Our 2026 Candidates

In 2025, Kennedy Democrats was on the ground, working to protect gains Democrats have made around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh over the past six years. Since our founding in 2019, we’ve raised $1.7 million on behalf of Democrats running up and down the ballot and been working to turn out these critical voters outside Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and give candidates in these areas the resources they need to win.

Many of our endorsed candidates were part of the coalition that helped flip the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to Democratic control for the first time in more than a decade. PA made history today as State Rep. Joanna McClinton has been elected Speaker of the House of Representatives as the first Black woman ever to hold this position in Pennsylvania.

In 2026, Kennedy Democrats proudly support the re-election of Governor Josh Shapiro. Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has brought stability, competence, and steady leadership at a moment when Pennsylvania’s role as a national swing state matters more than ever. He remains focused on easing cost-of-living pressures for working families and strengthening an economy that works for communities across the Commonwealth.

This cycle, Kennedy Democrats will focus on winning key State Senate races, flipping Republican-held seats, and expanding Democratic control of the House—building durable Democratic leadership across Pennsylvania and ensuring progress reaches every level of government.

 
 

2026 Endorsements

 

Josh Shapiro, PA Governor

KD is proud to have played a role in electing Josh Shapiro as Governor of Pennsylvania and picking up 7 Democratic seats to the State College. KD is committed to supporting Governor Shapiro in his reelection campaign in 2026!

 

PA State Senate:

 
 

Eileen Hartnett Albillar, PA Senate - 06

Eileen is running for State Senate because Harrisburg isn’t listening to Bucks County. Our current Senator has not done enough to fix SEPTA’s funding, stop the rising cost of living, or help families struggling to make ends meet.

Eileen has spent her career listening to people, solving problems, and navigating complex and broken systems. She’ll go to Harrisburg and fight to lower our costs, grow our local economy so we have good paying jobs that can support a family, and fully fund our public schools.

 
 
 

Chris Thomas, PA Senate - 24

Chris is running for Pennsylvania State Senate in District 24 to take on the cost-of-living crisis and stand up for working families. He believes no one should have to choose between groceries and prescriptions, heat and rent, or child care and keeping the lights on.

Chris is running to fairly fund public schools, lower everyday costs, raise wages and make healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone — because the government should work for the people, not the powerful.

 

PA State House:

 
 
 

Tim Hayes, PA House - 143

Tim Hayes, an Army veteran, has spent his career fighting for the people of Bucks County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as a soldier, councilman, and environmental policy expert. Now he’s running to take on Harrisburg and deliver real relief for working families in PA - 143!

 

Bryan Allen, PA House - 18

Bryan Allen has spent nearly his entire life in Bucks County and has called Bensalem home for 37 years. He has built a career in public service, helping deliver real results for his community. Now, he's running for State Representative to bring a lifetime of local experience to the decision-making table in Harrisburg.

 

Kristin Egan, PA House - 142

Kristin Egan is running to bring practical, results-driven leadership to Harrisburg and stand up for working families. As a public school teacher, union leader, school board director, and mother of three, she understands the challenges families face every day and the importance of strong schools, good jobs, and affordable healthcare.

Kristin is running to strengthen public education, support local businesses, and ensure government remains focused on delivering real results for the people it serves. She believes progress starts by listening, bringing people together, and finding common-sense solutions that move our communities forward.

 

Malcom Kenyatta, PA House - 181

Representative Malcolm Kenyatta is a third-generation North Philadelphia native and legislator currently serving in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

In 2023, he was appointed by President Joe Biden to chair the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.

 

Margaret Burke, PA House - 147

Margaret is a Lower Salford resident, mom, scientist, and former pharmaceutical executive running for State Representative in Pennsylvania’s 147th District. After stepping away from her career in 2004 to care for and advocate for her son with disabilities, she became a leading voice for families navigating special education, healthcare access, and disability services. Now, she’s running to take that fight to Harrisburg — to make life more affordable, protect healthcare, and strengthen public education for every family in the 147th District.

 

Monica Weninger, PA House - 178

Monica Weninger is running to bring practical, community-focused leadership to Harrisburg and ensure families have a voice in the decisions that affect their daily lives. With a Master’s degree in Education from La Salle University, Monica has spent her career as a science teacher, local elected official, and civic leader helping people solve problems, stay informed, and work together to strengthen their communities.

Monica is running to support strong public schools, protect opportunities for working families, and address the challenges facing Bucks County residents. She believes in listening first, finding common ground, and delivering practical solutions that put the needs of the community first.