Lindsay Powell projected winner in special election, giving Democrats control of State House

For the third time in less than eight months, Pennsylvanians headed to the polls for a special election that will decide control of the House, and on Tuesday, that vote was in District 21.

Two candidates were on the ballot for the seat that Sara Innamorato left empty in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Democrat Lindsay Powell faced off against Republican Erin Connolly Autenreith.

Powell is the projected winner, winning 65% of the vote. She will complete the term that Innamorato was elected to last November before she stepped aside to run for Allegheny County Executive.

Innamorato faces Republican Joe Rockey in that race this November. Her resignation bumped Democrats from a one-vote majority in the chamber to a 101-to-101 tie with Republicans.

District 21 includes parts of Pittsburgh and the suburbs of Etna, Millvale, Reserve and Shaler.

Five Pittsburgh Public Schools learned remotely Tuesday because their schools serve as polling locations: Pittsburgh Schiller 6-8, Spring Garden Early Childhood Center, Spring Hill K-5, Pittsburgh Sunnyside PreK-8, and Pittsburgh Woolslair PreK-5.

Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Election results are available at https://www.alleghenycounty.us/elections/election-results.aspx.

UPDATE 9:55 p.m.:

There are currently 76 of the 79 precincts reporting with the unofficial results read into the election night database for reporting. All materials have now been turned into the reporting center and secured.

Results from Pittsburgh 10-5, 24-1 and 24-4 will be added to the official database on Friday, Sept. 22.

Powell has 7,128 votes, and Autenreith has 3,795.

UPDATE 9:35 p.m.:

With 94.5% of precincts reporting, Powell has 7,068 votes and Autenreith has 3,717.

UPDATE 9:20 p.m.:

Lindsay Powell spoke after her projected victory.

“I’m honored to be elected to represent House District 21,” Powell said. “Our district is made up of hardworking families that deserve someone who will fight in Harrisburg to deliver good jobs, dignified pay, safe housing, strong schools and beautiful community assets. I’m ready to get to work with our community and for our community to fight for the rights, health and freedom of all of our neighbors.”

UPDATE 8:10 p.m.:

The Associated Press projects Lindsay Powell as the winner of the special election, giving control of the Pennsylvania House to Democrats.

UPDATE 8 p.m.:

With absentee and mail-in ballots reporting, Lindsay Powell has received 82.43% of the vote with 3,331 votes.

Erin Connolly Autenreith received 697 votes.

UPDATE 3 p.m.:

All absentee and mail-in ballots have been opened, extracted and scanned.

More updates are expected around 8 p.m.

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.:

The county says that all reports are that operations are running smoothly at the polling places.

There have been no calls to Election Court today.

UPDATE 8:30 a.m.:

There have been no reported issues that have impacted the opening of polling places this morning, a county representative reports.

UPDATE 7 a.m.:

Polls are now open in the 21st Legislative District.

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