Wagner, a Democrat, was opposed by Republican Chet Beiler, a Lancaster County businessman running for public office for the first time, and Libertarian nominee Betsy Summers, a Wilkes-Barre businesswoman.

The race for the open treasurer's seat pitted venture capitalist Rob McCord, a Democrat, against bond lawyer Tom Ellis, a Republican. The Libertarian nominee was Berlie Etzel, a retired professor from Clarion County.

In congressional races, three longtime Pennsylvania incumbents from blue-collar districts were fighting for re-election.

Rep. Paul Kanjorski, a 12-term Democrat from northeastern Pennsylvania, faced a GOP rising star in Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, who has made a national name in his opposition to illegal immigration.

At the other end of the state, in northwestern Pennsylvania, Rep. Phil English, a seven-term Republican, was challenged by Kathy Dahlkemper, an anti-abortion Democrat and business owner.

Also in western Pennsylvania, powerful House Democrat John Murtha, a 17-term member, was in a tougher-than-expected race after making controversial comments about his constituents.

Murtha described western Pennsylvania as racist, apologized for the remark, then told another interviewer the area had been "really redneck" in years past. He's challenged by William Russell, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who moved to the district to run against Murtha.

In the state House of Representatives, Republicans were hoping to regain control while Democrats sought to expand the 102-101 majority they won in 2006. The Democratic caucus was so fractured after the last election that it was forced to accept a Republican as House speaker.

Control of the Senate was not in question.

Also on Tuesday's statewide ballot was a single referendum question seeking voter approval for a $400 million bond issue to help pay for repairs to local water and sewer systems.