This week, Democrat James Malone claimed a major upset victory in one of Pennsylvania’s special elections, securing his seat in the state Senate. Malone’s victory flipped a district with a 23-point Republican voter registration advantage. In 2024, Trump won the district by 15 points. Malone’s upset victory offers a loud and clear rebuke of Trump, Elon Musk and MAGA Republicans’ extreme agenda that is worsening the lives of hardworking Pennsylvanians since Trump took office just three months ago.  

Here’s the truth: Voters are fed up with Trump-Musk’s reckless, out-of-touch agenda, and that’s why Democrats continue to overperform Republicans in special elections. 

Take a look at the highlights below: 

The Hill: Democrat wins special state Senate election in Pennsylvania in major upset

[Jared Gans, 3/25/25]

Key Point: “Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin celebrated Malone’s victory, calling it a ‘shockwave’ to the system and the way Republicans have run the government. 

“‘In a district that went to Trump by 15 in 2024 and has a 23-point Republican voter registration advantage, Malone’s victory is a loud and clear rebuke to Republicans’ threats to the programs Pennsylvania families rely on – from Social Security and Medicaid to our public schools,’ Martin said.”

Newsweek: Democrats Declare Victory In District Donald Trump Won By 15 Points

[Khaleda Rahman, 3/26/25]

Key Point: “Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin said in a statement: ‘In a district that went to Trump by 15 in 2024 and has a 23-point Republican voter registration advantage, Malone’s victory is a loud and clear rebuke to Republicans’ threats to the programs Pennsylvania families rely on – from Social Security and Medicaid to our public schools.

“‘To protect working Americans, Democrats like Senator-elect Malone are competing everywhere, and in special elections throughout the country, we continue to overperform as voters join us in fighting back against the Trump-Musk agenda. This is a shockwave to the system and the way Republicans have run our government. Republicans everywhere should be afraid.’”

MeidasTouch News: Major Upset: Democrat James Malone Wins in Trump +15 District in Pennsylvania

[Troy Matthews, 3/26/25]

Key Point: “‘Congratulations to Senator-elect James Malone on his shocking, historic special election victory in Senate District 36,’ DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement. ‘Malone’s victory is a loud and clear rebuke to Republicans’ threats to the programs Pennsylvania families rely on – from Social Security and Medicaid to our public schools.’”

NOTUS: Dems Take a Special Election Seat in Pennsylvania That Republicans Thought Was Safe

[Katherine Swartz, 3/25/25]

Key Point: “Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, called the victory ‘shocking’ and ‘historic.’

“‘To protect working Americans, Democrats like Senator-elect Malone are competing everywhere, and in special elections throughout the country, we continue to overperform as voters join us in fighting back against the Trump-Musk agenda,’ Martin said in a statement.

“‘This is a shockwave to the system and the way Republicans have run our government. Republicans everywhere should be afraid,’ he said.”

PoliticsPA: Stunner in Lancaster As Malone Defeats Parsons For 36th Senate Seat

[Steve Ulrich, 3/25/25]

Key Point: “‘Congratulations to Senator-elect James Malone on his shocking, historic special election victory in Senate District 36,’ said Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin. ‘In a district that went to Trump by 15 in 2024 and has a 23-point Republican voter registration advantage, Malone’s victory is a loud and clear rebuke to Republicans’ threats to the programs Pennsylvania families rely on – from Social Security and Medicaid to our public schools. To protect working Americans, Democrats like Senator-elect Malone are competing everywhere, and in special elections throughout the country, we continue to overperform as voters join us in fighting back against the Trump-Musk agenda. This is a shockwave to the system and the way Republicans have run our government. Republicans everywhere should be afraid.’”

Common Dreams: ‘This Is How It’s Done’: Dems Flip a PA State Senate District Trump Carried by 15 Points

[Eloise Goldsmith, 3/26/25]

Key Point: “Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin also congratulated Malone, and cast the victory as a repudiation of how Republicans have governed in Washington, D.C. since Trump returned to the White House.

“‘Republicans everywhere should be afraid,’ wrote Martin. ‘The best barometer we have of voters’ feelings of the Trump-Musk administration is how they actually vote,’ referencing billionaire and GOP megadonor Elon Musk—who has been core to Trump’s efforts to slash federal spending and personnel.”

Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Democrats hold narrow lead in GOP-favored Senate district, claim House majority in special elections

[Peter Hall, 3/25/25]

Key Point: “‘Malone’s victory is a loud and clear rebuke to Republicans’ threats to the programs Pennsylvania families rely on – from Social Security and Medicaid to our public schools,’ Democratic National Committee Chairperson Ken Martin said in a statement.”