fill the Pennsylvania State Senate 22nd district seat.’
Pennsylvania Democrats won a critical seat last night in a special election. Congratulations to the @DLCC pic.twitter.com/bvcrLPoPj7
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) May 19, 2021
The seat won by Flynn was previously held by Sen. John Blake (D), who left the position to work for U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D). With a slim minority in Pennsylvania’s state senate, it was important to hold onto that seat, particularly with a Democratic candidate who backs Biden’s core plan of strengthening unions and fighting for the working poor.
According to activist organization Do the Most Good:
‘Marty, representative from House District 113 since 2012, is chairman of the Northeastern Delegation in the PA House. His legislative record is one of fighting for union rights, standing up for seniors, and advocating for working families.’
🚨SPECIAL ELECTION – PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATE DISTRICT 22🚨
Democrat – Marty Flynn (@TheMartyFlynn)
Election Date – 🗓️THIS TUESDAY, MAY 18TH🗓️
Area – ScrantonThis would be a Dem hold if we win, but it has shifted red in recent years.
It's vital that we hold on to this seat. pic.twitter.com/Qr5qU4A4Ys
— TrumpsTaxes (@TrumpsTaxes) May 13, 2021
Lackawanna County had traditionally gone Democrat in presidential elections, voting for Barack Obama in 2012 but Donald Trump in 2020. The shift back to a clear Democratic victory bodes well for the 2022 midterms.
According to Ballotpedia:
‘This district is one of 710 state legislative districts that intersects with one or more Pivot Counties. These 206 Pivot Counties voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016 after voting for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012.
‘The 206 Pivot Counties are located in 34 states. Iowa, with 31, had the most such counties. The partisan makeup of state legislative districts intersecting with Pivot Counties is slightly more Republican than the overall partisan makeup of state legislatures throughout the country.’
BREAKING: @JoeBiden endorsed @TheMartyFlynn in Tuesday’s special election in Pennsylvania’s SD-22, the site of Biden’s childhood home in Scranton. Flynn has represented the area in the state House for 4 terms & is a strong supporter of organized labor.https://t.co/6KYmWbwxX2
— DLCC Press (@DLCCpress) May 14, 2021
