Two Southwestern Pa. senators facing GOP primary challengers
Competitive races for 46th, 32nd Senate districts
Two Republican state senators from Southwestern Pennsylvania are facing challengers in the upcoming GOP primary election on May 19.
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll, is facing Republican challenger Al Buchtan of Cumberland Township as she tries to win a fourth term in office for the 46th state Senate District. The winner of the Republican primary is expected to face Democrat Evan Snyder of Nottingham Township in the Nov. 3 general election.
To the east, state Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Bullskin, is being challenged in the Republican primary by Harry Young Cochran of Connellsville as he also tries to win his fourth term in office for the 32nd state Senate District. The GOP primary winner will then face off against Democrat Jacob Cecil of Somerset County in the fall election.
We asked two questions to each of the candidates and gave them a week to respond with their written answers.
Question 1: What qualities do you have to make an effective legislator, and why should voters choose you?
Question 2: What is the most important issue facing Pennsylvania and what would you do in the state Legislature to achieve your objectives?
Their responses, which we asked to keep under 100 words, are below.
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY: The 46th state Senate District includes all of Washington and Greene counties, and the southern sliver of Beaver County.
Name: Camera Bartolotta
Age: 62
Residence: Carroll Township
Occupancy: State senator
1: Before entering public service, I spent 31 years as a small business owner, founding the Mon Valley’s first drive-through oil change business. A longtime Monongahela resident, I bring an entrepreneurial mindset and deep community roots to representing Washington, Greene, and Beaver counties. I’m the first Republican to hold the 46th Senatorial District since 1927. In the Senate, I’ve built a strong conservative record – cutting taxes, unleashing Pennsylvania energy, supporting law enforcement, and protecting constitutional freedoms. I build coalitions and trust, cannot be intimidated, and never back down from a fight for the people of the 46th District.
2: I want southwestern Pennsylvania to be a place where businesses thrive, workers prosper, and young people build their futures here at home – rather than leaving as our population ages and declines. To attract new investment, I’ve worked to streamline permits, cut taxes, stop job-killing regulations like RGGI on our energy sector, rein in government spending, and support workforce training. In the General Assembly, I will keep putting families first by lowering costs, supporting business growth, protecting and expanding jobs, strengthening law enforcement, and defending our Second Amendment rights so our communities are safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
Name: Al Buchtan
Age: 58
Residence: Cumberland Township
Occupancy: Business owner
1: As a small businessman for 30 years and elected School Board member who had to balance budgets, prioritize spending and weed out waste in budgets, I have a keen eye to make sure every dollar is spent wisely. This is desperately needed in Harrisburg. I am not part of the establishment swamp of Harrisburg. My goal is to expose and eliminate the waste, fraud and abuse.
2: – 1) Reduce Cost of Living 2) Stop out of control spending 3) Provide new economic opportunities so the next generation can raise families here in Washington, Beaver and Greene Counties. 4) Reform Harrisburg and fight political corruption. 5) Enact legislation to be more business friendly by reducing regulation and financial burden.
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY: The 32nd state Senate District includes all of Fayette, Somerset and Bedford counties, along with a tiny sliver of southern Westmoreland County.
Name: Harry Young Cochran
Age: 77
Residence: Connellsville
Occupation: Small business owner, Army veteran, former state representative
1: My work and life experience have taught me how government decisions impact real families, workers, farmers, and small businesses. I’m not running to serve party bosses or special interests — I’m running to serve the people of the 32nd District. I will fight to mandate voter ID, strengthen election integrity, protect our constitutional rights, and work to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners and seniors. Voters should choose me because I will stay accessible, listen to the people, and stand up for the hardworking taxpayers and rural communities that Harrisburg ignores
2: The biggest issue facing Pennsylvania is the growing financial pressure on working families, seniors, and small businesses caused by high taxes, government overspending, and policies that hurt our economy. In the State Senate, I will fight to reduce property taxes, support energy and agriculture jobs, cut wasteful spending, and protect election integrity through voter ID requirements. I also believe we must return government to the people — not special interests — and focus on policies that strengthen families, local communities, and economic opportunity across Somerset, Bedford, and Fayette Counties.
Name: Pat Stefano
Age: 59
Residence: Bullskin Township
Occupancy: State senator
1: Managing a family business for over 40 years strengthened my ability to balance budgets, meet payroll and build lasting relationships across our community. My grandmother often said, “God gave you two ears and one mouth, use them in proportion,” and I carry that lesson into the legislature by first listening with respect and leading with care. As a lifelong resident of Fayette County, I’m proud of where I come from and the values that shaped me. My principles have never wavered for convenience or opportunity and they guide every decision I make.
2: Affordability is absolutely one of the most pressing issues we see today, especially when it comes to utility pricing and housing: As Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Chairman, we’re addressing the cost of electricity generation by working with the PUC to advance new generation opportunities to drive down cost for Pennsylvanians. Housing costs and shortages are creating barriers for young people and limiting our ability to attract new industries. Just this week, I’ve moved legislation that addresses multiple challenges of home ownership and expands access to more affordable housing options.