By Peter N. Calcara, PICPA Vice President, Government Relations

As the 2024 elections approach, Pennsylvania is once again at the center of national attention as a critical swing state. But this year’s election has significance in Pennsylvania beyond the presidential and congressional races. The state's three row offices – attorney general, auditor general, and treasurer – and control of the Pennsylvania General Assembly are elections that play a crucial role in shaping the future of Pennsylvania. These elections, while often overshadowed by higher-profile races, wield significant influence over state policy, governance, and the implementation of federal laws. And it is among these elections that PICPA’s CPA-PAC, and ultimately your voice, has the most influence. The nonpartisan CPA-PAC plays a critical role in ensuring that the voice of CPAs is heard during elections, particularly in races where candidates’ positions on tax, business, and financial matters directly impact the profession.

Row Offices in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's row offices play a vital role in the state government, each possessing essential functions that ensure government operates effectively and fairly. The attorney general, as the state's top law enforcement official, oversees criminal prosecutions, consumer protection, and civil litigation involving the state.

This year's race for attorney general features Democrat Eugene DePasquale and Republican Dave Sunday. It is the only row office without an incumbent. DePasquale previously served three terms in the Pennsylvania House representing York County, followed by two terms as state auditor general. He also ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2020 against U.S. Rep. Scott Perry (R) in the 10th Congressional District.

Dave Sunday, the Republican candidate, is the district attorney for York County, a position he has held since 2018. He began his legal career as a law clerk for a York County Common Pleas judge and later joined the county's district attorney's office. In 2013, he was appointed a special assistant U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by the Department of Justice.

For more analysis of the race for attorney general, visit Spotlight PA. 

The auditor general serves as Pennsylvania’s fiscal watchdog, auditing state agencies, school districts, and other entities that receive public funds. This office ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and transparently. The outcomes of audits can lead to significant reforms, influence budgetary decisions, and hold public officials accountable. The two major party candidates are Tim DeFoor, the incumbent Republican, and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, the Democrat.

DeFoor was elected Pennsylvania’s auditor general in 2020, becoming the first person of color to win a state row office in Pennsylvania and the first Republican to hold the auditor general position since 1997. He also worked as a fraud investigator and internal auditor for UPMC  and several federal contractors. In 2015, DeFoor was elected Dauphin County controller.

Before being elected to represent North Philadelphia in the state House in 2018, Kenyatta worked as a community activist and on diversity and inclusion efforts at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. Kenyatta is the first openly LGBTQ person of color to serve in the General Assembly.

For more analysis of the race for auditor general, visit Spotlight PA. 

The state treasurer manages Pennsylvania’s financial assets, oversees the state’s investment portfolio, and ensures that public funds are properly safeguarded. The Treasurer also plays a key role in promoting financial literacy and managing programs that provide financial assistance to Pennsylvanians.

This race features incumbent Republican Stacy Garrity against Erin McClelland, a small-business owner who defeated state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), the party’s endorsed candidate in the April primary. Garrity, who has held the office since 2020, is a combat veteran and business owner.

For more analysis of the race for treasurer, visit Spotlight PA.

Pennsylvania General Assembly

Since all 203 seats in the state House and 25 of the 50 state Senate seats are being contested this November, Pennsylvania’s political landscape faces a significant shift. Currently, Republicans hold a slim majority in the Senate, with 28 seats to the Democrats’ 22. Among the most closely watched races is the contest for the 45th Senatorial District in Allegheny County. This seat, which is open following the retirement of Democratic Sen. Jim Brewster, has drawn the attention of PICPA’s CPA-PAC, which is backing Democrat Nick Pisciottano, CPA. Pisciottano faces Republican challenger Jen Dintini in what is expected to be a highly competitive race.

In the state House, Democrats secured a narrow 102-101 majority after the November 2022 elections. Since then, they have been working diligently to preserve and potentially expand their narrow majority. Their strategy includes targeting a few remaining Republican-held districts in the southeastern part of the state, where demographic shifts and the top of the national ticket trend in their favor. Meanwhile, Republicans are equally determined to reclaim the majority, focusing on defending their incumbents and gaining ground in western Pennsylvania and the northern counties.

The CPA-PAC's efforts in the House are centered on supporting two key incumbents: Rep. Ben Sanchez, CPA (Inactive), a Democrat representing Montgomery County, and Rep. Keith Greiner, a Republican from Lancaster County. Both legislators have been strong advocates for the profession and are seen as pivotal to their respective parties’ influence in the House. As the November elections approach, the CPA-PAC will continue to monitor these and other races closely, with the goal of ensuring that candidates who understand and support the profession's priorities are elected.

For more on Pennsylvania’s elections, read Spotlight PA’s “Pa. Election 2024: A Guide to Vetting Legislative Candidates.” 

The 2024 elections in Pennsylvania are set against a backdrop of heightened political polarization. The outcomes of the row office and state legislative races will be influenced by several factors, including the national political climate, state-specific issues, and the candidates' platforms. But don’t let this election pass without your voice being heard.

Polls open Nov. 5 at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.

Sign up for PICPA's weekly professional and technical updates by completing this form.