Three Allegheny County House Races Surpass $3 Million in Spending

Three of the most contested state House races in Allegheny County have generated more than $3 million in campaign spending, according to new financial disclosures released ahead of next week's midterms.

The race for the 44th District, which covers the airport area, has attracted nearly $2 million in spending. Democrats are focusing intense resources on flipping this seat, which President Donald Trump carried by four percentage points in 2024.

Democratic nominee Hadley Haas reported spending more than $760,000 between June 9 and October 19. This figure exceeds the spending of any other legislative candidate in the region and is more than three times the amount spent by her opponent, incumbent Republican Representative Valerie Gaydos.

Haas received $100,000 from a political action committee supported by the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association and $67,000 from the PAC for America's Future. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party and an associated House campaign committee provided more than $860,000 in support, which included mail and television advertising.

Representative Gaydos, who was first elected in 2018, criticized Haas for accepting support from outside the district. She stated that Haas accepts such funds because her values are outside the mainstream of the district. Gaydos specifically pointed to the contribution from the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers PAC, describing them as the group that has driven healthcare costs up.

In response, Haas said in a written statement that most of her donors live in Pennsylvania. She characterized her financial advantage as a sign of greater enthusiasm for her campaign. Haas also noted that she has earned the support of state leaders, including Governor Josh Shapiro, which she said has helped build a strong statewide platform.

In the 12th District, which includes Cranberry, Democratic Representative Brandon Dukes is outspending Republican nominee Scott Timko by a ratio of two to one. Dukes reported more than $825,000 in in-kind support from the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and the House Democratic Campaign Committee. Timko reported only $50 in in-kind support from the Republican Party of Pennsylvania during the same period.

The disparity in spending across these races reflects the financial dynamics of the gubernatorial contest. Governor Shapiro has raised more than $63 million since 2025 and has channeled millions of dollars to the state party to assist downballot candidates. Republican gubernatorial nominee Stacy Garrity has raised $9.6 million during the same period, limiting her ability to provide similar support to other candidates.

Shapiro raised $8.6 million between September 15 and October 19, leaving $4.3 million in his campaign account for the final stretch. He provided an additional $3 million to committees working to elect Democrats to the state legislature. Garrity raised $5.4 million in her best fundraising period to date, with funds coming largely from an organization representing skill game operators and from Pittsburgh resident John D. Conley.