Pennsylvania House District 47

About this race

Edward Ritter (Democratic), Joe D'Orsie (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Joe D'Orsie is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Edward Ritter was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Joe D'Orsie was unopposed in the Republican primary. Pennsylvania nominates by plurality (no runoffs); unopposed nominees still print. The field matches the Department of State's general-election candidate listing (pavoterservices.pa.gov, read October 20, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

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, Joe D'Orsie, is on the ballot.