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Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District election, 2026 (May 19 Democratic primary)

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← 2024
Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: March 10, 2026
Primary: May 19, 2026
General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times:

7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting in Pennsylvania

Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending
Inside Elections: Solid Republican
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District
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Pennsylvania elections, 2026
U.S. Congress elections, 2026
U.S. Senate elections, 2026
U.S. House elections, 2026

A Democratic Party primary takes place on May 19, 2026, in Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District to determine which Democratic candidate will run in the district's general election on November 3, 2026.

Candidate filing deadline Primary election General election
March 10, 2026
May 19, 2026
November 3, 2026



A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Pennsylvania utilizes a closed primary process. Voters are required to register with a political party to vote in the primary election.[1]

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

This page focuses on Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District Democratic primary. For more in-depth information on the district's Republican primary and the general election, see the following pages:

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

  • Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
  • Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 9

Jennifer Brothers (D), Daniel Byron (D), and Rachel Wallace (D) are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 9 on May 19, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Jennifer Brothers
Jennifer Brothers  Candidate Connection
Image of Daniel Byron
Daniel Byron  Candidate Connection
Image of Rachel Wallace
Rachel Wallace  Candidate Connection

There are no incumbents in this race.

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Jennifer Brothers

Image of Jennifer Brothers

WebsiteFacebook

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography:  "With a diverse background spanning private investigation, correctional law enforcement, higher education administration, banking, and entrepreneurship, I bring a broad and practical understanding of the systems that shape our lives. I hold degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, and I’ve consistently applied my education to real-world challenges. Beyond my professional experience, I am a mother, a neighbor, a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as a survivor of sexual violence. These personal experiences have deepened my commitment to justice and strengthened my voice as an advocate. I am driven by a lifelong dedication to equity, accountability, and community. I will use my lived experience, academic training, and professional expertise to help bring justice, opportunity, and meaningful change to the people of Pennsylvania."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

I’m not a career politician. I’m a mother, a neighbor, and someone who’s lived what many Pennsylvanians are going through. I’ll bring compassion, transparency, and real-world solutions, always putting people before politics.

From economic inequality to healthcare access, I believe policy should open doors, not close them. I’ll fight for policies that create real opportunity for working families, students, small business owners, and marginalized communities across Pennsylvania. No family should ever be forced to go without life-sustaining essentials like clean running water or food in their homes as many Americans face today.

I’ve worked in law enforcement, investigated crime, and studied the system. As a survivor and advocate, I know both the flaws and the potential of our justice system. I’m committed to reform that protects victims, holds institutions accountable, and builds safer communities for all not just those in the top 1%.

Daniel Byron

Image of Daniel Byron

WebsiteFacebookYouTube

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography:  "Daniel Byron Jr, a resident of Williamsport, and proud father, is announcing his intention to challenge for PA’s 9th Congressional District. With a track record of professionalism, passion, and personal courage; Daniel is giving up his quiet, private, life for the chance to forge a brighter future for his son and his neighbors. Dan is focused on tackling corruption in congress, the student debt crisis, introducing digital reforms that protect consumer data, and improving healthcare affordability. Daniel seeks to represent everyday, hard working, Pennsylvanians who are tired of the circus in Washington; and ready for a change. Daniel is not an exceptional individual; he is not exceptionally wealthy, exceptionally educated, or exceptionally connected. He is a divorced father with a 4 year old son, who he loves with all of his heart. He is a professional in the retail management field, with nearly a decade of leadership experience. He is a full-time employee, a full-time student, and a full-time father; but he is not unlike the millions of Pennsylvanians who wake up every morning and go to work to make their lives better. He is running because he feels like this moment calls for the unexceptional to stand up, and demand change."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Allowing members of congress like Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, and Mitch McConnell to serve for over 40 years has served as a reminder that tenure is not a virtue when it comes to politics. Because over those same 40 years we’ve seen stagnation in policy, stagnation in progress, and a constant bickering and blustering instead of compromise and action. Term limits will prevent the consolidation of power by forcing change, term limits will force compromise as members fight to get their agenda accomplished before their time is up. Term Limits are one of the most clear bi-partisan policies. 79% of Pennsylvanians agree with congressional term limits, and the only thing stopping it is the greed and selfishness of those in congress.

We are 30 years behind on laws that protect consumers online. In another example of how deaf our congress is to our needs; 79% of Americans are concerned with how our data is collected and used. 72% are in favor of more regulations. Yet we fail to address those concerns year after year while allowing the CEO of Twitter, Elon Musk, to have sweeping access to our Social Security numbers, banking information, and more. Even though 77% of Americans don’t trust social media CEOs to handle user data responsibly. I will introduce a series of legislation to protect you from being exploited online, and build a foundation for a safer digital space for our kids and grandkids.

We are the richest country in the world, and our citizens can not afford basic healthcare because profits have taken priority over people. I will work to pass legislation that makes healthcare affordable by limiting the predatory practices of insurance companies, and the unfair practices in the healthcare industry. Because you should never be denied life preserving medical treatments when you pay a premium on life.

Rachel Wallace

Image of Rachel Wallace

WebsiteFacebookXYouTube

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography:  "Rachel Wallace was born and raised in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and is a proud graduate of Pottsville Area High School. She has spent her career in public service. She started out working for her Congressman, Tim Holden, and went on to serve in the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Senate, and the White House, where she was Chief of Staff for the Office of Management and Budget. So she knows how the federal government works – and how it doesn’t. Rachel moved home after her mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease so she could be closer to her family, which has lived in Berks and Schuylkill counties for 10 generations. The daughter of a pastor and a nurse, Rachel lives in southern Schuylkill County with her husband and their dog. Learn more about Rachel and her campaign at www.wallaceforcongress.com."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Rachel is running to fix our health care. Nearly 30,000 people in our part of Pennsylvania will lose their health insurance because of Dan Meuser's votes. Rachel will fight to fix the damage done by Dan, save our rural hospitals; end the practice of prior authorization, which lets insurance companies off the hook for covering services they promise to cover; and cap the amount of insurance premiums that can go to insurance company salaries.

Rachel is focused on lowering the cost of living for families here in Pennsylvania, from electricy prices to housing to groceries.

Rachel is focused on bringing people together to solve local problems. People are tired of the toxicity and division - they want leaders who can get things done. Rachel has proven in her campaign that she will show up, listen, and advocate for local communities.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Pennsylvania

Election information in Pennsylvania: May 19, 2026, election.

What is the voter registration deadline?

  • In-person: May 4, 2026
  • By mail: Received by May 4, 2026
  • Online: May 4, 2026

Is absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

Yes

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

  • In-person: May 12, 2026
  • By mail: Received by May 12, 2026
  • Online: May 12, 2026

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

  • In-person: May 19, 2026
  • By mail: Received by May 19, 2026

Is early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What are the early voting start and end dates?

Varies to May 12, 2026

Are all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, is a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When are polls open on Election Day?

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (ET)

Campaign finance

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Jennifer Brothers Democratic Party $7,692 $4,800 $2,892 As of December 31, 2025
Daniel Byron Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Rachel Wallace Democratic Party $253,413 $46,526 $206,887 As of December 31, 2025

Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee."
** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.
*** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

  • District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
  • Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2026 U.S. House elections in the state.
  • Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
  • State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.


Below is the district map in place for this election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

2023_01_03_pa_congressional_district_09.jpg
See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2026
Information about competitiveness will be added here as it becomes available.

Partisan Voter Index

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2026 elections, based on results from the 2024 and 2020 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district is R+19. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 19 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Pennsylvania's 9th the 39th most Republican district nationally.[2]

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2024 presidential election was in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by The Downballot.

2024 presidential results in Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District
Kamala Harris Democratic PartyDonald Trump Republican Party
31.0%69.0%

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in Pennsylvania, 2024

Pennsylvania presidential election results (1900-2024)

  • 14 Democratic wins
  • 17 Republican wins
  • 1 other win
Year 1900 1904 1908 1912 1916 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020 2024
Winning Party R R R P[3] R R R R R D D D R R R D D D R D R R R D D D D D D R D R
See also: Party control of Pennsylvania state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation as of October 2025.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Pennsylvania
Party U.S. Senate U.S. House Total
Democratic 1 7 8
Republican 1 10 11
Independent 0 0 0
Vacancies 0 0 0
Total 2 17 19

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Pennsylvania's top four state executive offices as of October 2025.

State executive officials in Pennsylvania, October 2025
OfficeOfficeholder
GovernorDemocratic Party Josh Shapiro
Lieutenant GovernorDemocratic Party Austin Davis
Secretary of StateRepublican Party Al Schmidt
Attorney GeneralRepublican Party Dave Sunday

State legislature

Pennsylvania State Senate

Party As of February 2026
     Democratic Party 23
     Republican Party 27
     Other 0
     Vacancies 0
Total 50

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Party As of February 2026
     Democratic Party 100
     Republican Party 98
     Other 0
     Vacancies 5
Total 203

Trifecta control

Pennsylvania Party Control: 1992-2025
One year of a Democratic trifecta  •  Twelve years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Governor D D D R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D D R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D
Senate R D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
House D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R D D D

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Pennsylvania in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Pennsylvania, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State Office Party Signatures required Filing fee Filing deadline Source
Pennsylvania U.S. House Ballot-qualified party 1,000 $150.00 3/10/2026 Source
Pennsylvania U.S. House Unaffiliated 2% of votes cast in the district in the last election $150.00 8/3/2026 Source

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ FindLaw, "Pa. Stat. tit. 25, § 299," accessed December 22, 2025
  2. ↑ Cook Political Report, "2025 Cook PVI℠: District Map and List (119th Congress)," accessed July 1, 2025
  3. ↑ Progressive Party


Pennsylvania's current delegation to the United States Congress
Senators
John Fetterman (D)
David McCormick (R)
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
Republican Party (11)
Democratic Party (8)


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