Letters to the editor, 2/14/2026
On May 19, 2026, Pennsylvania will hold its General Primary Election. In this Primary, Democratic and Republican voters will choose their party’s candidates for the General Election on November 3. Up for election this year are governor, lieutenant governor, 17 U.S. House of Representatives seats, half of the seats in the state senate, and all seats in the state house.
The Primary Election is also the time when voters choose their party’s county and state committee members. There is no further election for these positions. The primary is it. Win and the candidate is elected. County committee members represent each party locally at the polling places in each precinct and ward, while the state committee members represent larger geographical areas.
Although state committee members are supposed to represent the local committee members and voters in their districts, it appears that party leadership favors a more centralized, top-down approach. There is a strong sense that party leadership would prefer that elected state committee members simply do as they are told.
In what looks like an effort to ensure compliance, county and state party heads are currently selecting candidates who may be perceived as obedient; who will respect their leaders and their authority and who will listen to those ‘who have been around and know better.’ Others have political aspirations and may be susceptible to coercion when casting votes as has occurred in the past.
Candidates who have independent thoughts, which may differ from those of established decision-makers, have recently been urged by party leaders to find some other outlet for volunteering their time. Really.
It may be idealistic, but this isn’t how representative government is supposed to work.
If you are happy with the party representation you have had over the last two to four years, be sure to vote to retain those county and state committee members in the Primary. But if you are dissatisfied with your representation – or your party’s messaging, strategy, or leadership – then now is the time to get informed and get involved.
Precinct committee member candidates need just 10 signatures on a petition to have their names placed on the Primary ballot. State committee candidates need 100 signatures. That process begins February 17th and must be completed and submitted to election offices by March 10th.
Ultimately, it is up to you, the voters, to choose your party representatives. Choose people you trust are running for the right reasons. Choose candidates you know will represent you well. If you aren’t sure about your options, then consider running for a position yourself!
Felice Fein is a PA GOP State Committee Member representing East & West Goshen, West Chester Borough, Westtown & Thornbury in Chester County and Republican Committee of Chester County representing her precinct in West Goshen. Felice is also a contributor to The Conservative Voice WWDB-860 AM airing every Friday from 12-2PM.
