Democrat James Malone faces first test of support in red 36th District since 2025 win. Can he beat Republican Tom Jones?

This story was originally published by LNP. Democrat James Malone’s narrow 2025 special election victory in Lancaster County’s deep red 36th Senate District is akin to a hero’s journey, at least to voters from his own party. Against all odds, the East Petersburg Democrat managed to squeak out 526 more votes than an established GOP candidate to secure the seat for the party for the first time since 1889. Democratic leaders have attributed the win to Malone’s work ethic and likability. When he...