PA House primary Preview: Central PA

In the waning days before the 2024 Pennsylvania presidential primary, PoliticsPA takes a look at HD-80 and HD-90.

BLAIR and HUNTINGDON COUNTIES

80th State House Legislative District
Scott Barger (R) vs. Jim Gregory (R)

Gregory, the three-term GOP incumbent, faces a primary challenge from Barger. The winner most likely takes the seat, as Democrats have not put up an opponent.

Scott Barger

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Frankstown
• Experience. General Manager, talk show host, WRTA Radio. Former pastor.
• Top Priorities. Hold schools accountable for declining results through a Florida-style public measurement. Permanently protect PA from the job-destroying Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Shift new state workers to a 401(k) style retirement program, instead of the costly, budget-busting defined benefit plans. Require Voter ID, clearer voter deadlines, and more transparency on outside, third-party funding.
• Quotable. “Let’s finish the job we started a long time ago by electing a House member in the 80th District who will stand up for we the taxpayers.”
• Education. Grace College
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $45,640 | Spent: $33,100.43 | Cash On Hand: $27,298.57

Jim Gregory

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Hollidaysburg
• Experience. State Representative.
• House Assignments. Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Gaming Oversight, Human Services,
• Top Priorities. Broadband access. Fighting addiction, fighting for more energy production.
• Last Election (2022). Defeated Kimberly Capanos, 81-19%, in general election.
• Quotable. “I’m not running to keep my job. I’m running to keep advocating for the people who count on me. ”
• Education. B.S, Ohio University.
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $18,150 | Spent: $41,277.21 | Cash On Hand: $83,329.01

District composition: Part of BLAIR County consisting of the TOWNSHIPS of Antis, Blair, Catharine, Frankstown, Freedom, Greenfield, Huston, Juniata, North Woodbury, Snyder, Taylor, Tyrone and Woodbury and the BOROUGHS of Bellwood, Duncansville, Hollidaysburg, Martinsburg, Newry, Roaring Spring, Tyrone and Williamsburg and Part of HUNTINGDON County consisting of the TOWNSHIPS of Franklin and Warriors Mark and the BOROUGH of Birmingham. 

FRANKLIN COUNTY

90th State House Legislative District
Janon Gray (R) vs. Chad Reichard (R)

A pair of Republicans look to step into the seat vacated by Paul Schemel’s departure at the end of the term. 

Janon “Jay” Gray

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Greencastle
• Experience. Senior controller, Raven Defense; Vice President, Greencastle-Antrim School Board
• Top Priorities. Educational funding. Agricultural heritage. Fiscal responsibility in Harrisburg.
• Quotable. “I will serve you with compassion, an optimistic attitude, and a tireless work ethic. While many talk about challenges and problems, I will collaborate with you to find opportunities and solutions.”
• Education. B.A, University of Mary Washington
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $18,062.45 | Spent: $8,355.12 | Cash On Hand: $9.823.88

Chad Reichard

• Party. Republican
• Residence. Waynesboro
• Experience. Insurance agent; PA Senate legislative director; former Washington Township supervisor
• Top Priorities. Pro-gun and pro-public safety, pro-life candidate who advocates for defunding sanctuary cities, protecting firearm owner rights, reducing taxes, and opposing wasteful spending, while supporting Pennsylvania agriculture, medical freedom, and parental rights in education.
• Quotable. “I love Franklin County and the people who make this an inviting community, and want to ensure that our conservative voices and rural values are heard in Harrisburg.”
• Education. B.S, American University; MPA, Penn State University
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $12,800.35 | Spent: $17,772.34 | Cash On Hand: $453.01
  • Debts and Obligations: $12,883.21

District Composition: Part of FRANKLIN County consisting of the TOWNSHIPS of Antrim, Montgomery, Peters, Quincy, Warren and Washington and the BOROUGHS of Greencastle, Mercersburg, Mont Alto and Waynesbor