Allegheny County, PA Senate Primary Preview

In the waning days until the primary, PoliticsPA takes a look at the contenders for the Democratic and Republican nominations for the 45th Senate District.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

45th State Senate District
Nick Pisciottano (D) vs. Makenzie White (D)
Jennifer Dintini (R) vs. Kami Stulginskas (R)

The four candidates are hoping to replace the retiring Sen. Jim Brewster.

Nick Pisciottano

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. West Mifflin
• Experience. State Representative, 38th Legislative District. Allegheny County Delegation chair. CPA/Auditor.
• House Assignments. Commerce; Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities; Labor & Industry; Transportation.
• Top Priorities. “Education is critical and my top priority. Our state is in the bottom quarter when it comes to per-student funding, and we pass the buck to local school boards who are forced to make up the difference. Abortion should be a safe, legal, and accessible choice in Pennsylvania. Expand early and mail-in voting, expanding ballot dropboxes, allowing for pre-canvassing efforts, and same-day voter registration.
• Last Election (2022). Ran unopposed in primary and general elections.
• Endorsements. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton. Senate Minority Caucus Leader Jay Costa. House Majority Leader Matt Bradford.
• Quotable. “I went into public service to make sure the next generation has the opportunity to succeed here like I did. That means good schools, safe communities, and good jobs paying a fair wage in our region.”
• Education. B.A, Washington & Jefferson College; M.A., Johns Hopkins University
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 3/4/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $102,123.22 | Spent: $138,987.14 | Cash On Hand: $95,075.84

Makenzie White

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Brentwood
• Experience. Social Worker, Public Health consultant
• Top Priorities. “I am a strong advocate and champion for reproductive rights and protecting the right to choose. We also must address the current education allocation issues, so as we bring in more funding we ensure we don’t make the same mistakes. The legalization of marijuana is a pivotal next step in the larger issue of criminal justice reform and decriminalizing drug use.”
• Endorsements. Bethany Hallam, Allegheny County councilor
• Quotable. “My commitment to strong unions and economic justice isn’t just a promise; it’s a tribute to those who fought for workers’ rights before us. Together, we can create an economy that respects the dignity of labor, fosters innovation, and uplifts every Pennsylvanian.”
• Education. B.S., Franciscan University; M.S.W, M.P.H, University of Pittsburgh
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 3/4/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $17,017.76 | Spent: $11,425.39 | Cash On Hand: $6,231.94

Jen Dintini

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Plum
• Experience. Owner of security companies Am-Gard Inc and 3G Security Solutions
• Top Priorities. Economic growth that creates family-sustaining jobs with good benefits. Ensuring schools are fully funded and parents fully empowered so our kids have a bright future. Confronting our community’s mental health crisis by eliminating barriers to mental health resources.
• Endorsements. State Senate Pro Tempore Kim Ward; Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman.
• Quotable. “We can’t send the same types of politicians to Harrisburg and expect to get different results. I am a small business owner and a mother who will fight to ensure we are no longer forgotten.”
• Education. B.S., University of Pittsburgh
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 3/31/2024)
  • Raised: $100,775.00 | Spent: $82,777.05 | Cash On Hand: $17,997.95

Kami Stulginskas

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Munhall
• Experience. Consultant.
• Top Priorities. Parents and students have differing educational goals and needs. The availability of other types of schools can provide a balanced approach to education. The government is larger than it needs to be. Let’s invest in our local businesses and neighborhoods. Women and children both have a right-to-life and deserve to be fully supported.
• Last Election (2023). Finished fourth in Munhall Council general election (vote for 3) 
• Education. N/A
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 3/31/2024)
  • N/A

District Composition. Part of ALLEGHENY County consisting of the CITIES of Clairton, Duquesne and McKeesport and the TOWNSHIPS of Baldwin, Elizabeth, Forward, North Versailles and South Versailles and the BOROUGHS of Baldwin, Braddock, Brentwood, Castle Shannon, Dravosburg, East McKeesport, East Pittsburgh, Elizabeth, Glassport, Homestead, Liberty, Lincoln, Monroeville, Munhall, North Braddock, Pitcairn, Plum, Port Vue, Trafford (Allegheny County Portion), Turtle Creek, Versailles, Wall, West Elizabeth, West Homestead, West Mifflin, Whitaker, White Oak, Whitehall and Wilmerding.