Elections (Credit: MediaNews Group)
Horsham Township voters delivered a political shift in Tuesday’s election, electing three Democrats to the Township Council and ending years of Republican control, according to unofficial results from Montgomery County.
Council President W. William Whiteside, one of Horsham’s longest-serving Republican officials, lost his seat as Democrats captured every open position on the five-member board. The results mark the first time in recent history that Democrats will hold unanimous control of the council when it reorganizes in January.
Ruth Patterson led all candidates in votes, followed by fellow Democrats Elizabeth Thomson and John McCarty. They will join current Democratic Councilwomen Samantha Slaff and Ellen Zschunke.
Republican Councilman Eric Glemser, who had been appointed to fill a vacancy, fell short in his election bid. Former Hatboro-Horsham School Board member Erin Whalen also came up short, while GOP Councilman Sean Wade did not seek re-election.
Before Tuesday, Republicans held a narrow 3–2 edge on the council, which has now flipped entirely to Democratic control.
All 18 Horsham precincts have reported results, though totals remain unofficial until certified by the Montgomery County Board of Elections.
In total, there were 28,158 votes cast in Horsham. Each individual received:
Ruth Patterson (D): 5,614 votes
Elizabeth Thomson (D): 5,576 votes
John McCarty (D): 5,528 votes
Eric Glemser (R): 3,873 votes
W. William Whiteside (R): 3,846 votes
Erin Whalen (R): 3,721 votes
With the victories, Democrats will begin 2026 holding every seat on the Horsham Township Council.
