Virginia and Kentucky were huge wins, but the most ominous warning for Donald Trump this Election Day may have occurred in the suburbs of Philadelphia, particularly in three of the four “bellwether” counties of Delaware, Chester and Bucks.
First, Delaware County, where something truly remarkable occurred.
In a victory certain to reverberate across Pennsylvania’s political landscape, Democrats on Tuesday gained control of the Delaware County Council, the controlling body of the historically red Philadelphia suburb.
Up until a decade or so ago, Delaware County was a reliably Republican stronghold. It has gradually turned blue, going for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, but up until this year had remained under firm, Republican local control. Thus the Dems’ victory last night was nothing less than historic. The Democrats had never enjoyed a majority on the Council—now they make up its entire body.
The voting patterns in these suburbs, and particularly the enthusiasm, are historically indicative of Democratic prospects for success in the state. They also mirror trends nationwide which suggest that better educated voters—including educated and wealthier white voters in particular—are increasingly energized and determined to defeat Trump and his GOP collaborators, wherever they find them.
The Democratic victories around the country point to surging interest by liberal voters heading into the 2020 presidential election. That could be especially significant in Pennsylvania, which Trump won in 2016 — along with its 20 electoral college votes — partly due to a dip in Democratic enthusiasm in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Of course, what’s good for Democrats is disastrous for the GOP.
In Delaware County, the results for Republicans were catastrophic. All three Republican Council candidates and all four Republicans running for Common Pleas Court judgeships lost there. Incumbent Republican District Attorney Katayoun Copeland was ousted by Democrat Jack Stollsteimer, whose campaign received the support of liberal billionaire George Soros.
The District Attorney fight is particularly worth noting, as the incumbent, Republican Copeland, bombarded the airwaves with vicious smear ads. There was clearly no lack of funding on the GOP’s part, but their efforts failed nonetheless, leaving the thoroughly demoralized Delaware County GOP chairman spitting nails afterwards.
In brief remarks, Delaware County GOP chair Tom McGarrigle said local residents should be scared, particularly by Stollsteimer’s win.
“That should concern every one of you that has a home a family or a business in Delaware County," McGarrigle said. "Because, you know what? You shouldn’t feel safe anymore.”
Even in defeat, Republicans can’t even muster an ounce of class or decency.
Democrats also scored a stunning victory in Chester County, another “bellwether” of Republican chances in the state. The County Board of Commissioners flipped blue for “the first time in years.” Chester County also elected its first Democratic AND first female District Attorney, Deb Ryan. Overall, Democrats were the projected winners in every county-level race.
And in traditionally more “conservative” Bucks County, a similar result, as Democrats won control of that county’s board of commisioners … “for the first time in decades.”
In all three counties—Delaware, Chester and Bucks, the victories were virtually straight down the line. And Democrats also easily retained control in Montgomery County, the remaining suburban bellwether, sweeping nearly every downballot race.
This is fairly unheard of. Repeat: It is a Big. Fucking. Deal.
So while the national focus is on Virginia and Kentucky, know that Republicans—and particularly Donald Trump—are likely wringing their hands in private despair about Pennsylvania.