Youngblood Wins Democratic Primary For 198th

As n at State Rep. Rosita Youngblood’s headquarters, the incumbent’s supporters began singing “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” as if they were in an arena instead of an office space on West Chelten Avenue.

Youngblood took the Democratic primary for the 198 Legislative District with 47.3 percent of the votes over her opponents Charisma Presley (28.3 percent) and Malik Boyd (24.5 percent), according to the Commonwealth's unofficial returns.

Youngblood thanked her staff and her constituents in her victory speech.

“I want to thank everyone for their vote of confidence,” Youngblood said. “My constituents and my staff, everyone who assured that we would have a victory.”

The biggest lesson to take away from the race, Youngblood reflected, was that “money can’t buy elections”. Estimating that she was outspent several times over, Youngblood said, “The people have spoken. If the constituents have faith and trust in you, that’s more important than how much you spend. The constituents wanted someone with integrity, honesty and commitment.”

It also didn’t hurt, Youngblood joked, that she had her twin five-year-old grandsons out visiting polls with her on election day, which one of her staffers called “her two secret weapons.”

Youngblood will unopposed for the seat in November. She has represented the 198th district since 1994.