An electrode is provided for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes a body having a forward portion, a middle portion and an aft portion. The forward portion includes an electrode tip comprising a conductive first material, wherein the electrode tip includes: 1) a pilot contact region for initiating a pilot arc across the nozzle and 2) an emitter. The middle portion comprises a second material and defines a proximal end for mating with the forward portion and a distal end for mating with the aft portion. The material density of the second material is at least half of the material density of the first material. The electrode also includes an electrically conductive path extending from the forward portion to the aft portion of the body.