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Numerous competitive state House races highlight Nov. 5 election

By Mike Jones 17 min read
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There are numerous competitive races for state House of Representative seats in Southwestern Pennsylvania for the upcoming Nov. 5 general election.

The evenly divided House over the past two years with Democrats usually holding a one-seat majority during that term means the election could lead to either party controlling the chamber for the next two years.

We asked candidates for every race in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties two questions and gave them a week to respond by email answering what issues are most important to them and what they would do to work in a bipartisan manner to get legislation through a divided House.

Question 1: In your view, what is the most pressing issue facing Pennsylvania over the next two years?

Question 2: With the possibility of a closely divided legislature and the likelihood of a split between the executive and legislative branches, what would you do to work with the other party in a bipartisan manner in order to have a productive term?

15th STATE HOUSE

The 15th state House District includes communities in western Washington and Beaver counties.

Democrat

Ashlee Caul

Age: 54

Residence: Independence Township (Beaver County)

Occupation: Computer programmer

Question 1: Over the next two years, Pennsylvania government must return its focus to the real-world needs of actual people. The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania is 3.4%, the lowest in almost 50 years, but that low rate does nothing to help the 222,000 actual people who are unemployed. Farming directly and indirectly contributes more than $132 billion to the state economy, but that doesn’t help the people and families of the 150+ farms in Washington County alone who closed their doors between 2017 and 2022. These are PEOPLE, not statistics, not numbers, not red or blue dots on a map. We need people-based solutions. For example, in 2023, Pennsylvania began providing free school breakfasts for students, regardless of income. That’s 1.7 million young people who will not go hungry during the school day. The sooner we return to people-based solutions, the better Pennsylvania and its people will be.

Question 2: “Bipartisan” is a loaded term. Either you are working for the people, or you aren’t. If we work for the people, actual human beings, that will lead us to legislative solutions that make both parties look good. I’ve talked with a lot of people on the campaign trail this year. Not one person told me they were concerned about bipartisanship. People want to be treated fairly; people don’t want to be taken advantage of; people want government to tell them the truth. I’m tired of legislators opposing bills because the other party favors them. I can ask a legislator in any party, “How can I help you to help the people in your district to meet their needs and to solve their problems, and I will hold you to the same standard to help me to help the people in my district to live their fullest lives here in Pennsylvania.”

(Republican state Rep. Josh Kail of Brighton did not respond.)

39th STATE HOUSE

The 39th state House District includes Mon Valley communities in northeastern Washington County and southern Allegheny County.

Democrat

Angela Girol

Age: 51

Residence: South Park

Occupation: Fourth-grade teacher

Question 1: Our economy is going to be one of the biggest issues we face going forward. Many Pennsylvanians are feeling the impact of rising prices for groceries, housing and energy. With inflation eroding wages, families are finding it harder to make ends meet, which leads to growing anxiety about economic stability.

Question 2: In a divided legislature, I would work to foster cooperation between the parties. Although the parties differ, finding shared priorities such as economic growth, infrastructure improvement and public safety will be most important. I would work to foster an open dialogue and transparency to share concerns and views.

Republican

Andrew Kuzma

Age: 28

Residence: Elizabeth Township

Occupation: State representative and attorney

Question 1: Economic development, that’s number one. Economic development to me is everything. In our areas, in Washington and Allegheny counties, I’d say the most important one is U.S. Steel. I’d like to do everything I can to prolong the steel making industry in Mon Valley as long as possible. … Century III Mall, we have worked very hard to get that property redeveloped because it is the perfect location for retail. Whatever I can do to target incentives (for redevelopment) I’m 100% behind it. Bringing grant funding to this area, Philadelphia gets far in excess of what they deserve and what we get. … I’ve been working relentlessly to get grant funding to come back to Washington and Allegheny counties. Redevelop commercial development at (the closed) Mitchell Power plant (near New Eagle). It all comes down to economic development.

Question 2: I’m probably one of the most bipartisan legislators in Harrisburg because I’m a Republican in Allegheny County. I come from a long line of steel workers, working class “blue dog” Democrats. I have worked across the aisle relentlessly, and I would do that even if I was in the majority. … It’s all about progress, and you cannot have progress if you dig your heels into the ground and move to the far left or the right. I will do whatever it takes to bring progress to the Commonwealth, and bring progress to the state.

40th STATE HOUSE

The 40th state House District includes Peters Township in Washington County, along with Bethel Park and portions of Upper St. Clair in Allegheny County.

Democrat

Peter Kohnke

Age: 83

Residence: Bethel Park

Occupation: Retired engineer

Question 1: For me, the most pressing issue is women not having control over their bodies. That to me is the most pressing issue. I’d like to do something like restore Roe v. Wade, or something in that direction. It doesn’t have to be Roe v. Wade – I’m not sure the best way to accomplish that objective – but that to me is the biggest issue.

Question 2: Obviously, compromise is the name of the game. So you have to give up some stuff to get other stuff done. I didn’t invent that idea, it’s been going on for centuries. I couldn’t imagine people (in the district) wouldn’t want it, because without bipartisanship, nothing would get done.

Republican

Natalie Mihalek

Age: 45

Residence: Peters Township

Occupation: State representative and attorney

Question 1: Right now, our economy has flat-lined, inflation is still high, and Pennsylvania families are struggling. In Harrisburg, we need to be doing everything we can to help families make ends meet, create good jobs, put more money back into your wallets, and grow an economy that works for everyone. That’s why I’ve opposed tax-and-spend proposals and regressive policies that are contrary to these goals. We have to rebuild our economy, reduce government burden, and help our families get back to a point where they feel comfortable in what their financial future holds. These are the issues that keep families up at night.

Question 2: In my time in the legislature, I have a clear record of bipartisan work when it comes to policies and proposals that will help our district. From food safety, to school and park funding, to health care, I’ve shown that this job is about people not politics. If it’ll help our district, I’ll reach across the aisle and work with the people, agencies, and organizations that will get the job done. I’ve never hesitated to lead those efforts. At the same time, I won’t hesitate to stand up to partisan politics that have led to policies like the extreme tax hikes we’ve seen or government overreach that just makes everyday life that much harder for our residents. This district is my priority, and when I go to Harrisburg my focus is to work for you.

46th STATE HOUSE

The 46th state House District includes communities in north central Washington County, along with South Fayette and Oakdale in Allegheny County.

Democrat

Alex Taylor

Age: 29

Residence: Canonsburg

Occupation: Patient care technician

Question 1: The most pressing issue facing Pennsylvania in the next two years is the fate of a woman’s right to choose. Since it is now up to the individual states to protect or deny a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions, now more than ever it’s imperative that we enshrine the right to choose into law in Pennsylvania. There are 6.5 million women in Pennsylvania, that is 50.7% of our population, who are we to deny them their right to bodily autonomy? Pennsylvania needs to be seen as a leader, and as the place where 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence which says we have “unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” A woman’s right to choose is the epitome of all three of these rights, sometimes the choice is because their life is on the line, liberty’s very definition states women should be able to make whatever choice they wish, and the pursuit of happiness a woman’s choice is made based on many variables one of which is what they want out of life and their pursuit of happiness.

Question 2: In my line of work I have met and worked with people from many backgrounds and lifestyles. I have gotten along with pretty much every one of them whether they were a patient or a coworker, I wouldn’t operate any differently during my tenure in the General Assembly. I’d reach out to colleagues across the aisle and work alongside them to find common ground. Only by finding the things we can agree on and putting them into law can we move forward and actually do right by our constituents. Legislating isn’t about winning the argument, it’s about coming to an understanding to make our Commonwealth the place we want it to be. We owe it to our children and the children of our fellow Pennsylvanians to leave this Commonwealth better than we found it. In order to have a productive term I will work alongside everyone I can in order to get bills passed and onto the Governor’s desk.

Republican

Jason Ortitay

Age: 40

Residence Cecil Township

Occupation: State representative

Question 1: The most pressing issue facing Pennsylvanians is the economy, record inflation, and the cost of living. Everyday items, like groceries, fuel, and electricity costs are out of control. Our neighbors are making hard decisions with their dollars and as a state government, we need to do the same with the people’s tax dollars. We need to enact pro-growth policies that help create family-sustaining jobs and reduce the cost of everyday items.

Question 2: I will do what I have been doing since I’ve had the honor of being elected as a state representative and that’s listen, be open to other points of view, and build relationships with both sides of the aisle, both chambers, the governor, and his administration. It’s important to find common ground and work together in order to be productive. It’s been a successful formula for getting wins in education, childcare, infrastructure (roads and bridges) among many other items throughout my career.

50th STATE HOUSE

The 50th state House District includes communities in southeastern Washington County and all of Greene County.

Democrat

Drew Ross Manko

Age: 29

Residence: North Bethlehem Township

Occupation: Farmer

Question 1: In my opinion, the most pressing issue facing Pennsylvania is the development of its natural resources. As more new Pennsylvanians and businesses move to our Commonwealth, we need to ensure that we keep Pennsylvania beautiful, and preserve its greatest asset, its natural landscapes, for years to come.

Question 2: Simply extend a hand out to them. With so much division and turmoil in today’s political scene, I believe a handshake and kind word can go a long way.

Republican

Bud Cook

Age: 68

Residence: West Pike Run

Occupation: State representative

Question 1: I believe the most pressing issues for the people of Pennsylvania are inflation, increase in population, our budget and tax increases, as well as the desperate need to become energy independent. We have a lot of great ideas to combat these issues but that will consist of all legislatures working for the greater good of “We The People” and no longer serving the interests of the Politically Connected who think they are in charge of your future. I will always stand up for what is right and stand in the way of self serving politicians. We must focus on what our founding fathers stood for and get back to The America our ancestors dreamed of. As a State Representative of this magnificent state of Pennsylvania, it is both an immense honor and a profound responsibility to serve the people of my constituency.

Question 2: I believe that this role demands more than party affiliation – it requires a deep commitment to finding solutions that best serve the people, regardless of any one political party. Working across party lines is not just an option, but a duty, as our shared goal should always be the well-being of our constituency. An example of shared commitment to the People of Pennsylvania and the number one priority for many throughout the state is often our tax system, which directly affects the livelihoods of families and businesses alike. Addressing this challenge requires the insight and collaboration of both parties, so we can ensure fairness, sustainability, and economic growth. I am committed to bridging those divides, fostering open dialogue, and working tirelessly to deliver the best outcomes for the people I represent.

51st STATE HOUSE

The 51st state House District includes communities in southern Fayette County.

Democrat

George Huck Rattay

Age: 77

Residence: Uniontown

Occupation: Retired business manager of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 354

Question 1: Creating a healthy, growing business base and economy. A vibrant business would help reverse several vexing, longtime, systemic problems we confront. It would create jobs, reduce crime and the growing reliance on government programs by providing individuals with constructive opportunities, increase the overall tax base while reducing pressure on individual property taxes, and promote housing growth and home ownership. All of these will bring more people to the Commonwealth and reverse the trend of population decline that lessens the number of representatives we have in Washington, D.C. (PA lost a House seat after the latest U.S. census revealed fewer residents in the state.) Where do we start? By incentivizing existing businesses to stay and attracting new ones. A CNBC analysis in July 2024 ranked Pennsylvania 41st among all states in business friendliness. It’s time for a change. A better business environment benefits all of us.

Question 2: No individual or political party has a monopoly on good ideas or what is the best way to resolve a problem. I respect the opinion of others, and trust they respect mine. Bipartisanship is needed to do what is right. When doing so, I will not abandon my principles even if I am in the minority. I will go to Harrisburg to get reasonable legislation enacted, no matter who or the political party sponsoring it. We live in a commonwealth, and our elected legislators must find “common” solutions to problems that impact all of us. I will not go to Harrisburg to score political points but rather find solutions. Politics is after all the art of the possible.

Republican

Charity Grimm Krupa

Age: 43

Residence: Smithfield

Occupation: State representative

Question 1: Although there are a host of important issues that Pennsylvania will face over the next two years, inflation and the rising cost of energy are two that rank at the top of the list for the most pressing. We are in hard economic times and the people feel it. Although not exhaustive, other critical issues include the opioid crisis, rising cost of health care, crime and illegal immigration.

Question 2: I believe that most Americans are not as divided as the extreme left and the extreme right would like us to believe. That’s why it is very important that lawmakers in Harrisburg (and D.C.) focus on the issues that most people can agree upon. Unfortunately, that has not been the case in the Pennsylvania House over the last two years where the slim margin between minority and majority numbers resulted in the Democrat Speaker typically running far left bills which would garner the votes of the most radical members of the Democrat caucus.

OTHER HOUSE DISTRICTS

Rep. Tim O’Neal, R-South Strabane, and Rep. Ryan Warner, R-Perryopolis, are running unopposed for their state House seats. They responded to both questions, and their answers appear below.

48th STATE HOUSE

The 48th state House District includes communities in Southwestern Washington County, snaking through the central part of the county and connecting with the Mon Valley.

Republican

Tim O’Neal

Age: 43

Residence: South Strabane

Occupation: State representative

Question 1: The most pressing issue over the last few years and moving forward is undoubtedly inflation and rising costs. Things have gotten out of control and people are struggling, and it’s across the board. Everything from the price of groceries to housing costs are affecting each one of us, no matter your income level. We must find ways to help ease the burden. That is why I sponsored legislation to reduce the personal income tax and eliminate the tax on electricity bills. This year, Harrisburg ran a budget surplus and brought more tax dollars in than expected. There is no reason we cannot provide real, immediate economic relief to all Pennsylvanians by sending that money back to the people. That extra thousand dollars a year could go a long way to helping families put food on the table, get by in retirement, or save for their first home.

Question 2: To put it simply, communication is the key to compromise. Leaders from both parties must be clear and direct with the legislative goals they wish to accomplish. From there, both sides must sit down to find ways they can meet in the middle. I believe there are quite a few areas where we could reach bipartisan agreement. For example, election security measures such as voter I.D. have overwhelming support among both parties. Additionally, economic reforms to make it easier to do business in Pennsylvania and investments in our energy industry to create jobs and bring utility costs down are areas that I believe there can be a lot of political compromise. We cannot just sit in our echo chambers and point fingers at the other side. As I mentioned before, people are struggling, and I believe there are things we can do to help.

52nd STATE HOUSE

The 52nd state House District includes communities in northern Fayette County.

Republican

Ryan Warner

Age: 41

Residence: Perryopolis

Occupation: State representative

Question 1: The budget passed this year, which I adamantly opposed, spends all of our reserves and rainy-day funds in the next two years. To stop tax increases, and even higher inflation, the General Assembly must cut wasteful spending, trim the size of government and end job crushing red tape and regulations.

Question 2: This session, I had bipartisan legislation signed into law that requires our state related universities (Penn State, Pitt, Temple, Lincoln) to be subject to our state’s right-to-know law. Next session, in the same manner, I will continue to push for common sense measures that make government more transparent and more accountable to the taxpayers of this commonwealth.

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