Politics
JUST IN: GOP Clinches Win In Historic Deep Blue City
Republican newcomer Joe Picozzi has won a Pennsylvania state Senate seat in Philadelphia—a city traditionally dominated by Democrats. Picozzi’s victory marks the first time in nearly three decades that a Republican has secured a state Senate seat in Philadelphia, capturing the city’s 5th Senate District by a narrow margin of 50.5% to 49.5%.
The 5th District, which encompasses northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods, is the city’s most moderate area. Picozzi’s win, while narrow, signals a significant trend; the GOP is gaining ground in deeply blue urban areas, mirroring similar outcomes nationwide as Republicans chip away at Democratic strongholds. With Picozzi’s win, the Republicans will hold onto their 28-22 majority in the chamber. The 29-year-old beat Sen. Jimmy Dillon (D-Philadelphia).
“Over the last year, I talked to thousands of people who have touched my heart profoundly and eternally. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me to serve you as your next State Senator,” Picozzi wrote on Sunday. “I want to thank Senator Dillon for his service to our home. It’s time for all of us to come together as one community to find common sense solutions to restore and secure Northeast Philadelphia.”
“I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to serve as your next State Senator. I will not let you down.”
Over the last year, I talked to thousands of people who have touched my heart profoundly and eternally. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me to serve you as your next State Senator.
I want to thank Senator Dillon for his service to our home. It’s time for all of us… pic.twitter.com/5XbNE6QE6d
— Joe Picozzi (@josephspicozzi) November 10, 2024
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Around 2 p.m. on Friday, unofficial results from the Pennsylvania state department indicated that Picozzi was leading by more than 900 votes, a margin of just under 1%., according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Sen. Dillon, Picozzi’s rival, did not initially concede. “The election is not over until all of the votes have been counted,” said Brittany Crampsie, a spokesperson for Dillon’s campaign, on Friday.
On Sunday, following his official election defeat by less than 1,000 votes, Dillon expressed his appreciation for his supporters in a statement. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported our campaign and believed in our vision for Northeast Philly,” Dillon stated in his concession letter. “Serving this community has been the privilege of a lifetime. While this isn’t the outcome we had hoped for, I am proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.”
According to official state election results, Dillon received 49,573 votes in last week’s election. Picozzi, a former chief of staff at the conservative think tank, the Manhattan Institute, secured 50,447 votes. “To Joe Picozzi, congratulations. I hope you will carry forward the work of making Northeast Philly stronger and safer for all who call it home,” Dillon wrote. “I wish you every success in delivering for our neighbors.”
Picozzi, from Tacony and the son of a Philadelphia firefighter, entered the political arena as a newcomer. He previously served on the Philadelphia Youth Commission and, while he received backing from state Republicans, he did not have the support of Philadelphia’s local GOP. Nevertheless, the State Republican Campaign Committee (SRCC) recognized his potential, investing over $700,000 in his campaign, as per campaign finance records.
“I never really thought it was impossible,” said Picozzi. “Looking back, it probably was a little crazy. I had no money. I started it with a very small nest egg I had saved up from my Bitcoin holdings and selling some Pokemon cards.”
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