Pennsylvania primary elections 2018: Democrats eye key House pickups

Primary voters in Pennsylvania head to the polls Tuesday, and it could have big implications for who controls the House next year.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down the state’s congressional map as an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander in January. The new map is cleaner, splits fewer counties, and creates many more competitive races.

Three House Republicans — Reps. Pat Meehan, Charlie Dent, and Ryan Costello — have also tapped out this election cycle, leaving open seats in districts that Hillary Clinton carried in 2016 and creating prime pickup opportunities for Democrats this November.

But to capitalize on these opportunities, Democrats need strong candidates; that’s what will be determined Tuesday.

Still, the party risks losing two seats to Republicans this November. Rep. Conor Lamb won a stunning upset in a March special election, but now he’s running in a new district, one that Donald Trump carried by 29 points. Rep. Matt Cartwright is also vulnerable in Pennsylvania’s Eighth District.

Republicans are also trying to topple Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and incumbent Gov. Tom Wolf.