The Duties of Each Office Up for Election

Positions up for election in the November 3, 2026 General Election.

Statewide Offices

  • The Governor is the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The Governor has a duty to enforce state laws, the power to approve or veto bills passed by the Pennsylvania Legislature (subject to a two-thirds override), and the power to convene the legislature for extraordinary sessions. The Governor is limited to two four-year terms. The Governor may grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations — except in cases of impeachment — but only when recommended by the Board of Pardons. The Board of Pardons consists of the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, and three gubernatorial appointees, each confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Senate, serving six-year terms.

  • The Lieutenant Governor assumes the duties of the Governor when the Governor is unable to discharge the duties of the office. The Lieutenant Governor also serves as President of the Senate, and may vote to break a tie on any question — except the final passage of a bill or joint resolution, the adoption of a conference report, or concurrence in amendments made by the House of Representatives. Fun fact: the Lieutenant Governor runs separately in the primary, but appears on a joint slate with the Governor during the General Election.

Federal & State Legislature

  • Serves the citizens of a specific congressional district by representing the interests of their constituents, introducing legislation, voting on bills, and serving on committees, among other duties. Members divide their time between their home states and Washington, D.C., as members of the legislative branch.

  • The Pennsylvania State Senate is the upper chamber of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Alongside the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of state government and works with the Governor to create bills and vote on a state budget. Responsibilities include passing public policy legislation, setting state spending levels, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

  • The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Along with the State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of state government and works with the Governor to enact laws and set the state budget. Responsibilities include passing public policy legislation, setting state spending levels, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

Party Positions

  • A political office whose members decide party policies. Elected during the primary, with each area electing its own members. Members also vote to endorse candidates from their party.

  • A hyperlocal political position elected by party members in each precinct. Local committee people handle activities like getting out the vote, recruiting candidates to run for office, and registering voters. They also elect county and local party leadership and take part in the party endorsement process. Elected during the primary.

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