The effect that President-elect Donald Trump’s resounding win has had on the GOP nationwide is profound, as evidenced by Republican newcomer Joe Picozzi securing a Pennsylvania state Senate seat in Philadelphia, a city traditionally dominated by Democrats. Picozzi’s victory marks the first time in nearly three decades that a Republican has won a state Senate seat in the city, narrowly defeating his opponent with 50.5% of the vote to 49.5%.
The 5th District, covering northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods, is the city’s most moderate area. Picozzi’s win, though slim, signals a significant shift—Republicans are making inroads in deep blue urban areas, reflecting similar trends across the country as they chip away at Democratic strongholds. With this victory, Republicans maintain their 28-22 majority in the state Senate. Picozzi, 29, defeated incumbent Sen. Jimmy Dillon (D-Philadelphia).
“Over the last year, I talked to thousands of people who have touched my heart profoundly and eternally. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me to serve you as your next State Senator,” Picozzi wrote on Sunday. “I want to thank Senator Dillon for his service to our home. It’s time for all of us to come together as one community to find common sense solutions to restore and secure Northeast Philadelphia. I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to serve as your next State Senator. I will not let you down.”
Over the last year, I talked to thousands of people who have touched my heart profoundly and eternally. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me to serve you as your next State Senator.
I want to thank Senator Dillon for his service to our home. It’s time for all of us… pic.twitter.com/5XbNE6QE6d
— Joe Picozzi (@josephspicozzi) November 10, 2024
Around 2 p.m. on Friday, unofficial results from the Pennsylvania state department showed Picozzi leading by more than 900 votes, a margin of just under 1%, according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Dillon, however, did not immediately concede. “The election is not over until all of the votes have been counted,” said Brittany Crampsie, a spokesperson for Dillon’s campaign, on Friday.
On Sunday, following his official election defeat by less than 1,000 votes, Dillon expressed his appreciation for his supporters in a statement. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported our campaign and believed in our vision for Northeast Philly,” Dillon stated in his concession letter. “Serving this community has been the privilege of a lifetime. While this isn’t the outcome we had hoped for, I am proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.”
According to the official state election results, Dillon received 49,573 votes in last week’s election, while Picozzi, a former chief of staff at the conservative think tank, the Manhattan Institute, secured 50,447 votes. “To Joe Picozzi, congratulations. I hope you will carry forward the work of making Northeast Philly stronger and safer for all who call it home,” Dillon wrote. “I wish you every success in delivering for our neighbors.”
Picozzi, a Tacony native and the son of a Philadelphia firefighter, entered politics as a newcomer. He previously served on the Philadelphia Youth Commission and, while receiving support from state Republicans, lacked backing from Philadelphia’s local GOP. Despite this, the State Republican Campaign Committee (SRCC) saw his potential and invested over $700,000 in his campaign, according to campaign finance records. “I never really thought it was impossible,” said Picozzi. “Looking back, it probably was a little crazy. I had no money. I started it with a very small nest egg I had saved up from my Bitcoin holdings and selling some Pokemon cards.”