The Pike County Democratic Committee is very encouraged with the results of [the April 23] special election. Robin Skibber received 40% of the vote, by far a record for a Democrat running for the 139th District seat.
But the success is found in more than in Robin’s strong showing. The special election was held the same day as a contested Republican primary that drove greater Republican turnout than might be otherwise expected.
And, importantly, Robin was dramatically outspent; while her opponent spent over $132,000, Robin’s campaign about $4,000. Major Republican PACS have poured tens of thousands of dollars into her opponent’s campaign; Robin’s funding has come from more than 150 individual supporters donating smaller amounts.
For comparison, in 2022, Meg Rosenfeld ran a robust campaign against Joe Adams for the 139th District House of Representatives seat. After six months of full-time campaigning, spending more than $90,000 and while “outperforming” Governor Shapiro and other Democrats on the ticket, she received 38% of the vote.
In the special election, Robin received 739 votes more than she received in the Democratic primary, proof that Republicans and Independents will support her campaign in significant numbers. The Pike County Democratic Committee is excited and ready to maintain the momentum to send Robin Skibber to Harrisburg in November!
Lisa Miller, Chair
Pike County Democratic Committee