PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Friday overturning Roe v. Wade thrust the races for the governor and state legislature in Pennsylvania into the spotlight as both parties gear up for a midterm campaign that will decide the fate of abortion access in the state.
The court’s ending of a national constitutional right to abortion that had been recognized for 50 years jolted the political landscape ahead of the November general election and underscored the role that state races will have in shaping women’s health care and reproductive policy. It could also affect the campaign for Pennsylvania’s open U.S. Senate seat, which will help determine control of the chamber.
The stark contrast between gubernatorial candidates was clear Friday within minutes of the issuance of the court’s opinion. GOP State Sen. Doug Mastriano, who has said banning access to abortion without exception is his top issue, took to Facebook to write, “Praise the Lord!” and released a statement saying Roe was “rightly relegated to the ash heap of history.”
