With Heather Boyd’s 163rd District win in a special election Tuesday, Pennsylvania Democrats will retain control of the state House and can continue advancing their agenda, writes Sean Kitchen for The Keystone.

Boyd defeated Katie Ford, the Republican nominee, for the seat which had been held by former Rep. Mike Zabel. The Democrat resigned over sexual harassment allegations.

Boyd is a former history teacher and founder of the Delaware County chapter of the National Organization of Women.

She has served as chief of staff for Rep. Leanne Kruger (D-Delaware) and was district director for U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Delware). 

Boyd’s win gives Democrats a one-seat majority in the House.

Democrats began the spring session of the House by passing the Fairness Act, which offers non-discrimination protections to the LGBTQ community, 

It also worked on addressing the teacher shortage and protecting workers’ rights. A package of gun-reform legislation is up for a vote after the House returns on May 22.  

More than $1 million was spent in the 163rd District special election by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee to hold onto the seat.

Heather Boyd was also endorsed by President Joe Biden on Monday.

Read more about Boyd’s win in The Keystone.

Harrisburg TV station Channel 8 WGAL reports on Heather Boyd’s win to the state House.