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House District 161

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Election Day November 5, 2024
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Welcome to the Pennsylvania Voters Guide. This guide informs voters of the candidates in the best interest of all Pennsylvanians. You can find your polling place at https://vote.pa/find/polls and you can find your nearest ballot dropbox at vote.pa/return.  Voters have until November 5 at 8pm to return their mail-in ballots.

Federal

Vice President Kamala Harris has spent her career fighting for the people—standing up against powerful interests, defending reproductive freedom, and working to lower costs for working families. As Vice President, she's been a critical partner to President Biden, leading on issues like gun safety, voting rights, and the historic investment in infrastructure that’s bringing jobs back to America. Harris knows that a strong middle class is the backbone of our country, and she’s committed to building an economy where everyone has a fair shot at success.

Governor Tim Walz brings a diverse background and a proven record of bipartisan leadership. A veteran, former high school teacher, and the son of a union family, Walz knows what it takes to fight for working people. As Governor of Minnesota, he delivered the largest education funding boost in state history, protected reproductive rights, and ensured free meals for public school students. Together, Harris and Walz offer a vision for a future where every American has the freedom to thrive, with good jobs, quality healthcare, and the right to make decisions about their own lives.

In contrast, Donald Trump and J.D. Vance represent a return to failed policies and a dangerous agenda that would strip away our freedoms and put billionaires in charge of our government. Project 2025, the playbook that was written for Trump and Vance, threatens to roll back hard-won rights and freedoms, from reproductive health to voting access, and prioritize the wealthy over everyday Americans. 

Harris and Walz stand ready to protect our democracy, fight for working families, and ensure that every voice is heard.
 

Vice President Kamala Harris has spent her career fighting for the people—standing up against powerful interests, defending reproductive freedom, and working to lower costs for working families. As Vice President, she's been a critical partner to President Biden, leading on issues like gun safety, voting rights, and the historic investment in infrastructure that’s bringing jobs back to America. Harris knows that a strong middle class is the backbone of our country, and she’s committed to building an economy where everyone has a fair shot at success.

Governor Tim Walz brings a diverse background and a proven record of bipartisan leadership. A veteran, former high school teacher, and the son of a union family, Walz knows what it takes to fight for working people. As Governor of Minnesota, he delivered the largest education funding boost in state history, protected reproductive rights, and ensured free meals for public school students. Together, Harris and Walz offer a vision for a future where every American has the freedom to thrive, with good jobs, quality healthcare, and the right to make decisions about their own lives.

In contrast, Donald Trump and J.D. Vance represent a return to failed policies and a dangerous agenda that would strip away our freedoms and put billionaires in charge of our government. Project 2025, the playbook that was written for Trump and Vance, threatens to roll back hard-won rights and freedoms, from reproductive health to voting access, and prioritize the wealthy over everyday Americans. 

Harris and Walz stand ready to protect our democracy, fight for working families, and ensure that every voice is heard.
 

Bob Casey is a lifelong advocate for Pennsylvania’s working families, fighting to ensure everyone has access to good jobs, affordable healthcare, and the tools needed to thrive. As one of the most effective bipartisan Senators, Casey has passed critical legislation to cap insulin costs for seniors, protect pensions for thousands of workers, and secure funding for infrastructure projects that create tens of thousands of jobs across the state.

He has been a steadfast champion for workers, standing up to corporate price-gouging, fighting to raise the minimum wage, and working to make the tax system fairer for everyday Pennsylvanians. Casey's commitment to protecting rights extends to his efforts to safeguard reproductive freedoms, support veterans, and expand opportunities for people with disabilities. He’s dedicated to making life better for all Pennsylvanians, with a proven record of delivering results.

His opponent, Dave McCormick, is a wealthy former hedge fund CEO who lives in Connecticut and has consistently prioritized his own financial interests over Pennsylvania workers. McCormick's firm bet against American steel companies, outsourced jobs, and invested in foreign competitors, all while using tax loopholes to shelter his wealth. Despite his claims, McCormick’s actions show he’s out of touch with the needs of Pennsylvanians.

Pennsylvania needs a Senator who understands their struggles and fights for their future—not an out-of-state millionaire focused on his own bottom line.

Bob Casey is a lifelong advocate for Pennsylvania’s working families, fighting to ensure everyone has access to good jobs, affordable healthcare, and the tools needed to thrive. As one of the most effective bipartisan Senators, Casey has passed critical legislation to cap insulin costs for seniors, protect pensions for thousands of workers, and secure funding for infrastructure projects that create tens of thousands of jobs across the state.

He has been a steadfast champion for workers, standing up to corporate price-gouging, fighting to raise the minimum wage, and working to make the tax system fairer for everyday Pennsylvanians. Casey's commitment to protecting rights extends to his efforts to safeguard reproductive freedoms, support veterans, and expand opportunities for people with disabilities. He’s dedicated to making life better for all Pennsylvanians, with a proven record of delivering results.

His opponent, Dave McCormick, is a wealthy former hedge fund CEO who lives in Connecticut and has consistently prioritized his own financial interests over Pennsylvania workers. McCormick's firm bet against American steel companies, outsourced jobs, and invested in foreign competitors, all while using tax loopholes to shelter his wealth. Despite his claims, McCormick’s actions show he’s out of touch with the needs of Pennsylvanians.

Pennsylvania needs a Senator who understands their struggles and fights for their future—not an out-of-state millionaire focused on his own bottom line.

Statewide Races

Malcolm Kenyatta is running for Auditor General to be the watchdog Pennsylvania’s working families need. With a proven track record of fighting for voting rights, tackling government waste, and standing up for workers, Kenyatta will hold the powerful accountable. As Auditor General, he plans to restore critical school audits and create the first-ever Bureau of Labor and Worker Protections to crack down on wage theft and defend union rights. Kenyatta believes every dollar wasted is a family left behind, and he’s committed to ensuring that taxpayer money works for all Pennsylvanians.

This race isn’t just about audits; it’s about having a leader who will protect the needs of everyday Pennsylvanians, not play political games. Unlike his Republican opponent, who has cut vital oversight and sided with special interests, Kenyatta will stand up to corruption and fight for transparency, fairness, and a government that serves the people.

For a strong, accountable Pennsylvania, Malcolm Kenyatta is the clear choice.
 

Malcolm Kenyatta is running for Auditor General to be the watchdog Pennsylvania’s working families need. With a proven track record of fighting for voting rights, tackling government waste, and standing up for workers, Kenyatta will hold the powerful accountable. As Auditor General, he plans to restore critical school audits and create the first-ever Bureau of Labor and Worker Protections to crack down on wage theft and defend union rights. Kenyatta believes every dollar wasted is a family left behind, and he’s committed to ensuring that taxpayer money works for all Pennsylvanians.

This race isn’t just about audits; it’s about having a leader who will protect the needs of everyday Pennsylvanians, not play political games. Unlike his Republican opponent, who has cut vital oversight and sided with special interests, Kenyatta will stand up to corruption and fight for transparency, fairness, and a government that serves the people.

For a strong, accountable Pennsylvania, Malcolm Kenyatta is the clear choice.
 

As Pennsylvania’s Attorney General, Eugene DePasquale will be a steadfast defender of our rights and freedoms. With a proven track record as a two-term Auditor General and a principled leader, Eugene has always put the people first, standing up to both parties to protect Pennsylvanians from waste, fraud, and abuse. Now, more than ever, we need an Attorney General who will fight for the values we share and ensure that no one is above the law.

The choice in this race is clear. Dave Sunday, the Republican candidate, would be part of a national trend where Republican Attorneys General have actively worked to block progress on issues like student loan forgiveness, reproductive rights, and efforts to protect our elections. In contrast, Eugene DePasquale will always stand up for the people of Pennsylvania. He’s committed to defending voting rights, fighting corporate greed, and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has access to clean air, safe communities, and the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions.

Eugene DePasquale understands that the Attorney General’s job is to be the people's lawyer, not a political pawn. With Eugene in office, Pennsylvanians can trust that their rights will be defended, their voices will be heard, and justice will be served.

As Pennsylvania’s Attorney General, Eugene DePasquale will be a steadfast defender of our rights and freedoms. With a proven track record as a two-term Auditor General and a principled leader, Eugene has always put the people first, standing up to both parties to protect Pennsylvanians from waste, fraud, and abuse. Now, more than ever, we need an Attorney General who will fight for the values we share and ensure that no one is above the law.

The choice in this race is clear. Dave Sunday, the Republican candidate, would be part of a national trend where Republican Attorneys General have actively worked to block progress on issues like student loan forgiveness, reproductive rights, and efforts to protect our elections. In contrast, Eugene DePasquale will always stand up for the people of Pennsylvania. He’s committed to defending voting rights, fighting corporate greed, and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has access to clean air, safe communities, and the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions.

Eugene DePasquale understands that the Attorney General’s job is to be the people's lawyer, not a political pawn. With Eugene in office, Pennsylvanians can trust that their rights will be defended, their voices will be heard, and justice will be served.

Erin McClelland is committed to using her extensive experience in public service to bring transparency and accountability to the Treasurer's office. As a lifelong Democrat from Western Pennsylvania with deep roots in working-class communities, Erin understands the importance of managing state funds responsibly to support Pennsylvania's families. She pledges to protect taxpayer dollars and prioritize investments that benefit public schools, workers, and community programs across the Commonwealth.

Her opponent, Stacy Garrity, supports Donald Trump, celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and spread lies about the 2020 election. Garrity's actions undermine trust in our democratic process and show she’s more aligned with extreme political agendas than the needs of Pennsylvanians.

Pennsylvanians need a Treasurer who will put people over politics, ensuring that our state’s finances are managed with integrity and a focus on the needs of everyday families. Erin McClelland is the clear choice to bring trust and accountability back to the Treasurer's office.

Erin McClelland is committed to using her extensive experience in public service to bring transparency and accountability to the Treasurer's office. As a lifelong Democrat from Western Pennsylvania with deep roots in working-class communities, Erin understands the importance of managing state funds responsibly to support Pennsylvania's families. She pledges to protect taxpayer dollars and prioritize investments that benefit public schools, workers, and community programs across the Commonwealth.

Her opponent, Stacy Garrity, supports Donald Trump, celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and spread lies about the 2020 election. Garrity's actions undermine trust in our democratic process and show she’s more aligned with extreme political agendas than the needs of Pennsylvanians.

Pennsylvanians need a Treasurer who will put people over politics, ensuring that our state’s finances are managed with integrity and a focus on the needs of everyday families. Erin McClelland is the clear choice to bring trust and accountability back to the Treasurer's office.

5th Congressional District

Mary Gay Scanlon is a committed advocate for children and families, serving as Congresswoman for Pennsylvania’s 5th District. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, she fights to protect rights and push back against attacks on American freedoms. Mary Gay has worked to secure local jobs, advance equal rights, and bring federal resources back to Pennsylvania.

In Washington, the majority party in Congress dictates the bills and spending that help or hurt Pennsylvania. Under the current Republican majority, we’ve seen repeated attempts to undermine vital programs like Social Security and Medicare, along with threats of government shutdowns that put critical services at risk. Instead of focusing on the needs of working families, Republicans have prioritized tax cuts for the wealthy and blocked essential economic relief measures.

When Democrats held the majority, they delivered significant progress for Pennsylvanians, including passing a vital pandemic relief package, a historic bipartisan infrastructure bill, the first gun safety legislation in decades, and the Inflation Reduction Act to lower costs, create jobs, and grow the economy. In contrast, the current Republican majority is doubling down on policies that worsen income inequality, fail to address rising costs, attack reproductive rights, and block comprehensive solutions on immigration.

To continue moving Pennsylvania forward, we need a Democratic majority in Congress that prioritizes lowering costs, protecting rights, and building an economy that works for everyone.

Mary Gay Scanlon is a committed advocate for children and families, serving as Congresswoman for Pennsylvania’s 5th District. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, she fights to protect rights and push back against attacks on American freedoms. Mary Gay has worked to secure local jobs, advance equal rights, and bring federal resources back to Pennsylvania.

In Washington, the majority party in Congress dictates the bills and spending that help or hurt Pennsylvania. Under the current Republican majority, we’ve seen repeated attempts to undermine vital programs like Social Security and Medicare, along with threats of government shutdowns that put critical services at risk. Instead of focusing on the needs of working families, Republicans have prioritized tax cuts for the wealthy and blocked essential economic relief measures.

When Democrats held the majority, they delivered significant progress for Pennsylvanians, including passing a vital pandemic relief package, a historic bipartisan infrastructure bill, the first gun safety legislation in decades, and the Inflation Reduction Act to lower costs, create jobs, and grow the economy. In contrast, the current Republican majority is doubling down on policies that worsen income inequality, fail to address rising costs, attack reproductive rights, and block comprehensive solutions on immigration.

To continue moving Pennsylvania forward, we need a Democratic majority in Congress that prioritizes lowering costs, protecting rights, and building an economy that works for everyone.

Senate District 9

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.

John Kane is a dedicated public servant and lifelong labor leader representing Pennsylvania's 9th Senate District. A proud plumber and former business manager for Plumbers Local 690, John has firsthand experience with the challenges facing working families and has spent his career fighting for their rights. In the Senate, he champions healthcare access, fair funding for public schools, and protecting reproductive rights while pushing for commonsense gun safety laws to ensure the safety of every Pennsylvanian.

In the state legislature, the majority party controls the legislative agenda, including which bills receive a vote and what policies are prioritized. For years, the Republican majority in the Pennsylvania Senate has blocked progress on critical issues, standing in the way of the change that Pennsylvanians want and need.

Senate Republicans have repeatedly refused to bring up bills passed by the House that would benefit working families, such as raising the minimum wage, expanding paid leave, and implementing commonsense gun safety laws. They've obstructed efforts to protect and expand voting rights, and they've stalled legislation to fully fund our public schools and address decades of inequity. Instead of working for everyday Pennsylvanians, the Republican Senate has prioritized tax cuts for the wealthy and protecting corporate interests over the needs of our communities.

Electing a Democratic majority in the Senate is the only way to break this gridlock and advance policies that truly reflect the values of Pennsylvania families. With a Democratic majority, we can pass the bills that will make a real difference—ensuring fair wages, safe communities, fully funded schools, and the protection of our rights and freedoms.

John Kane is a dedicated public servant and lifelong labor leader representing Pennsylvania's 9th Senate District. A proud plumber and former business manager for Plumbers Local 690, John has firsthand experience with the challenges facing working families and has spent his career fighting for their rights. In the Senate, he champions healthcare access, fair funding for public schools, and protecting reproductive rights while pushing for commonsense gun safety laws to ensure the safety of every Pennsylvanian.

In the state legislature, the majority party controls the legislative agenda, including which bills receive a vote and what policies are prioritized. For years, the Republican majority in the Pennsylvania Senate has blocked progress on critical issues, standing in the way of the change that Pennsylvanians want and need.

Senate Republicans have repeatedly refused to bring up bills passed by the House that would benefit working families, such as raising the minimum wage, expanding paid leave, and implementing commonsense gun safety laws. They've obstructed efforts to protect and expand voting rights, and they've stalled legislation to fully fund our public schools and address decades of inequity. Instead of working for everyday Pennsylvanians, the Republican Senate has prioritized tax cuts for the wealthy and protecting corporate interests over the needs of our communities.

Electing a Democratic majority in the Senate is the only way to break this gridlock and advance policies that truly reflect the values of Pennsylvania families. With a Democratic majority, we can pass the bills that will make a real difference—ensuring fair wages, safe communities, fully funded schools, and the protection of our rights and freedoms.

House District 161

In the state legislature, the majority party has absolute control over the legislative and budget process, including which bills are voted on and which spending priorities are made. Before Democrats took over the majority in the PA House, Republicans held near-complete control of the General Assembly for close to 25 years, pushing extreme agendas while failing to address the pressing needs of everyday Pennsylvanians.

With the Democratic majority in the House, we're finally seeing real progress. They’ve passed critical bills that protect abortion rights, blocking Republicans’ attempts to ban abortion in Pennsylvania. House Democrats have passed legislation to support working families, including raising the minimum wage and expanding paid leave for all workers. They passed common-sense gun safety bills to help keep our communities safe and bills to improve our elections, making voting easier and more accessible for everyone.

Keeping and growing the Democratic majority in the House is crucial for continuing this progress. A stronger Democratic majority will mean more opportunities to pass legislation that truly reflects the needs and values of Pennsylvania families—ensuring a brighter future for all of us.

In the state legislature, the majority party has absolute control over the legislative and budget process, including which bills are voted on and which spending priorities are made. Before Democrats took over the majority in the PA House, Republicans held near-complete control of the General Assembly for close to 25 years, pushing extreme agendas while failing to address the pressing needs of everyday Pennsylvanians.

With the Democratic majority in the House, we're finally seeing real progress. They’ve passed critical bills that protect abortion rights, blocking Republicans’ attempts to ban abortion in Pennsylvania. House Democrats have passed legislation to support working families, including raising the minimum wage and expanding paid leave for all workers. They passed common-sense gun safety bills to help keep our communities safe and bills to improve our elections, making voting easier and more accessible for everyone.

Keeping and growing the Democratic majority in the House is crucial for continuing this progress. A stronger Democratic majority will mean more opportunities to pass legislation that truly reflects the needs and values of Pennsylvania families—ensuring a brighter future for all of us.