PENNSYVANIA — In an election that could tip the balance of power in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives, former U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., has thrown his support behind Democratic candidate Jim Prokopiak. The special election, scheduled for February 13, 2024, is being held to fill the vacated seat representing the 140th House District in Bucks County.
Holder, who also serves as Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), emphasized the importance of this election, stating, “Voters in House District 140 cannot afford to be complacent in this month’s election.” He lauded Prokopiak’s decade-long experience serving his community and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver results favoring job creation, public education enhancement, affordable housing access, and protection of reproductive rights.
Prokopiak, a Pennsbury School Board member and former Falls Township supervisor, faces Republican Candace Cabanas, a former healthcare worker and restaurant professional. Cabanas, a stay-at-home mom, has voiced her understanding of the challenges faced by working-class families and focused on issues like inflation, border crisis, and homelessness.
The outcome of this special election is crucial as it will break the current tie in the state House, which is evenly divided along party lines. Both the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee and the NDRC are putting significant resources into the race, underscoring its importance in shaping Pennsylvania’s political landscape.
While Democrats see this election as an opportunity to protect their majority in the chamber, Republicans view it as a chance to gain control and push their legislative agenda. However, some critics argue that Holder’s endorsement may not significantly sway the election outcome, given the local nature of state legislative races.
The 140th Legislative District encompasses 33 voting precincts across Morrisville Borough, Tullytown Borough, Falls Township, and parts of Middletown Township. The result of this heated contest will not only impact the immediate balance of power in the Pennsylvania House but also set the tone for the November elections.
As voters prepare to head to the polls on February 13, the spotlight remains on Bucks County, a reflection of the broader political dynamics at play across the state and the nation.
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