In a unanimous decision, the high court ruled that the city’s arguments had fallen “woefully short” of the standard needed for a legal victory.

There is also no doubt that a serious problem exists ... relative to gun violence and its impacts on our citizenry,” Justice Kevin Brobson wrote.

Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court upheld the state laws that prevent municipalities from enacting their own laws to regulate firearms, saying in a unanimous decision Wednesday that the city of Philadelphia and advocates against gun violence failed to show the laws are unconstitutional.

The ruling is a major victory for Republican Senate candidate David McCormick, who holds a very narrow lead over Democratic Sen. Bob Casey ahead of a statewide recount.

The ruling comes after several Philly-area counties defied the court's previous guidance. The issue has come under close scrutiny as the race between Bob Casey and Dave McCormick undergoes a recount.

A state Supreme Court decision issued earlier this week upheld the legislature’s exclusive right to regulate firearms, which could have ramifications on local governments.

Counties in Pennsylvania are directed to not count illegal ballots, the state’s top court said in a ruling issued Monday.