Third-Party Candidates Shake Up Pennsylvania Elections

More than a dozen third-party candidates have filed to run for president, US Senate, and statewide offices in Pennsylvania's upcoming general election. Their presence may influence the closely contested races in this key battleground state, which has 19 electoral votes and has been pivotal in past elections.

More than a dozen third-party candidates for president, US Senate, and three statewide offices filed paperwork ahead of Thursday's deadline, aiming to enter November's general election ballot in Pennsylvania. This move raises the possibility that they could play a spoiler role in high-stakes and closely contested races.

Pennsylvania is poised to hold a decisive role in the Nov. 5 presidential election featuring Republican nominee Donald Trump and likely Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Even a small draw for a third-party candidate could shift the balance in this battleground state.

Four third-party candidates registered for the presidential race by Thursday's 5 p.m. cutoff, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the We the People Party, Jill Stein of the Green Party, and Claudia De la Cruz of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. The Libertarian Party filed under a stand-in candidate and will later replace them with nominee Chase Oliver. Both major party strategists are concerned that Kennedy's candidacy, bolstered by his famous name, could significantly impact the election outcome.

However, legal challenges can be filed until Aug. 8 to ensure the candidates have gathered the required 5,000 registered voter signatures. Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is a coveted prize that swung parties in recent elections, narrowly favoring Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020.

The Senate race between Democratic US Sen. Bob Casey and Republican David McCormick could tilt control of the chamber, with three third-party candidates also in the fray. The pivotal attorney general's office sees Democrat Eugene DePasquale and Republican Dave Sunday go against four third-party hopefuls. Lastly, Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity faces Democrat Erin McClelland and three third-party candidates for the treasurer's office, while auditor general incumbent Tim DeFoor is challenged by Democrat Malcolm Kenyatta and two third-party contenders.