Pennsylvania's fifth state senate district is represented by Democratic Senator John Sabatina, Jr.

As of the 2010 census, a total of 255,921 civilians reside within Pennsylvania's fifth state senate district. Pennsylvania state senators represent an average of 254,048 residents. After the 2000 Census, each member represented 245,621 residents.

About the chamber

Members of the Pennsylvania State Senate serve four-year terms and are not subject to term limits. Pennsylvania legislators' terms officially begin on December 1 the year of their election. However, legislators take the oath of office the first Tuesday in January.

Qualifications

Under Article II of the Pennsylvania Constitution, Senators shall be at least twenty-five years of age and Representatives twenty-one years of age. They shall have been citizens and inhabitants of their respective districts one year next before their election (unless absent on the public business of the United States or of this State) and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms of service.

Salaries

Pension

Legislators in Pennsylvania are able to retire at age 50, while other state workers cannot retire until they turn 60. In 2011, the average legislative pension was $35,221 annually, while the average state employee pension was $23,491. According to former legislator David Mayernik, who began collecting a pension of $29,583 a year when he retired at age 50, the lowered retirement age was intended as compensation for small legislative salaries as well as the uncertainty of serving in office.

Vacancies

If there is a vacancy in the senate, a special election must be held to fill the vacant seat. The Senate President must call for a special election. There are no deadlines set in the state constitution on when a special election can be held.

Elections

2020

Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate will take place in 2020. The general election will be held on November 3, 2020. A primary is scheduled for April 28, 2020. The filing deadline is February 18, 2020.

2016

Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election was held on April 26, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was February 16, 2016.

Incumbent John Sabatina, Jr. defeated Ross Feinberg in the Pennsylvania State Senate District 5 general election.

Pennsylvania State Senate District 5, General Election, 2016

Incumbent John Sabatina, Jr. defeated Kevin Boyle in the Pennsylvania State Senate District 5 Democratic primary.

Pennsylvania State Senate District 5, Democratic Primary, 2016

Ross Feinberg ran unopposed in the Pennsylvania State Senate District 5 Republican primary.

2015

John Sabatina Jr. (D) defeated Tim Dailey (R) in the special election on May 19.

The seat was vacant following Mike Stack's (D) resignation after he was sworn in as Pennsylvania's new lieutenant governor.

A special election for the position of Pennsylvania State Senate District 5 was called for May 19. Candidates were nominated by parties rather than chosen in primaries.

Pennsylvania State Senate, District 5, Special Election, 2015

2012

Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate consisted of a primary election on April 24, 2012, and a general election on November 6, 2012. The signature-filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was February 16, 2012. Incumbent Mike Stack (D) defeated Michael Tomlinson (R) in the general election. Neither candidate faced opposition in their primary.

Pennsylvania State Senate, District 5, General Election, 2012

Campaign contributions

From 2002 to 2016, candidates for Pennsylvania State Senate District 5 raised a total of $4,234,009. Candidates who raised money in contributions earned $302,429 on average. All figures come from Follow the Money.

Campaign contributions, Pennsylvania State Senate District 5