Rep. Mihalek faces Lloyd in 40th state House race
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series of stories featuring key races in the upcoming Nov. 3 election.
Four-term incumbent Republican state Rep. Natalie Mihalek of Peter Township is facing a challenge in the Nov. 3 general election from Democratic candidate Jon Lloyd of Bethel Park.
The 40th State House District includes Peters Township in Washington County and Bethel Park and parts of Upper St. Clair in Allegheny County.
We asked two questions to each of the candidates and asked them to respond with written answers.
Question 1: What are the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvania, and how would you address them?
Question 2: What is your position on the development of data centers, and what role should the state play in regulating them?
Their responses, which we asked to keep under 200 words, are below.
Name: Natalie Mihalek
Age: 47
Residence: Peters Township
Occupation: State representative, attorney
Party: Republican
Question 1: I think broadly it’s affordability. But that doesn’t quite capture the issue. It’s not just groceries, gas or utility bills. It’s also young people struggling with student loans and buying a house. It’s seniors trying to stay in their homes. It’s new moms having to decide between staying in the workforce or giving up a career because they are priced out of childcare. It’s folks forgoing medications to buy food.
There is no magic wand that will make it all better overnight but there are measurable steps the state government can take to tackle some of this head on. For example, I have voted to expand the senior property tax rebate, to lower the income tax rate for Pennsylvanians, and have supported many pieces of legislation that would lower the gas tax.
The bottom line is people need more of their hard-earned money in their pockets, which is why I have voted to support the taxpayer protection act. I also believe that utility prices have grown too high in Pennsylvania.I was proud to get a bill through the house that would eliminate a hidden tax in utility bills and vote for the largest tax cut in PA history.
Question 2: Pennsylvania state government has a tremendous duty to get this right. I feel like Harrisburg leadership has been on both extremes: First they couldn’t green light projects fast enough and now that it’s become politically beneficial to be against data centers, they can’t oppose them loud enough.
My position has remained largely unchanged. I think we need the lead of states like Texas who put a one-year moratorium on data centers. We need to really get the cold hard facts about energy usage, water usage, noise, and other impacts. And then with a real plan based on the facts, provide a workable structure for a path forward. Pennsylvanians deserve leadership from their government on this issue and that is what I will fight to get.
Name: Jon Lloyd
Age: 45
Residence: Bethel Park
Occupation: IT Infrastructure Manager
Party: Democrat
Question 1: I believe the most pressing issues we face in PA are the affordability crisis, public education funding, and ensuring that our government works for everyone, not just those with the most money and influence.
Working families throughout our Commonwealth are struggling with the cost of housing, childcare, healthcare, and simple everyday necessities. I believe we need policies that make life more affordable, protect workers’ rights, and make sure that everyone here has the opportunity to succeed. In addition to raising the minimum wage, part of the solution is providing fair and adequate funding for our schools at the state level. This would be a practical way to bring down property taxes in an economy where every single dollar matters.
I believe we can also expand universal Pre-K and ensure our teachers have the resources they need so that no child’s future is determined by their zip code. I also believe we need a government that’s accessible and accountable to the people it serves. I would first and foremost show up and listen to the people I represent and work collaboratively with my colleagues to find practical, realistic solutions. My priority would be simple – to make our Commonwealth a place where working families can afford to live, raise their children, and build a fair and equitable future.
Question 2: I am aligned with Governor Shapiro’s GRID plan. Data centers are worrisome to the majority of Pennsylvanians, and I would enforce strong regulations, utility independence, the use of union labor in construction, and, most importantly, the involvement of the local affected municipalities and communities. Big tech corporations should not be able to move into our neighborhoods unrestricted and drive costs up while causing harm to our environment. Additionally, data centers may bring economic opportunities, but those opportunities should never come at the expense of our communities. Tech companies should not be able to use their financial influence to bypass community concerns or get preferential treatment from elected officials. As a state rep, I would support responsible development with enforceable protections and meaningful penalties when the regulations are not followed. Economic development should be something we all want, but in ways that benefit Pennsylvanians, not things that come at our expense.