Capitol Beat
News & Politics
Updated
What to know about Pennsylvania’s 2026 special elections
Several seats in the state House of Representatives have been decided through special elections in 2026.
Campaigns & Elections
Inside Chris Rabb’s unapologetically progressive PA-3 primary campaign
The outspoken state legislator is among several candidates vying to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans in the Third Congressional District.
Capitol Beat
PA House committee advances data center bills
Two data center bills were reported out of the House Energy Committee along party lines.
Capitol Beat
Gov. Shapiro vows to use ‘every tool’ to stop ICE facilities from coming to Pennsylvania
The governor said ICE facilities proposed for Berks and Schuylkill counties will stretch resources in local communities.
Campaigns & Elections
Quinnipiac Poll: Shapiro leading Garrity, showing weakness for potential prez run
A plurality of Pennsylvania voters believe Shapiro wouldn’t make a good president despite positive reviews for his time as governor.
Capitol Beat
‘Crisis mode’: Gov. Josh Shapiro outlines severity of PA bird flu surge
More than 7.6 million birds in Pennsylvania have been affected so far.
Capitol Beat
Gov. Josh Shapiro unveils statewide housing plan in Philadelphia
Democrats say ‘the rent is too damn high’ as part of spending pitch
Artificial Intelligence
5 takeaways from new state government report on AI
The report outlines a series of recommendations for AI use and adoption.
Budget
9 things to know about Josh Shapiro’s $53.3B budget proposal
Shapiro revisited past priorities and eyed new goals in an hour-long budget address.
Economic Development
Ask The Experts: Revitalizing Downtown Harrisburg
City & State talks with local leaders about plans to breathe new life into Harrisburg’s local economy.
Campaigns & Elections
Under the influencers: How social media is transforming campaign messaging
Candidates are going out of their way to include a group of online influencers that reaches key demographics.
News & Politics
During Farm Show week, gubernatorial candidates outline agricultural priorities
Gov. Josh Shapiro and GOP challenger Stacy Garrity both visited the Farm Show and outlined their support for Pennsylvania’s agricultural communities.
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Capitol Beat
A Q&A with Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa
The Democratic leader in the Senate discusses lessons learned from last year and 2026 priorities
Capitol Beat
PA Senate lawmakers reelect Kim Ward as president pro tempore
Ward was praised by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as she was reelected to lead the upper chamber.
News & Politics
Written in the stars: What astrology can tell us about 2026 races
In a Q&A with City & State, renowned astrologer Susan Miller examines the birth charts of Pennsylvania politicians running in 2026.
Energy
Year-end Q&A with Senate Pro Tempore Kim Ward
Ward discussed significant policy wins, legislation left on the table and what Harrisburg will be focused on heading into 2026.
Capitol Beat
A history of high-profile Harrisburg fires
Pennsylvania’s Capital City has experienced more than a few high-profile fires over the last 150-plus years.
Analysis
City & State's 5 for 2025: Report names PA’s most and least effective lawmakers – and how partisan divide impacts Harrisburg
As the year comes to an end, we look back at some staff and reader favorites from our reporting over the past 12 months.
Analysis
City & State's 5 for 2025: Winging it: How government agencies are fighting bird flu
As the year comes to an end, we look back at some staff and reader favorites from our reporting over the past 12 months.
News & Politics
City & State’s 2025 Year In Review
A look back at the year that was – and wasn’t – in politics.
