PA House Primary: Capitol Region

We conclude our series featuring the contested Pennsylvania State House primaries with a look around the Capitol Region – Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon and York counties.

YORK COUNTY

92nd State House Legislative District
Marc Anderson (R), Matthew Davis (R), Holly Kelley (R), Zachary Kile (R), William Wyatt (R)

Five candidates are hoping for the GOP nomination after incumbent Dawn Keefer opted to contend for a state Senate seat. The winner will most likely meet Democrat Dan Almoney in November.

Marc Anderson

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Dillsburg
• Experience. Teacher, Northern York County School District
• Top Priorities. School choice is not a threat; it’s an opportunity for all schooling options to compete and improve. Federal law and Article VII of the Pennsylvania Constitution call for an election day, not an election season. Any infringement upon the fundamental rights recorded in either the U.S. or Pennsylvania constitution is a threat to individual liberty and the Republic as a whole. I will protect the sanctity of life, because it is the most fundamental human right.
• Endorsements.
• Quotable. “The conclusion of the Declaration of Independence reads “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” It’s in these words that I find the inspiration to run as a candidate for the PA House of Representatives.”
• Education. B.A, York College of Pennsylvania. M.Ed., Penn State University
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $41,522.01 | Spent: $13,921.42 | Cash On Hand: $27,600.59

Matthew Davis

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Dover Township
• Experience. Communications coordinator, PA House Republican caucus
• Top Priorities. Establish term limits. Reduce salary of all elected state officials. Prioritize election integrity, a quality and family-focused education for all student, and standing for 2nd Amendment rights.
• Quotable. “The principle of a small government by, for and of the people is quintessential to the American way of life. I strongly believe our government has lost sight of that principle – and I am running to change that.”
• Education. B.A, Lebanon Valley College
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $6,240.12 | Spent: $6,212.89 | Cash On Hand: $27.23

Holly Kelley

• Party. Republican 
• Residence. Dillsburg
• Experience. Dillsburg Borough Council. Owner, operator of Golden Rentals.
• Top Priorities. Fiscal responsibility, faith, pro-life, safe streets and the prosperity of our communities
• Quotable. “I’ve worked diligently to deliver balanced budgets and keep taxes low, guided community planning and compliance, and worked with law enforcement to ensure safe streets.”
• Education. B.S, George Mason University.
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $36,416.10 | Spent: $19,777.91 | Cash On Hand: $16,638.19
  • Debts and Obligations: $6,108.54

Zak Kile

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Warrington Township
• Experience. President, Northern York County School Board. Financial representative, Woodmen Life
• Top Priorities. Protect 2nd Amendment rights. Protect life at all stages. Protect integrity of elections. Introduce term limits bill. Restore parental rights in education.
• Quotable. “The government is bigger than ever before in American history. It is imperative that we right size our spending, reduce waste, balance the power of the government through the voice of the people, and stop political office from becoming a lifelong career.”
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $51,078.54 | Spent: $41,745.15 | Cash On Hand: $9,782

Chris Wyatt

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Carroll Township
• Experience. Army combat veteran. Instructor, U.S. Army War College. 
• Top Priorities. “School Choice” is one clear method to overcome unequal outcomes in education. Tax holiday on fuel taxes. Pro 2nd Amendment.
• Quotable. “Folks often ask me why I am running for political office.  As I have frequently stated, one reason is because I am tired of dishonest politicians.”
• Education. B.A, Ohio University. Grad, Troy University.
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $0 | Spent: $11,544.37 | Cash On Hand: (-$9,848.80)

District composition: Part of YORK County consisting of the TOWNSHIPS of Carroll, Dover (PART, District 02), Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Newberry, Warrington and Washington and the BOROUGHS of Dillsburg, Franklintown, Goldsboro, Lewisberry, Wellsville and York Haven.

LEBANON COUNTY

102nd State House Legislative District
Russ Diamond (R) vs. Rachel Moyer (R)

The incumbent Diamond faces a primary challenger from Moyer for the right to take on Susan Quick in the fall.

Russ Diamond

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Annville
• Experience. State Representative
• House Assignments. Gaming Oversight
• Top Priorities. S​​olid legislative record on issues such as life, firearms rights, and fiscal responsibility accurately represent the majority of residents of the 102 District.
• Last Election (2022). Defeated Susan Quick, 70-30%, in general election
• Quotable. “We must move in the direction of allowing the dollars to follow the student so the students’ parents can make an informed choice among available educational institutions.”
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $58,295.02 | Spent: $22,536.37 | Cash On Hand: $47,363.33
  • Debts and Obligations: $14,687.50

Rachel Moyer

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Jackson Township
• Experience. Retired X-ray/CT/MRI technologist. ELCO School Board director. Founder, Pennsylvanians for Freedom
• House Assignments. 
• Top Priorities. Pro-life and election integrity, against “no-excuse mail-in ballots” and promoting school choice for families. 
• Last Election (2022). 
• Quotable. “Lebanon County deserves a representative who will never waiver in putting the conservative values of the people at the forefront of every legislative vote.”
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2023 thru 12/31/2023)
  • Raised: $12,753 | Spent: $930 | Cash On Hand: $11,823
  • Debts and Obligations: $10,000

District Composition: Part of LEBANON County consisting of the TOWNSHIPS of Annville, Bethel, East Hanover, Heidelberg, Jackson, Millcreek, North Annville, North Londonderry, Swatara and Union and the BOROUGHS of Cleona, Jonestown, Myerstown, Palmyra and Richland.

CUMBERLAND and DAUPHIN COUNTIES

103rd State House Legislative District
Nate Davidson (D), Mercedes Evans (D), Laura Harding (D), Jesse Monoski (D), Tina Nixon (D)

Five Democrats look for their party’s nomination in a quest to replace incumbent Patty Kim, who opted to contend for a state Senate seat. The winner will most likely face Cynthia Ward in the fall.

Nate Davidson

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Harrisburg
• Experience. Senior Advisor, House Appropriations Committee
• Top Priorities. Make it easier for Pennsylvanians to vote by adopting early in-person voting, allow for ballot curing, adopt pre-registration for individuals turning 18 in an election year, and find a way for non-affiliated voters to participate in the primary election each year. Support any proposals that fairly fund public schools (particularly urban and rural schools), takes into account local tax effort, and protects our system of public education. I oppose voucher legislation or attempts to divert public funds to non-public education. Pro-choice candidate and fully support access to reproductive healthcare for everyone
• Endorsements.
• Quotable. “I am a pro-choice, pro-public education, and pro-union candidate with the experience to deliver for our community.”
• Education. B.A, Messiah University
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2023 thru 1/1/2024)
  • Raised: $22,701 | Spent: $0 | Cash On Hand: $22,701

Mercedes Evans

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Camp Hill
• Experience. Sr. Executive Assistant. Camp Hill Borough councilwoman
• Top Priorities. Strongly support fair and equitable funding of public schools. Create more statewide incentives and funding programs that encourage more affordable housing in our communities. Support legislation aimed at keeping  abortion safe, legal and available in Pennsylvania. Advocate and support widely popular common-sense legislation
• Endorsements.
• Quotable. “Politics is not a full-time job for me; it’s not my occupation – it’s a calling to serve my community.”
• Education. B.A., University of San Diego. 
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $22,780.12 | Spent: $11,553.58 | Cash On Hand: $24,664.76
  • Debts and Obligations: $6,000

Laura Harding

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Harrisburg
• Experience. Consultant. U.S. Navy veteran.
• Top Priorities. Investing in people includes ensuring a living wage, ending the gender pay gap, access to affordable and safe housing, and supporting small business development and growth. Abortion is healthcare and that denying access to abortion is a public health crisis. Advocate for the application of a more fair formula, or significant reduction, in residential property taxes.
• Endorsements.
• Education. B.S, Penn State University Harrisburg.
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $216 | Spent: $406.63 | Cash On Hand: (-$972.81)
  • Debts and Obligations: $596.36

Jesse Monoski

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Lemoyne
• Experience. Borough councilman, Lemoyne. Former PA Senate Democratic Caucus Executive Director.
• Top Priorities. Fiercely defend reproductive rights and women’s healthcare choices, safeguarding access to reproductive healthcare services. Committed to fully & equitably funding our public schools. Support a Gift Ban, setting limits on campaign contributions, independent redistricting reform and increasing transparency in financial reporting. Advocate for common-sense gun safety measures, including universal background checks and closing loopholes. 
• Endorsements.
• Quotable. “I’m running as a pro-choice, pro-labor Democratic candidate focused on fighting for working families like yours!”
• Education. B.A., Temple University
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $11,704.81 | Spent: $5,246.93 | Cash On Hand: $9,224.41
  • Debts and Obligations: $9,152.34

Tina Nixon

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Harrisburg
• Experience. Nationally certified mental health first aid trainer for adults and youth
• Top Priorities. Make voting easier for all eligible citizens. Support every individual’s right to make their own healthcare decisions. Equitable access to healthcare.
• Endorsements. State Rep. Patty Kim.
• Quotable. “For 15 years, I ran an organization that provided safe shelter to women and children – and employment opportunities for the moms. I will ALWAYS protect and defend our right to govern our own bodies!!”
• Education. B.S., East Stroudsburg University.
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $25,195.92 | Spent: $6,975.20 | Cash On Hand: $27,044.32

District Composition: Part of CUMBERLAND County consisting of the TOWNSHIP of East Pennsboro and the BOROUGHS of Camp Hill, Lemoyne and Wormleysburg and Part of DAUPHIN County consisting of the CITY of Harrisburg (PART, Wards 01 [PART, Division 01], 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 [PART, Division 01], 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15).

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

199th State House Legislative District
Richard Christie Jr. (D) vs. Montana Hartman (D)

Christie and Hartman are vying for the opportunity to face Gleim, the incumbent, in the general election.

Rick Christie

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Carlisle
• Experience. Retired account executive, LTL Trucking Industry
• Top Priorities. Supports Full and Fair Funding for all PA Public Schools; Women’s Health and Reproductive Liberty; Common Sense Gun Laws and Better Enforcement
• Quotable. “Legislators in the PA General Assembly should be concentrating on problem solving for the people of PA over pushing national “culture war” issues and off base conspiracy theories.”
• Education. B.A., Kent State University. 
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $3,574.29 | Spent: $2,074.70 | Cash On Hand: $1,499.59

Montana Hartman

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Middlesex Township
• Experience. Support Service Professional at United Cerebral Palsy Central PA
• Top Priorities. The government, on a federal nor state level, should not be interfering with rights and privileges as people: the right to love who we want, to consume what we want, to enjoy the media that we want to, to do what we desire or need to with our bodies, to worship who we want and as we please, among many other things. Pay teachers a living wage. Advocate for Pennsylvanians with Disabilities.
• Endorsements.
• Quotable. “I am a registered Democrat, and I’m running as a Democrat, but my values are not that simple; I merely chose to be associated with the party that more closely matches my beliefs, but that doesn’t earn my loyalty, nor secure my vote.”
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $160 | Spent: $605.19 | Cash On Hand: (-$445.19)

District Composition: Part of CUMBERLAND County consisting of the TOWNSHIPS of Hopewell, Lower Frankford, Lower Mifflin, Middlesex, North Middleton, North Newton, South Middleton (PART, Precincts 03, 04 and 05), Upper Frankford, Upper Mifflin and West Pennsboro and the BOROUGHS of Carlisle, Newburg and Newville.