Clinton County 2022 primary: limited ballot, for Republicans and Democrats only

RecordStaffMay 10, 2022Last Updated: May 10, 2022

1 minute read

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Pennsylvania’s primary election is one week away, set for Tuesday, May 17, an election determining the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor and US senator, the headline races on this spring’s ballot.

TV owners will know it’s the statewide Republican race for that party’s nomination to the US senate seat currently held by the retiring incumbent Republican, Pat Toomey. That senate primary features seven candidates and most recent polling shows Mehmet Oz, David McCormick and Kathy Barnette at or near the top; the contest has featured blistering attack ads on TV and record amounts of money spent.

The GOP primary for governor is even more unwieldy with a 9-candidate field, state Sen. Doug Mastriano and former congressman Lou Barletta at or near the top in most polls. State Sen. Jake Corman from Centre County is lagging well behind, according to the most recent polling but those surveys show that many “undecideds” remain.

The Democratic primary for senate has a 4-candidate field, most recent polls showing Lt Gov. John Fetterman increasing his margin over congressman Conor Lamb. Current Pennsylvania attorney general Josh Shapiro is unopposed for the Democratic Party nomination for governor as he seeks to replace Gov. Tom Wolf as the latter must step down after two terms in office.

Closer to home, Clinton County returns to the newly drawn 15th congressional district where longtime incumbent congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson is unopposed on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.

Also unopposed next week is 76th district state Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, seeking a third term in Harrisburg and unopposed for the GOP nomination. There is a contest on the Democratic side between Denise Maris of Renovo and Elijah Probst of Lock Haven. Through reapportionment the 76th district has undergone a significant change geographically. While it continues to include all of Clinton County, the eastern portion of Centre County has been removed, replaced by a sizeable portion of Union County to the east.

Only Republicans and Democrats may vote next week as Pennsylvania is a “closed primary” state. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17.