Voters in parts of Adams and Cumberland counties will head to the polls, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for a special election to fill a vacancy in the 193rd Legislative District.
The seat, which serves residents in boroughs like New Oxford, Abbottstown, and Shippensburg, became vacant following the resignation of former State Representative Torren Ecker. Ecker stepped down at the end of 2025 after being elected as a judge for the Adams County Court of Common Pleas.
Voters will choose between two candidates nominated by their respective parties:
Catherine Wallen (Republican): A former staffer for Ecker, Wallen is running to maintain Republican control of the seat. Her platform emphasizes continuity of service for the district’s constituents and fiscal responsibility.
Todd Crawley (Democrat): A public health and safety expert and former official at Harrisburg Area Community College. Crawley is campaigning on a platform of strengthening public education and managing regional development.
The 193rd District is traditionally a Republican stronghold, but the race is drawing attention as both parties look for early momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections this November. With the Pennsylvania House of Representatives currently seeing a razor-thin margin of control, every seat remains a high-stakes battleground for legislative influence in Harrisburg.
Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Affected Municipalities Include:
Adams County: Abbottstown, Arendtsville, Bendersville, Biglerville, East Berlin, New Oxford, York Springs, and several surrounding townships.
Cumberland County: Cooke, Dickinson, Penn, South Newton, and Southampton Townships, as well as Shippensburg Borough and Township.
Voters who requested mail-in or absentee ballots are reminded that they must be received by their respective County Board of Elections no later than 8:00 PM.
