Pennsylvania judge bars Green Party challenger from 7th District congressional ballot
A Pennsylvania judge ordered that Andrew Tupone be removed from the 7th Congressional District ballot after the Green Party challenged his eligibility.
On Friday, Commonwealth Court Judge Stella M. Tsai ruled in favor of the Green Party of Pennsylvania and removed Andrew Tupone from the ballot for the 7th Congressional District. The party asserted that Tupone, a longtime Republican voter who briefly registered as a Democrat in February 2026 before switching to the Green Party, was using the label to act as a spoiler and siphon votes from Democratic nominee Bob Brooks.
Voter records confirmed his prior Republican affiliation and participation in GOP primaries. Tupone vowed to appeal the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, insisting he provides a true progressive alternative focused on universal health care and opposition to Israel. He also criticized the major parties’ handling of the race. With his removal, the contest between Brooks and incumbent Republican Ryan Mackenzie remains one of the state’s most competitive, now classified as a toss-up by Sabato’s Crystal Ball.
Why it matters
Ballot eligibility rulings can alter the dynamics of close elections and limit voter options.
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