Morning Digest: Pennsylvania Democrats are 'cautiously optimistic' about flipping a seat Trump won by 33 points

Pennsylvania Democrats are 'cautiously optimistic' about their chances of flipping the 79th House District in Altoona, a deep-red seat that voted for Donald Trump by a 66-33 margin in 2024. The seat became vacant last year when Republican state Rep. Louis Schmitt won a local judgeship. Democratic candidate Caleb McCoy, a registered nurse and Army National Guard veteran, is facing off against Republican Andrea Verobish, a congressional staffer for Rep. Glenn Thompson. McCoy has emphasized his opposition to data centers and school vouchers, while Verobish has focused on a socially conservative message. While the district is solidly Republican, Democrats believe McCoy has a chance at an upset victory, especially with the party's House caucus and state party providing over $50,000 in support. Former Rep. Conor Lamb and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta have also campaigned for McCoy in the final weekend. An upset win would give Democrats more breathing room in the state House, where they currently hold a one-seat majority. However, Democrats have expressed less optimism about their chances in a simultaneous special election for the 193rd House District, which backed Trump by an even wider 69-31 margin.