Pennsylvania House District 26

About this race

Paul Friel (Democratic) and Samantha Horosky (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot, per the Department of State's general-election candidate listing (pavoterservices.pa.gov, read October 20, 2026). Paul Friel is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Paul Friel was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Pennsylvania nominates by plurality (no runoffs); unopposed nominees still print. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot. Samantha Horosky was nominated by write-in votes in the Republican primary, per the Department of State's candidate database.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Paul Friel, is on the ballot.