🗳️ Shapiro secures second term as governor

Wednesday, November 4

What a night, Philly. Were you up all night watching the election results, too? Gov. Josh Shapiro defeated his Republican opponent so resoundingly that the election was called in his favor just a few moments after the polls closed. Turns out Shapiro was part of a massive blue wave across the country, with Democrats winning control of the U.S. House and Senate.

Four congressional districts in Pennsylvania flipped, and Shapiro said Democrats secured a trifecta of control in state government to pass long-stalled priorities such as raising the minimum wage and investing in mass transit.

First Up

Alt text: A Caucasian hand wearing two silver rings holds up toward the sky an “I Voted!” sticker which includes a design of Philadelphia’s City Hall

Did you vote yesterday? (Abby Fritz / City Cast Philly)

Election Day is officially behind us (finally). I voted late yesterday morning and was the 64th voter in my ward’s division, which poll workers said was an indication of a better turnout than usual. Here are the results of those votes.

Shapiro’s Sticking Around. Gov. Shapiro will serve another year as governor, with Lt. Gov. Austin Davis by his side. The question remains whether he’ll serve a full term as speculation about a potential run for president in 2028 continues.
From State Rep. to U.S. Rep. Democratic State Rep. Chris Rabb is officially taking over retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evan’s Third District congressional seat. Having campaigned on Medicare for All and affordable housing, the democratic socialist’s win points to progressive politics in the city gaining ground. As for other congressional races, incumbent Democratic U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle and Mary Gay Scanlon won with ease.
Both Ballot Measures Pass. Philadelphians voted to give small and local businesses an edge in city contracts, a change from a previous policy focused on minority-owned businesses. Voters also chose to establish a permanent office for arts and culture.
What’s Next? The 2027 municipal election is May 18, with local offices up for grabs including mayor, 17 seats on city council, city commissioners, sheriff, and register of wills. Shania Bennett, the former director of youth engagement in the Parker administration, has already launched her campaign for mayor. Meanwhile, members of the city’s progressive left hope to nab several City Council seats.

Hit play on today’s episode of City Cast Philly for a deeper breakdown of last night’s results and what’s next in politics for Philly and Pennsylvania.

PODCAST

Wednesday, November 4

Shapiro Crushes GOP Challenger. Is the White House Next? Plus: Rabb Goes to D.C.

🎧 Listen on Spotify

🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts

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What Philly's Talking About

Mural Arts To Keep AI Banners Despite Backlash

Designs for new mesh banners at the Bellwether District drew criticism for allegedly being AI-generated, complete with a skyline more similar to Chicago’s than Philly’s. Mural Arts did not confirm whether staff were aware of AI use on the project, but it will nonetheless move forward with printing the banners. The arts organization said it’s currently working on an AI policy and invites the public to attend town halls on Nov. 5 and Nov. 12. [🔒 The Inquirer]

Have you seen “AI slop” around the city? Send it to us.

Port Richmond’s Growing Progressive Power

Four neighbors transformed their daily dog walks into United Neighbors of Port Richmond, a 200-person progressive organization bringing residents together across party lines. The group has been key in boosting voter participation, organizing cleanups, and standing up to utility companies. Here’s how they did it. [Philadelphia Citizen]

Philly Leads New York in Traffic Deaths

Although traffic deaths fell by 26% in 2025, Philadelphians are still three times as likely to die in traffic crashes compared to New Yorkers. As a result, the new Vision Zero report suggests adding three speed camera zones, but there’s no timeline as to when they’ll be installed. [Vision Zero Philadelphia]

Knights at the Museum?

A new partnership between the Penn Museum and Opera Philadelphia will pair the opera company’s upcoming production of “Aida” with free museum admission and public discussion on ancient Egypt. Meanwhile, as the Philadelphia Museum of Art contemplates how to bring more revenue, museumgoers have suggestions ranging from a Met Gala-esque party to medieval knights jousting. [Daily Pennsylvanian, Billy Penn]

Where Is It?

A quote on a building’s stone facade that reads, “The law is the last result of human wisdom acting upon human experience for the benefit of the public.”

This quote hints at the current use of this building. Do you know where it is? (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)

We’re back with another “Where Is It?” challenge, our game where you name the location of street art and landmarks around the city.

I recognize this!

Here’s what else you can do around the city:

Spend a cozy fall afternoon at a local cafe.
Eat at a newly opened restaurant.
Check out these events in November.
Test your spelling skills.

🏆 Congrats to Edwin from Mt. Airy for correctly identifying the location of last week’s “Where Is It?” challenge. “Family Chemistry” is located at 11th and Brown Streets.