Candidates •
Ivan Itkin, State Representative (Democratic) • Running mate:
Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky, former U.S. Representative • Ken Krawchuk, technology consultant (Libertarian) • Running mate: Henry Haller, attorney • Peg Luksik, director of an
anti-abortion organization and candidate in 1994 (Constitution) • Running mate: Jim Clymer, attorney and nominee for Lt. Governor in 1994 •
Tom Ridge, incumbent Governor (Republican) • Running mate:
Mark Schweiker, incumbent Lieutenant Governor
Campaign During this election cycle, Democrats struggled with fundraising issues and had difficulty recruiting a top tier candidate. Itkin, who had little name recognition statewide, was considered to be a sacrificial lamb. Peg Luksik, who was well known as an outspoken opponent of abortion, ran as a strong third party contender for the second consecutive election cycle; she emphasized the pro-choice stances of both candidates and drew votes in the state's rural, conservative center. However, Ridge's victory was never in doubt, as he ran on a generally positive record from his prior term and a combination of traditional Republican strategies (such as his "tough on crime" image) combined with his ability to somewhat undercut Democratic support (such as through his labor ties).
Polling Results Results by county Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican •
Alleghany •
Beaver •
Cambria •
Fayette •
Greene •
Lackawanna •
Lawrence •
Luzerne •
Washington •
Westmoreland ==Notes==