On July 10, the Pennsylvania House passed HB 289 by a vote of 117-85. It moves the primary (for all office) from April to February 12. Generally, Democrats voted for the bill and Republicans voted against it. It now goes to the Senate.

Moving the primary for all office in Pennsylvania has no effect on the petition deadline for minor party and independent candidates. That deadline would continue to be August 1. But if the bill passes, Democrats and Republicans would be required to collect their primary petitions (which never exceed 2,000 signatures) in December of the year before the election.