Brandon won the August 18 special election, the first Democrat to hold this seat since 1999. He faces the same opponent again this fall for the full term.
--DAYS TO NOV 3
About
Meet Brandon
Meet Brandon Dukes, husband, father, and candidate for PA State House District 12. Brandon is running because the district is changing—growing in population, evolving in demographics, and ready for new leadership. He believes it’s time for a representative who reflects that change and is focused on the future.
A current resident of Cranberry Township, Brandon grew up in the city of Pittsburgh as the youngest of four children in a middle-class family. Those early experiences shaped his values—hard work, responsibility, and understanding the everyday challenges families face. He went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a degree in political science, building a foundation for his commitment to public service.
Professionally, Brandon has spent the past 16 years in the financial industry, most recently working in the mortgage and commercial lending sector. Through this work, he has seen firsthand the challenges families and small businesses face when it comes to affordability, access to capital, and long-term financial stability.
Outside of work and the campaign trail, Brandon is an avid Star Wars fan and enjoys 3D printing—though nothing comes before spending time with his wife and daughter.
“Believe in Better” is his campaign slogan because Brandon believes our community deserves more—and that together, we can choose leaders who will fight for a stronger, more affordable, and more inclusive future in Harrisburg.
Talking with neighbors in District 12
Issues
The Road Ahead
Exit1
Infrastructure
Ease gridlock and traffic on Route 228.
Work closely with local, county, and state policymakers to modernize our roadways so they finally keep up with our rapidly growing district.
Push for a dedicated state infrastructure fund tied to high-growth corridors like southern Butler County.
Hold developers accountable for their fair share as they profit from Butler County's growth.
Exit2
Affordability
Raise the minimum wage to $15/hr
Enforce state vehicle inspection to every other year; 4 years after the purchase of a new vehicle
End price gouging on utilities and food prices
Keep prescription prices low and affordable
Exit3
Education
Require transparency and accountability in programs that claim to provide school choice for low-income students
Heavier investments into community colleges and trade schools
Recruit and retain teachers via competitive pay
The Record
Wrong Turn
Scott Timko is running again in November. Before the rematch, here is what the record shows, with every source linked.
A tax plan that shifts the bill onto Butler County homeowners
Vouchers that pull dollars out of Seneca Valley and Mars Area
On the record favoring defunding Medicare and Medicaid
Public records and published reporting. Every claim is sourced inside.
District 12
Southern Butler County
ADAMS TWP
CALLERY
CRANBERRY TWP
EVANS CITY
HARMONY
JACKSON TWP
MARS
SEVEN FIELDS
VALENCIA
ZELIENOPLE
Boundary: U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb, PA House District 12. Click the map to enable zoom.
In the News
National Coverage
The August result put southern Butler County on the national map. Here is where it landed.
Dems keep flipping Trump-country seats in special election streak CNN · Aug. 19, 2026
Democrat Brandon Dukes flips Pennsylvania House District 12 in special election WTAE · Aug. 2026
Special election in Butler County shifts power in seat for first time since the 1990s WPXI · Aug. 2026
when Democrats organize everywhere, we can win anywhere
Ken Martin Chair, Democratic National Committee
In a statement on the result, crediting a campaign that showed up in every community in the district and ran on lowering costs, health care, public education and job training, and infrastructure. Aug. 19, 2026
I was proud to back Brandon.
Josh Shapiro Governor of Pennsylvania
Noting the district went for Trump by 18 points and for the Republican state representative by 30 in 2024. Aug. 18, 2026
I’m proud to be in his corner.
Pete Buttigieg Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
On Brandon flipping a seat Republicans held for almost 30 years. Aug. 19, 2026
November is coming.
Ted Lieu U.S. Representative, California
Congratulating Brandon on the flip, noting the district went Republican by 30 points in 2024. Aug. 18, 2026
should not have had a chance to come within sneezing distance of
Malcolm Kenyatta DNC Vice Chair · Pennsylvania State Representative
On how far out of reach this district was before August. Aug. 19, 2026
Vote
Make Your Plan
Register, confirm your registration, or request a mail ballot right here. The General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Oct. 19Last day to register to vote
Oct. 27Mail ballot applications due, 5 PM
Nov. 3Election Day, polls close 8 PM
Registration and mail ballot deadlines are set by the Commonwealth. Confirm current dates at vote.pa.gov.
Remind a friend to vote
This seat came down to 88 votes in August. One nudge to one neighbor is how the margin gets built.
Hey! Election Day in PA is Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open 7 AM to 8 PM. I'm voting for Brandon Dukes for State Representative in District 12. Check your registration and find your polling place at vote.pa.gov.
