We’re finally in the homestretch of the marathon that is the 2016 election, meaning if you haven’t figured out who you’re voting for — whether that’s president or state treasurer — it might be time to start thinking about it.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of the people who you’ll see on your Philadelphia ballot on Election Day on Nov. 8 along with their major supporters so you can get a feel for who they are and who’s backing them. Some of the candidates like Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey have establishment support and some surprising endorsers, like several unions and groups in favor of additional gun regulation. Others, like state Attorney General candidate Josh Shapiro, have Democratic establishment support all the way up to the president.
For some candidates, this list is not exhaustive. We aimed to include major endorsements, focusing on Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. So no, we didn’t include that random state senator from California who probably endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. However, we will keep this list updated as Nov. 8 draws near. Email anna@billypenn.com if there are any major endorsements we missed. We’ll be continuously updating this list.
President and Vice President
Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine (D)

If you’ve followed this race even a little bit, you know where Hillary Clinton’s support comes from: The Democratic party establishment, major organizations and super PACs, nearly every left-leaning politician and almost every major union and labor group. And things are no different in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania for her. Here’s a look at some of her support around here:
PA and Philly politicians
- Gov. Tom Wolf
- Former Gov. Ed Rendell
- Attorney General Kathleen Kane
- U.S. Senate candidate Katie McGinty
- Former Rendell Chief of Staff and Comcast exec David L. Cohen
- U.S. Sen. Bob Casey
- Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney
- Former Mayor Michael Nutter
- U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle
- U.S. Rep. Bob Brady
- U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle
- Ex-U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah
- U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright
- Ex-Attorney General Kathleen Kane
- Candidate for U.S. Congress Dwight Evans
- State Rep. Leslie Acosta
- State Rep. Kevin Boyle
- State Rep. Donna Bullock
- State Rep. Tonyelle Cook-Artis
- State Sen. Jay Costa, Minority Leader
- State Rep. Frank Dermody, Minority Leader
- State Rep. Maria Donatucci
- State Sen. Larry Farnese
- State Sen. Vincent Hughes
- State Sen. Shirley Kitchen
- State Sen. Daylin Leach
- State Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky
- State Rep. Joanna McClinton
- State Rep. Ed Neilson
- State Sen. John Sabatina
- State Rep. Brian Sims
- State Sen. Christine Tartaglione
- State Rep. Curtis Thomas
- State Rep. Rosita Youngblood
PA and Philly interest groups
- Equality Pennsylvania
- Planned Parenthood PA PAC
- Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club
- CeaseFire PA
PA and Philly labor groups
Clinton has significant union support in Pennsylvania. These groups are among some of the largest:
- PASNAP
- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
- SEIU PA
- AFSCME PA
- United Steelworkers
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- Philadelphia Building Trades Council
- American Federation of Teachers – PA
- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
PA and Philly media
Most media organizations don’t announce endorsements until closer to the election. We’ll update this list as endorsements come in.
Donald Trump and Mike Pence (R)

When it comes to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, the support is a little different compared to what Clinton enjoys. The establishment has slowly come around to him, but many Pennsylvania politicians have yet to flat-out endorse him but have said they’ll likely support the nominee. That includes incumbent Sen. Pat Toomey, who has yet to whether or not he’ll vote for Trump on Election Day.
PA and Philly politicians
- U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta
- U.S. Rep. Tom Marino
- U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster
- U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly
- U.S. Rep. Scott Perry
- State Treasurer Candidate Otto Voit
- State Senate candidate Ross Feinberg
PA and Philly interest groups
- Republican Party of Pennsylvania
- Amish PAC
- Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
PA and Philly labor groups
We haven’t found any major PA or Philly labor groups publicly supporting Trump yet. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no support among unions for him — at least when it comes to the rank-and-file.
PA and Philly media
Most media organizations don’t announce endorsements until closer to the election. We’ll update this list as endorsements come in.
U.S. Senator
Katie McGinty (D)
During the primary, McGinty had by far the most support among her fellow Democrats running to challenge Republican incumbent Pat Toomey. And that support — which came from major Democratic establishment groups, unions and environmental groups — is intensifying as the race heads into its final two months. Significant endorsements for her include not only the president, the vice president and the Democratic nominee, but also heavy-hitters on the progressive side like Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and her one-time primary rival, Braddock Mayor John Fetterman.
Politicians and VIPs
- President Barack Obama
- Vice President Joe Biden
- Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton
- Sen. Bernie Sanders
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren
- Gov. Tom Wolf
- Former Gov. Ed Rendell
- U.S. Rep. Bob Brady
- U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle
- U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright
- U.S. Sen. Bob Casey
- Attorney General candidate Josh Shapiro
- Former Senate candidate John Fetterman
- Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter
- Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass
- Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell
- Philadelphia City Council At-Large Blondell Reynolds Brown
- Philadelphia City Controller Alan Butkovitz
- Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke
- Philadelphia City Council At-Large William Greenlee
- Philadelphia City Councilman Bobby Henon
- Philadelphia City Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.
- Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla
- State Sen. Vincent Hughes
National interest groups
- EMILY’s List
- NARAL Pro-Choice America
- League of Conservation Voters
- Ocean Champions
- Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
- End Citizens United
- National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
- National Organization for Women
- National Resources Defense Council
PA and Philly interest groups
- United Ward Leaders of Color
- Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club
- Equality Pennsylvania
- CeaseFire PA
- Planned Parenthood PA PAC
Labor
- AFSCME
- SEIU
- United Steelworkers
- Amalgamated Transit Union
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 19
- Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals
- United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1776
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542
- Pennsylvania State Education Association
- Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council
- American Federation of Teachers – PA
- International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees Local 8
- Iron Workers Local Union 3
- Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council
- Boilermakers Trade Unions Locals 13, 154 & 19
- Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh Firefighters IAFF Local 1
- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
- National Weather Service Employees Organization
Media
Most media organizations don’t announce endorsements until closer to the election. We’ll update this list as endorsements come in.
Pat Toomey (R) – Incumbent

Ask pretty much any important Republican in Pennsylvania: While they may not have yet made their official official endorsement, they’re probably endorsing Pat Toomey for re-election. The sitting senator didn’t have an opponent in the primary, and has now garnered support from more than what was expected. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Independence USA PAC have run ads in support of Toomey, and the senator has garnered an endorsement from Americans for Responsible Solutions, the pro-gun control PAC run by Gabby Giffords. The other major endorsement for Toomey came from the labor side, as the statewide police union recently endorsed the Republican.
Politicians and VIPs
- Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
National interest groups
- Americans for Responsible Solutions (Gabby Giffords’ PAC)
- National Republican Senatorial Committee
- Susan B. Anthony List
- National Federation of Independent Business
- Independence USA PAC (run by Michael Bloomberg)
- Club for Growth
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
PA and Philly interest groups
- Republican Party of Pennsylvania
- FOP Lodge 5
Labor
- Fraternal Order of Police, Pennsylvania State Lodge
- Philadelphia Fire Fighters’ and Paramedics Union Local 22
- Pennsylvania State Troopers Association
- International Union of Police Associations
- Pennsylvania Builders Association
- Council of Prison Locals
- National Association of Police Organizations
Media
Most media organizations don’t announce endorsements until closer to the election. We’ll update this list as endorsements come in.
State Attorney General
Josh Shapiro (D)

While Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro has never been a prosecutor, he’s run on a platform of cleaning up the Office of the Attorney General. The Democrat has support from the party establishment — including the president and the governor — and also has significant labor support on his side.
Politicians and VIPs
- President Barack Obama
- Gov. Tom Wolf
- U.S. Sen. Bob Casey
- Gov. Ed Rendell
- Auditor General Eugene DePasquale
- State Sen. Vincent Hughes
- Sen. Art Haywood
- State Rep. Donna Bullock
- State Rep. Stephen Kinsey
- State Rep. Joanna McClinton
- Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke
- Philadelphia Sheriff Jewell Williams
- Philadelphia Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown
- Philadelphia Councilman Bill Greenlee
- Philadelphia Councilwoman Helen Gym
- Philadelphia Councilman Derek Green
- Philadelphia Councilman Kenyatta Johnson
- Philadelphia Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez
- Philadelphia Councilwoman Cherelle Parker
- Former Philadelphia City Councilwoman Marian Tasco
- State Rep. Leslie Acosta
National interest groups
- League of Conservation Voters
- Democracy for America
- Clean Water Action
PA and Philly interest groups
- Planned Parenthood PA PAC
- Equality PA
- Liberty City Democratic Club
- CeaseFire PA
- Chester County Democratic Committee
- Delaware County Democratic Committee
- Montgomery County Democratic Committee
Labor
- Teachers (PSEA)
- Nurses (PASNAP)
- UFCW 1776
- SEIU
- AFSCME 13
- Philadelphia Building Trades
- Laborers District Council
- Plumbers Local 690
- Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5
- UAW Regions 8 and 9
- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
Media
Most media organizations don’t announce endorsements until closer to the election. We’ll update this list as endorsements come in.
Rafferty, John (Republican)
State Sen. John Rafferty has broad support across the state from the party, as well as a number of labor groups and conservative organizations.
Politicians and VIPs
- Governor Tom Ridge
- Speaker of the PA House Mike Turzai
- House Majority Leader Dave Reed
- House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bill Adolf
PA and Philly interest groups
- Republican Party of Pennsylvania
- PA Chamber of Commerce
- Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
- Americans for Christian Traditions In Our Nation PA
Labor
- PA State Troopers
- FOP PA State Lodge
- FOP Lodge 1, Pittsburgh
- FOP Lodge 7, Erie
- FOP Lodge 11, Chester County
- FOP Lodge 14, Montgomery County
- FOP Lodge 16, Lancaster County
- FOP Lodge 27, Delaware County
- FOP Lodge 53, Bucks County
- FOP Lodge 91, Allegheny County
- PA Professional Firefighters
- Philadelphia Fire Fighters and Paramedics, IAFF Local 22
- Scranton Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 60
- Pittsburgh Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1
- PA State Corrections Officers
- Laborers District Council of Western Pennsylvania
- Western Pennsylvania Operators and Engineers
Media
Most media organizations don’t announce endorsements until closer to the election. We’ll update this list as endorsements come in.
Auditor General
Eugene DePasquale (D) – Incumbent
DePasquale is the incumbent auditor general, and has an endorsement from the state party as well as a number of left-leaning organizations. He also has union support from major groups like the state AFL-CIO and the State Council of SEIU.
PA and Philly interest groups
- Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee
- Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club
- Equality PA
- Planned Parenthood PA PAC
- Pennsylvania Business Council
- Transportation Construction Industry PAC
- PA Institute of Certified Public Accountants PAC
Labor
- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
- PA State Council of SEIU
- The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA)
- Association of PA State College and University Facilities
- PA State Correction Officers Association
- Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity
- IBEW Local 5
- Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers
- AFSCME Council 13
- Laborers’ District Council of Western PA
- UNITE HERE Local 57
- Local 520 Plumbers, Pipefitters, Pipe Welders and HVACR Service Technicians PA
- IAFF Local 1
Media
Most media organizations don’t announce endorsements until closer to the election. We’ll update this list as endorsements come in.
John Brown (R)
Brown hails from Northampton County, where he’s served as the county executive, meaning he’s managed the county’s budget and overseen its workforce. He has the support and endorsement of the state Republican party.
PA and Philly interest groups
- Pennsylvania Republican Party
Media
Most media organizations don’t announce endorsements until closer to the election. We’ll update this list as endorsements come in.
State Treasurer
Joe Torsella (D)
A former ambassador, Torsella has the support of Bloomberg, as well as a number of unions and the state Democratic party.
Politicians and VIPs
- Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg
National interest groups
- Independence USA PAC (run by Michael Bloomberg)
Labor
- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
- Pennsylvania State Building & Construction Trades Council
- AFSCME Council 13’s Statewide Steering Committee
- Philadelphia Building Trades
Media
Most media organizations don’t announce endorsements until closer to the election. We’ll update this list as endorsements come in.
Otto Voit (R)

Though Voit was one of the first statewide politicians to endorse Trump for president, the Donald hasn’t given his endorsement of Voit. However, Voit does have the support of some major retired military leaders — he’s a vet himself — and the state Republican party.
Politicians and VIPs
- Fmr. GOP State Chairman and State Senator Earl Baker
- Marcela Myers, chair of the Hispanic Advisory Council for the Republican Party of Pennsylvania
- Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch
- Maj. Gen. Walter L. Stewart, Jr.
- Maj. Gen. Mario “Monty” Montero
PA and Philly interest groups
- Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania
Labor
- Pennsylvania Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Media
Most media organizations don’t announce endorsements until closer to the election. We’ll update this list as endorsements come in.
U.S. Congress
Bob Brady (D) – 1st Congressional District incumbent
Almost every major Democratic political group in Pennsylvania and in Philadelphia will have Bob Brady on their slate for the First Congressional District of Pennsylvania. He’s a longtime incumbent who’s the head of the Democratic party in Philadelphia, and he’s basically the king of the city Democratic establishment. While he has an opponent in the general election, it’d take a miracle for her to overcome Brady’s support and the city’s 8-to-1 Democratic voter registration advantage.
Deborah Williams (R) – 1st Congressional District challenger
Williams is running against Brady. We weren’t able to find significant endorsements of her. It was reported that Williams was among a group of black Republican leaders in Philadelphia who met with Trump last week when he visited North Philadelphia.
Dwight Evans (D) – 2nd Congressional District
State Rep. Dwight Evans has represented Northwest Philadelphia in Harrisburg for years and won his run for Congress during the primary against then-sitting Congressman Chaka Fattah. Evans has won support from the likes the governor, the mayor and a variety of local and state politicians. Here’s a look at some of his endorsements:
- Gov. Ed Rendell
- Gov. Tom Wolf
- Mayor Jim Kenney
- Rep. Brian Sims
- Americans for Democratic Action
- Liberty City Democratic Club
- Philadelphia NOW
- Philadelphia FOP
- PASNAP
- Philadelphia Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union Local 22
- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
James Jones (R) – 2nd Congressional District
Similar to Williams, Jones will have to overcome a significant Democratic voter registration advantage to come up winning against Evans. Jones was also one of a handful of people to meet with Trump while he was in Philadelphia last week.
State seats
A number of State Senate and State House seats will be on the ballot in November — many of them are unopposed. See a list here of the candidates to check whether or not the race in your district is contested.