Democrat Mary Gay Scanlon won reelection in Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District, defeating Republican Nicholas Manganaro in the Nov. 3 election, according to Decision Desk HQ.
DDHQ’s Nov. 4, 3:25 p.m. EST tally showed Scanlon with 213,389 votes (72.06%) and Manganaro with 82,719 (27.94%), with an estimated 86% counted. DDHQ called the race Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. The figures are districtwide, rather than Lower Merion-only totals, and remain unofficial and subject to certification.
The race was one of two congressional contests on Lower Merion ballots. The township is divided between the 4th and 5th districts, so Scanlon represents only part of Lower Merion. The Montgomery County Republican Committee’s 2026 sample-ballot listing places Narberth in the 5th District as well.
Scanlon, a Swarthmore resident, first entered Congress after a 2018 special election. Before serving in Washington, she worked as an attorney at the Education Law Center and as national pro bono counsel at a major law firm, and served as president of her local school board. Her official biography lists voting rights, education, access to justice and gun safety among her legislative priorities. She serves on the House Rules and Judiciary committees.
Manganaro, also known as Nick Manganaro, was the Republican nominee. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star’s election guide describes his professional background as a Wall Street bond trader, portfolio manager and risk manager. The guide says he did not respond to its candidate questionnaire; it therefore provides no answers from him on the issues it posed.
The result keeps the seat in Democratic hands. The two candidates were seeking a two-year term in the U.S. House, where members vote on federal spending and legislation and oversee the executive branch. The district’s reported vote count may change as election officials finish processing ballots.
Sources: DDHQ 5th District results; Scanlon biography; Capital-Star voter guide; 2026 district ballot listing.
