Former executive director of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee Chris Thomas has entered the race for Pennsylvania’s 24th State Senate District, writes Gillian McGoldrick for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The 29-year-old Democrat is challenging incumbent Senator Tracy Pennycuick, who represents parts of Montgomery and Berks Counties.
Thomas, who previously taught seventh-grade math and science in Philadelphia, centers his campaign on increasing public school funding, securing long-term transit investment, and improving affordability for working families. His launch included endorsements from several local and state officials, reflecting Democrats’ broader 2026 effort to flip the state Senate for the first time in more than 30 years.
Pennycuick, a first-term Republican, said she welcomes the race. She highlighted her work on public education funding, regulatory reform, and a bipartisan proposal to establish safeguards around artificial intelligence. She noted that the campaign will give voters a chance to evaluate both records.
The contest comes as Pennsylvania continues to navigate divided government, budget delays, and rising calls for cooperation in Harrisburg. Thomas says his classroom experience inspired him to pursue systemic change, and if elected, he would be the state’s youngest senator.
Montgomery County voters will choose their nominee in the May 19 primary.
Read more about Chris Thomas and the upcoming election in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
