Democrats projected to retain PA state House after special elections, AP

Democratic state House candidate Heather Boyd is projected to win a special election for Pennsylvania's 163rd District, clinching control of the state's lower chamber for her party.

The Associated Press called the race for Boyd, who commanded 62.8% of the vote, with more than 95% reporting. Republican challenger Katie Ford earned 35.9% of the vote.

The seat became vacant following the resignation of Democratic state Rep. Michael Zabel. The 163rd District includes the western suburbs of Philadelphia.

Boyd's victory ensures that Democrats will retain their razor-thin majority in the legislature's lower chamber.

Going into Election Day, Republicans held 100 seats to the Democrats' 101, with two vacancies in the chamber. District 108 also held a special election on Tuesday, though the Republican was heavily favored to win that contest, and the Associated Press has projected Republican Michael Stender as the winner.

Stender's win made the outcome of the 163th district race the deciding contest for control of the chamber.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.