Democrat Malone reacts to seismic upset win in Lancaster special election race

(WHTM) — Democrat James Malone defeated Republican Josh Parsons in a major upset in yesterday’s special election in Lancaster County, flipping a seat President Trump easily won. It is even receiving national attention.

“I wasn’t shocked,” said Malone.

Malone may not have been shocked, but the political world was rocked by his win, as it made international headlines and generated tons of social media buzz.

“Honestly, we were just willing to listen to folks, so that is what happened,” said Malone.

Many see the rejection of a Republican in a ruby-red county as a referendum on President Trump’s tumultuous tenure in D.C.

“I think the chaos at the federal level has definitely helped in our campaign,” Malone said.

Jay Costa, the leader of Senate Democrats, was happy to add Malone, but he says the win is bigger than their caucus.

“Folks are angry, folks are motivated,” said Costa. “This is sending signals around the country that what’s happening in Washington, D.C. is not acceptable”

Republican Senator Gene Yaw says the loss is less about Trump in D.C. and more about the GOP in Pennsylvania.

“I don’t know. I can’t say that,” said Yaw. “We weren’t paying attention to that race, even in the party, I don’t think it was a conversation piece, and we have a tendency at times to sleep.”

Lancaster County Republicans were also divided, many displeased with their candidate.

“There were a lot of Republicans that don’t feel that Josh Parsons represents them well, and we were able to capitalize on that,” said Malone.

Senate Republicans’ lead drops from 28-22 to 27-23. Pro tempore Kim Ward (R) blamed volatile and unpredictable special elections, saying Republicans “remain a strong barrier against far-left legislation being passed and signed into law by the Democrat-controlled House and Governor.”

Malone calls a disservice the narrative that Lancaster can only vote red.

“People care about our values and our interaction with each other way more than who they’re registered to be,” said Malone.

When will Mayor Malone leave East Petersburg and head to Harrisburg? We expect him to be sworn in sometime in early May.