A pair of Democratic incumbents lost tight races to Republicans in neighboring districts in Pennsylvania, giving the GOP more breathing room in its battle to keep the House majority.
While the Associated Press has not called the races in the Keystone State’s 7th and 8th districts, Reps. Susan Wild and Matt Cartwright both conceded their contests Wednesday morning. The GOP’s success in the pair of districts helps to, in part, offset losses in key races in New York.
In Pennsylvania’s 7th District, Republican state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie bested Ms. Wild, a three-term incumbent, by about 5,000 votes with 99% of all votes counted. Ms. Wild’s reelection bid was considered a toss-up for much of the campaign.
Ms. Wild said in her concession statement that there was “no sugarcoating it: it is a bitterly disappointing outcome.”
“I lost this election and my opponent won,” she said. “I congratulate my opponent on winning this seat, and I am going to do everything to ensure a smooth transition, because people of this district deserve nothing less.”
In the neighboring 8th District, Republican candidate Rob Bresnahan Jr. outran two-term incumbent Mr. Cartwright by over 7,000 votes.
Mr. Cartwright’s district, which includes the cities of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, was considered a toss-up prior to Election Day.
Mr. Cartwright said in his concession statement that it was not the result he hoped for, but it has been “the honor of my life to represent our community in Congress.”
“I am so proud of everything we have been able to deliver for Northeastern Pennsylvania,” he said. “Thank you for your support and congratulations to Rob on his win.”
Their losses cap off a brutal night in the Keystone State for Democrats, where Vice President Kamala Harris lost to President-elect Donald Trump, incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey trails Republican challenger Dave McCormick, and the lone flip opportunity in conservative Rep. Scott Perry’s 10th District appears to be a bust.
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.