Pennsylvania - What to watch in 2026

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Pennsylvania is a politically divided state where control of government is split, and that balance plays a central role in shaping women’s rights. The state constitution does not currently protect abortion access or several other policies affecting women’s rights. In recent years, outcomes have depended on a combination of legislative proposals, the governor’s veto power, and court decisions.

With control of the governor’s office and the legislature at stake in 2026, election results could determine whether existing protections remain in place, are expanded, or face new restrictions.

What’s at stake

Several major areas of women’s rights in Pennsylvania remain unsettled and could shift depending on the outcome of the 2026 elections and future court decisions:

• Access to abortion.
  Abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania, but because protections are set in state law rather than the constitution, future access will depend on whether the governor continues to block new restrictions and whether the legislature can advance them.
• Voting rules.
  Pennsylvania has expanded voting access in recent years, but many of these policies have faced legal challenges, and future changes will depend on court rulings and whether lawmakers revise election laws.
• Education policy and gender-related protections.
  Issues related to curriculum, gender identity, and school policies are largely decided at the state level, and future direction will depend on legislative priorities and election outcomes.

What will be on the ballot — and when

Pennsylvania voters will participate in two elections that influence how women’s rights laws are written and enforced.

Primary election (May 19, 2026)

• Pennsylvania State Senate (about half the chamber)
• Pennsylvania House of Representatives (all seats)
• Governor
• Lieutenant Governor
• U.S. House of Representatives

Primaries determine which candidates advance to the general election and shape which policy approaches are available in November.

General election (November 3, 2026)

• Pennsylvania State Senate (about half the chamber)
• Pennsylvania House of Representatives (all seats)
• Governor
• Lieutenant Governor
• U.S. House of Representatives

These offices influence which legislative proposals are advanced.

Election resources

The following links provide official information about the ballot, voter registration, and elected representatives:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — voter registration, mail voting, polling locations
Ballotpedia — Pennsylvania elections, 2026

Locate your district's representatives

• Find My Legislator - An interactive map and locator tool for the General Assembly members in Pennsylvania
• House of Representatives - The official House directory
• State Senate - The official Senate directory

WRDI provides election context to support an informed understanding of how laws and policies change. The initiative does not endorse candidates or parties.