Pennsylvania's forty-eighth state senate district is vacant. It was last represented by Republican Senator Mike Folmer.

As of the 2010 census, a total of 278,934 civilians reside within Pennsylvania's forty-eighth 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.

2020

Special election

A special election for Pennsylvania State Senate District 48 has been called for January 14, 2020. Candidates running for special elections in Pennsylvania are selected by their respective political parties.

The seat became vacant after Mike Folmer (R) resigned on September 18, 2019. He resigned his seat after being charged with possession of child pornography.

2018

2014

Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in that election was March 11, 2014. Incumbent Mike Folmer was unopposed in the Republican primary. Folmer was unchallenged in the general election.

2010

Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate consisted of a primary election on May 18, 2010, and a general election on November 2, 2010. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 9, 2010. Incumbent Mike Folmer (R) defeated Jo Ellen Litz (D) in the general election. Neither candidate faced opposition in their primary.

Pennsylvania State Senate, District 48, General Election, 2010

Campaign contributions

From 2002 to 2014, candidates for Pennsylvania State Senate District 48 raised a total of $3,681,522. Candidates who raised money in contributions earned $283,194 on average. All figures come from Follow the Money.

Campaign contributions, Pennsylvania State Senate District 48