What the 2026 Midterm Election Results Mean for Nonprofits

Nearly all votes have been counted, and the results change the picture in both Harrisburg and Washington. PANO’s Elections 2026 Results Recap covers what happened, who the new leaders are, what it means for your organization, and what you can start doing now before the new session begins January 5. Thanks to PANO's lobbying firm, Duane Morris Government Strategies, for their ongoing guidance and support with all-things-advocacy-and-policy.

Pennsylvania Results at a Glance

• Governor: Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) was re-elected over State Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R), about 60% to 39%.
• Senate: Dems won a 26–24 majority, their first Senate majority since 1993.
• House: Dems are set to hold 114 of 203 seats, a net gain of 11. One Lancaster County race hasn't yet been certified.
• Congress: PA’s House delegation shifts from 10(R)–7(D) to 11(D)–6(R).
• New leaders: Dems in both chambers have named their 2027-28 leadership teams, including House Speaker Joanna McClinton, Senate Majority Leader Maria Collett, and Appropriations chairs Sen. Vincent Hughes and Rep. Jordan Harris. Republicans will also choose their leaders as the minority caucus. 

A reminder: Results are unofficial until counties certify them, which they must do by November 23. 

What This Means for Nonprofits - and What You Can Do Now

In Harrisburg:
With one party controlling the governor’s office and both chambers, bills that pass one chamber are more likely to reach the governor’s desk. Still, a two-seat Senate margin leaves little room for defections, so relationships with lawmakers of both parties matter as much as ever. 

In Washington:
Democrats will control both chambers of Congress in January, alongside a Republican president. Major policy changes in either direction are less likely, which puts federal grants and appropriations at the center of the next two years. First, Congress faces a December 11 funding deadline, the same day a key protection against OMB’s proposed overhaul of federal grant rules expires. 

Beyond Pennsylvania:
PA is one of five states set to have a new Democratic trifecta, and voters in 39 states decided about 145 ballot measures. PANO's recap highlights a few with lessons for nonprofits. 

Take Action Now:

• Weigh in on federal grant rules before December 11. If your org receives federal funds, directly or through the state, use NCN’s Take Action resources to ask your members of Congress to extend the protection.
• Introduce yourself to newly elected state legislators and members of Congress in your area, regardless of party, before they’re sworn in. Start with new members who have nonprofit backgrounds. 
• Review House-passed bills on issues that affect your organization. Many could be the starting point for negotiations in the 2027-28 session.
• Prepare your budget message. Gather the data and stories that show how state funding, and on-time budgets, affect the people you serve.
• Share NCN’s new Nonprofits and Democracy primer (Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3) with your board, staff, and volunteers.
• Keep your nonpartisan practices in place. The 501(c)(3) rules still apply after Election Day, including when you meet newly elected officials.

Questions about what these results could mean for your org? Email Anna Keilly, PANO's Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy.