Pennsylvania Democrats celebrate legislative trifecta, outline 2027 agenda

Local races delivered similar results as Democrats made history in Harrisburg. ABC projects they gained three House seats, giving them a 26 to 24 advantage in that chamber. In a similar situation in the state House, where Democrats gained seven seats, they now control both state chambers for the first time in decades. Action News' John Paul, live in Harrisburg with more on what this means as Governor Josh Shapiro looks ahead to his second term. John. Yeah, Sarah, Christy, you know, we have not seen very many bills coming out of this legislative session and signed into law. And the biggest reason for that is because we're dealing with a divided government. But after yesterday's vote, that's about to change. Together with this brand new Senate Democratic majority. Hugs and cheers from the steps of the Capitol today as Democrats celebrated an election 50 years in the making, securing a trifecta in the legislature in Pennsylvania. First time since 1978, voters elected a Democratic governor and a majority in the House and Senate. We saw voters in Pennsylvania be reminded throughout our time what we could do with only one seat majority for two terms. And we also saw voters react to the corruption, the cruelty, and the chaos out of Washington, D.C. History was made in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Today, that trifecta was on display at the governor's residence. Josh Shapiro stood alongside Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton and soon-to-be Senate Majority Leader Jake Costa to talk about the legislative agenda for 2027. Here's what I can guarantee you we will get done. We will fund mass transit. We will raise the minimum wage. We will make sure that women have a right to reproductive freedom here in this commonwealth. He says work is already underway behind the scenes to craft the agenda. Leaders said they won't waste any time moving forward with their plans when 2027's legislative session begins in January. Democrats say voters gave them a mandate and they plan to take advantage. Intend to use that power aggressively to change their lives. Now, Christy, Sarah, a lot of other agenda items were discussed today, among them recreational marijuana, also the housing issue across the state. Democrats say they're going to put together a plan for the first 100 days. That'll be unveiled in the coming weeks. We're live tonight in Harrisburg. John Paul, Channel 6 Action News. Christy, Sarah. John, thank you.