Dukes’ time in state House one of shortest in recent years
Following a loss in Tuesday’s election to Republican challenger Scott Timko, state Rep. Brandon Dukes, D-12th, will have served only 84 days in office when his term ends Nov. 30.
Dukes won a special election against Timko in August by 98 votes after former state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba resigned.
Dukes’ time in office will be the shortest of the six state representatives who took office following special elections in 2026.
However, Dukes still sponsored bills and resolutions regarding automatic license plate readers, rules surrounding artificial intelligence in schools and “Made in America” claim requirements during his tenure.
“Over the past several months, we made deep inroads to fight for a better future in a traditionally Republican stronghold,” Dukes said in a statement Wednesday after the loss. “Many people would have said a Democrat like me would have had no chance, but I’ve seen from my victory in August and my time in Harrisburg that progressives are competitive everywhere.
“Although the results did not go the way we had hoped, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the amazing people who voted for me and supported me during not just one, but two campaigns to represent Butler County. From every voter who welcomed me from their door, to the countless volunteers who gave hours of their time, to my family, friends and campaign team who were with me every step of the way — I can’t thank you enough.”
Multiple special elections were held throughout the state in 2026, but none happened as late as the 12th District’s in August.
In February, Democratic state Rep. Ana Tiburcio won the seat for the 22nd House District in Lehigh County, according to The Morning Call in Allentown. She was sworn in March 23, then lost the Democratic primary election in May. Despite losing the primary less than two months after being elected, she will have served longer than Dukes once their terms end Nov. 30.
Also in February, Democratic state Rep. Jen Mazzocco won the 42nd House District, which includes parts of Allegheny County, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She ran unopposed on Tuesday.
In March, Republican state Rep. Catherine Wallen won in the 193rd House District, which includes part of Adams and Cumberland counties. She won again Tuesday, according to the Gettysburg Times.
Republican state Rep. Andrea Verobish also won a special election in March in the 79th House District, which centers on Altoona. She beat her opponent again Tuesday, according to the Altoona Mirror.
Another special election was in May when Republican state Rep. George Margetas won the race for the 196th House District in York County. He won again Tuesday, according to the York Daily Record.
During his stint as a state representative, Dukes sponsored two bills, a resolution and a planned third bill which was still being circulated in search of sponsors.
The most support Dukes garnered on a single piece of legislation was for HR 621, a resolution to strengthen the requirements to be allowed to say military vehicles and defense systems are “made in America.”
Dukes sponsored HB 2769, which reforms the requirements for assets and time owned by a family to claim an inheritance tax for family-owned businesses.
He also sponsored HB 2786, which would have required schools to enact local rules governing responsible AI use.
Dukes also supported planned legislation still searching for sponsors that would outlaw automatic license plate readers except for PA Turnpike billing services. The legislation had not been introduced but had the backing of three other primary sponsors.
That planned legislation is not to be confused with HB 2771, another piece of legislation aimed to regulate ALPRs.
