Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district

Pennsylvania's fourth district is located in western Pennsylvania and includes suburbs of Pittsburgh as well as Beaver County, Lawrence County, and Mercer County.

The district has a slight Democratic registration edge, although it has voted for Republicans in several federal elections over the past decade, including for President George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004, as well as Lynn Swann for governor in 2006.

The heart of the district is a string of mostly white and middle class suburbs. Plum and Murrysville, two large and mainly residential boroughs, are the main towns in the suburban portion of the district that lies to the east of the city. Also included are the many suburban areas that make up northern Allegheny County and southern Butler County, Pennsylvania, including the larger communities of McCandless and Franklin Park, as well as several exclusive suburbs that have long been home to Pittsburgh's old money elite, including Fox Chapel and Sewickley. The northern suburbs have a generally moderate voting populace, which trends Democratic but makes up the swing vote, especially in races for national office.

Further north, the district takes on a different character. The suburban areas of Beaver County are somewhat less affluent and are heavily labor Democratic. The areas of Lawrence County and Mercer County have a more rural feel, but also have a union Democrat center within the city of New Castle.

Democratic Congressman Jason Altmire has represented the district since January 4, 2007.

List of representatives

The district was organized from Pennsylvania's At-large congressional district in 1791

1791–1793: One seat

1795–1843: Two, then one, then three seats

District created in 1795 with two seats from Pennsylvania's At-large congressional district. The second seat was eliminated in 1813. The second seat was restored in 1823 along with a third seat.

1843–present: One seat

Recent elections

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Historical

In the very early 19th Century this district included all or part of Bucks County.

References

• Martis, Kenneth C. (1989). The Historical Atlas of Political Parties in the United States Congress. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. 
• Martis, Kenneth C. (1982). The Historical Atlas of United States Congressional Districts. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. 
• Congressional Biographical Directory of the United States 1774–present

External links

• district map