Pennsylvania’s Democratic Party is going through a leadership shift this weekend. A familiar face in Pennsylvania politics is taking on a new role.

Eugene DePasquale was Pennsylvania’s state auditor for eight years, and ran for attorney general in 2024, losing to Republican Dave Sunday. He was living a politics free life this summer--

“You never know what can happen, but I was just practicing law— and recovering from a fractured clavicle, from an iron man race bike accident,” DePasquale said today during an interview.

Recently though, DePasquale got a call—asking if he’d want to run to be the chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.

“It was a bit out of nowhere. But look, I've always said I'm going to step up and help when necessary,” DePasquale said. "And this is something the governor asked me to do."

The state committee for the party is meeting this weekend, and are expected to vote DePasquale in as the chair.

“Basically, you're the leader of the state democratic party,” DePasquale said, then went on to describe the responsibilities of his coming role. “You know, help raise money, help candidates, help with candidate recruitment. Most importantly, give the Democratic party a voice and way to connect."

State Senator Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia), the current chair, is resigning to avoid conflict of interest. Street is one of many candidates running for a congressional seat in Philadelphia for the 2026 election.

“I'm not sure how you could be the leader of the Democratic party while you're engaged in a Democratic primary fight,” Governor Josh Shapiro had said earlier this summer, when the news of Street’s candidacy came out.

The state party manages millions of dollars during campaign seasons. Just today, Democratic Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman announced he was donating $100,000 to the state party as a show of support for DePasquale.

Looking to the future, DePasquale says the party has work to do after taking a hit in the 2024 election.

“As a party we've got to do a better job of listening. I think that's one of the reasons why the last election did not go the way we wanted it to go,” DePasquale said. He thinks reconnecting with voters who previously voted Democrat, but recently switched to voting Republican, is important.

DePasquale also thinks taking the lead on economic policy is key, as the results of President Donald Trump’s policy unfold over the next year.

“Today the jobs report is not good. Prices are still way too high. We've got to get back to listening to average everyday Americans, and coming up with policies that specifically address those economic concerns."

The state committee meeting this weekend is also discussing strategies around the upcoming Supreme Court vote on the ballot in November. Democrats have three judges who need a retention vote, and two candidates looking to fill empty seats.