Penn Senate Dems Pick 2027 Leadership Team
Jay Costa and Maria Collett headline the slate as Democrats prepare for their first Senate majority in thirty years.
By Samuel Hayes ·
The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus selected its leadership slate for the 2027-28 legislative session on Thursday. The vote marks the first time the party will hold the Senate majority in more than three decades.
Jay Costa Jr. of Allegheny County was nominated for President Pro Tempore. Maria Collett of Montgomery County was elected as the next Senate Majority Leader. The caucus also named Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia as Appropriations Committee Chair and Steve Santarsiero of Bucks County as Caucus Whip.
Other key appointments include Lisa Boscola of Northampton County as Chair, Nick Miller of Lehigh County as Policy Committee Chair, Sharif Street of Philadelphia as Secretary, and Marty Flynn of Lackawanna County as Administrator. Tina Tartaglione of Philadelphia was appointed Deputy President Pro Tempore, while Nick Pisciottano of Allegheny County will serve as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee.
Four new members joined the caucus for this vote. Eileen Hartnett Albillar from District 6, Mark Pinsley from District 16, Chris Thomas from District 24, and Brian Wrightson from District 40 all participated in the selection process.
Costa described the nomination as a source of deep pride and humility. He said the caucus aims to work immediately with Governor Josh Shapiro and the House of Representatives. Costa listed specific legislative goals, including increasing wages, lowering costs, and supporting public schools. He also highlighted the need to build homes and provide a pathway to justice for adult survivors of childhood abuse.
Collett said she felt the weight of the trust placed in her by her colleagues. She noted that voters sent Democrats to the majority because they want a government that functions for them. Her stated priorities include lowering costs for working families, raising the minimum wage, and strengthening schools. She added that the caucus intends to build an economy that offers opportunity to every community.
Hughes expressed confidence that the new majority will make a meaningful impact across the state. He said he looks forward to working with the governor, House Democrats, and the minority party. Hughes criticized the previous Republican-led Senate, calling it a place where good ideas went to die. He stated that period of inaction will end on January 5, 2027, when Democrats take control of the chamber.
The new leadership team will begin its term in the 2027-28 session. The caucus plans to coordinate with the executive and legislative branches to advance its legislative agenda starting next year.
