The results are in from last night’s referendum on Gov. Tom Wolf’s tyrannical COVID orders. In both cases on the ballot the votes to limit the power of future “emergency orders” passed, putting a constitutional barrier between petty Democrats who seek to weaponize “the science” instead of doing what’s legal and logical.

It’s official, Pennsylvania. Congratulations. https://t.co/fJewODBqZD

— Chris Stigall (@ChrisStigall) May 19, 2021

In the end, even rabidly left-wing Philadelphia punched above their weight in voting to curtail Wolf’s future powers. Of course, it’s still scary that over 47% of residents in Pennsylvania actually like being ruled by decree, but it is what it is. You can expect most Democrats to keep toeing the line until their lives are good and truly wrecked.

But given the partisan makeup of the state, there had to have been some sizable portion of Democrats and Independents who pushed these measures across the finish line. That’s a really good sign for Republicans going into 2022. In fact, Republicans overperformed in several races and this time it can’t be blamed on low turnout; for an off-year election, turnout was historic levels.

Republicans overperformed by 9% in PA-22 and 3% in PA-48 since 2020.

Although, third parties hurt the Dems net margins in the former and hurt the GOP in the latter.

— Red Eagle Politics (@RedEaglePatriot) May 19, 2021

Man, idk what happened last night, but Lancaster County Republicans showed the F up for a odd year primary last night. Big numbers everywhere.

— X-Joe Szymanski (@JosephSzymanski) May 19, 2021

I guess that whole “there’s going to be a backlash against Republican ideals because of Liz Cheney’s ouster” line lasted all of five minutes. The GOP continues to make strong showings in contests since they over-performed in the House in 2020.

As an aside, you’ll be less than shocked to learn that the vote-counting machines in Philadelphia, where Democrats enjoy a seven to one advantage, broke last night, leading to yet another delayed result. The results won’t change based on anything coming from that area at this point, but it shows the continued incompetence that has so tarnished our voting process. You’d think states with issues would have moved to ensure they are fixed by now, but when they do, they get accused of being racist such as in Georgia.

Regardless, what happened in Pennsylvania last night is a major win for freedom. It’s also a direct rebuke of how Democrats have handled the pandemic. I can’t imagine their prospects will get much better before the 2022 election, and remember, not much has to shift for a red wave to occur. There are a variety of swing districts the Democrats are hanging by a thread in at this point.

The next big test will come in New Mexico, where a special election in a solid blue district will be held. Republicans don’t have to even come close to winning it, but if they overperform again, it’s going to be more evidence the tide is shifting against the left.