HARRISBURG — Elizabeth Moro is trying to reverse Republican resistance in Philadelphia’s mostly blue suburbs and is drawing plenty of support.

Tens of thousands of dollars from local and national interest groups poured into his State House campaign. At least one Hollywood celebrity also attended campaign events (OCs There were prominent figures in the Democratic party, including Adam Brody, a well-known gun control advocate (Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was killed in a mass shooting), and Governor Josh Shapiro.

The 160th district, which includes parts of Chester and Delaware counties, has been represented by Republican state Rep. Craig Williams since 2021. His unusual situation makes him a prime target as Democrats seek to maintain or grow their one-seat majority in the Pennsylvania House.

“When I ran for Congress, it was very difficult and money was very tight,” Moro said. “This race… (people) came to my district like the governor. “They are all aware of the importance of this district.”

Moro’s race doesn’t just attract the attention of big names. It’s also one of 21 competitive legislative races bringing a historic wave of cash.

Spotlight PA analyzed campaign spending in these flippable districts between May 14 and October 21, the first financial report candidates filed after the primary and the last full pre-election report.

The analysis found that the average spending in a competitive state House or Senate race was $1.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Spending in the three races exceeded $4 million.

These totals represent only the money spent by each campaign and donations of in-kind goods or services, such as food and beverages and mail, to benefit the candidate. The actual price tag is likely to be higher if independent spending by outside groups is included.

There’s a lot at stake on November 5th. In addition to defending their state House majority, Democrats are taking another step toward flipping the state Senate, where Republicans hold a 28-22 advantage.

Control of a single chamber gives the party an advantage in policy negotiations with the governor. Complete control of the legislature by a single party gives it the power to set the agenda on key issues such as abortion, election law and taxes.

Following the most recent redistricting cycle, both the state House and Senate resulted in less competitive seats – means that no major party has an overwhelming majority in a region. This means more attention being paid to the fewer remaining competitive races.

Spotlight PA analysis shows Democrats have a competitive spending advantage in state Senate races, while Republicans have the same advantage in the state Senate.

Lehigh Valley-based Republican political operative Sam Chen recalled that a decade ago, the conventional wisdom was that a state House race could cost tens of thousands of dollars and “if you can raise six figures, you’re going to win.”

Looking at the current price tag, Chen said: “This is crazy. “These are not inflationary figures.”

Pennsylvania has always had a somewhat free-spending policy. The state places no limits on campaign donations, allowing interest groups and the wealthy to pour as much money as they want into state-level races. Governor or Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

But in recent years, that spending has begun to trickle down to state legislative races, fueled by out-of-state groups pouring national money into local elections.

Take Moro. Since May, it has received over $800,000 in major donations from both state and national organizations. Local controls include traditional Democratic allies like the state Democratic party, legislative leaders including state Rep. Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery) and labor unions like the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.

One major donor is the Washington, D.C.-based America’s Future PAC, which has contributed more than $150,000 to his campaign since May. PAC’s barebones website says it’s focused on donating “candidates who provide the majority.”

He raised $14 million this year, according to state campaign finance filings; less than 1% of that came from Pennsylvania donors. Instead, the PAC raised its millions from the rich and famous; these included prominent Democratic donor Jonathan Soros, who donated $2 million alone, as well as director Steven Spielberg, comedian Jimmy Fallon, actress Sarah Jessica Parker and heirs to the fortune created. By Walmart and Berkshire Hathaway.

The PAC, in turn, funneled its money to Democrats in swing states; That included nearly $6 million given to Pennsylvania candidates and Democratic campaign committees fighting to defend incumbents and flip seats.

The PAC for America’s Future said in a statement that state legislatures “are the most powerful force for change in this country, and we power campaigns to create majorities committed to defending democracy, protecting civil liberties, and improving the lives of their voters.”

“With so much at stake in this election, we are proud to do our part to bring together Americans who understand the importance of these races and provide the resources and support these candidates need to win,” the statement said.

This isn’t the PAC’s first time being active in Pennsylvania. He first registered with the state in 2020 and donated at least $7.7 million to Democrats in 2022 for their successful effort to flip the state House.

Moro, however, thinks that interest in the state legislature has increased after former President Donald Trump took office. He referred to the US Supreme Court’s overturning decision Roe v. wade and is trying to invalidate the 2020 election results, for example.

“I think more people are paying attention to state and local legislators because of what we saw in the 2020 elections, where states may be on the path to certifying elections,” Moro told Spotlight PA.