Solomon, Rabb applaud House passage of semi primaries legislation

Rep. Jared G. Solomon September 30, 2026 | 3:10 PM

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – This week, state Reps. Jared Solomon and Chris Rabb applaud the House of Representatives for advancing House Bill 280, which would allow for an open primary election system in Pennsylvania, by a 115-88 vote.

The bill would allow unaffiliated voters to participate in the primary. At least 40 states have some form of semi-open primaries. According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, there are more than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians not affiliated with either of the two major political parties.

“1.5 million voters have no voice or vote in the primary system in PA,” Solomon said. “For the first time ever we had the full House vote to bring independents into civic life in Pennsylvania.”

Rabb said that no Pennsylvanian should be treated as a second-class citizen or have their constitutional right to vote undermined by state law.

“Ensuring a full and equal electorate is a just way to strengthen our democracy,” Rabb said. “With this bill, independent voters can express their preference in local, state, and federal elections and make a real impact on how their communities function. I encourage the Senate to give this sizable portion of our electorate a real voice in primary elections.”

H.B. 280 will now head to the Senate for consideration.

More information on the bill is available at: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb280.

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