Voters in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania are preparing for a significant primary election with several state House and Senate nominations up for grabs. Among the races, three incumbent legislators are facing challengers, an unusual occurrence in a primary election.
While many incumbents are running unopposed in the primary, they will encounter competition in the November 3 general election. The primary elections typically allow Democrats and Republicans to select their nominees for the general election, whereas independent voters can only participate in voting on ballot questions.
In Williamsport, all registered voters are encouraged to decide on whether to form a commission to evaluate the city’s government structure. Similarly, in LeRaysville, Bradford County, the electorate will vote on whether to permit the state to issue liquor licenses in the borough. These are the only ballot questions in the WVIA coverage area.
Changing Political Alliances
Chris Nicholas, a Republican political consultant, suggests that the challenges to incumbents reflect a shift in the political coalitions within both parties. He stated, “Republicans think they can win the seat that includes Wilkes-Barre… When did you ever think that was going to happen?” This comment refers to the 121st House District seat, traditionally a Democratic area, now open due to the retirement of 20-year incumbent Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski.
In the state Senate, Sen. Lisa Baker and Sen. Marty Flynn are both facing primary challengers. Baker, a Republican from Luzerne County, is being challenged by Tyler Meyers, who has significant backing from a political action committee supported by skill games operators. Meanwhile, Flynn, a Democrat from Lackawanna County, is up against Jeffrey Lake.
20th Senate District
Tyler Meyers, 32, a veteran and behavioral specialist, is challenging Sen. Lisa Baker, criticizing her support for Kooth, an app offering mental-health counseling without parental consent. Meyers alleges Baker votes “pro-abortion across the board” and believes Republicans should support him due to his pro-life and pro-Second Amendment stance.
Baker, 64, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, supports abortion rights, gun rights, and school choice. She seeks re-election based on her efforts to protect children from predators and improve affordability issues. Baker acknowledges initial support for Kooth, citing a need for mental health treatment post-COVID-19, but claims it failed to work effectively.
The race has seen significant financial influence from outside groups, including Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania and Win for Pennsylvania, which have aired numerous ads targeting both candidates. The primary winner will face Democrat Jackie Baker in the general election, covering several counties including Pike and Susquehanna.
22nd Senate District
Marty Flynn, who transitioned from state representative to senator in a special election, claims success in securing substantial state funding for local projects. He aims to regulate data center placements in the district, which includes Lackawanna County.
His opponent, Jeffrey Lake, a special education aide, argues Flynn’s experience is ineffective for constituents. Lake proposes legislation to control data centers, establish community centers, and shift towards single-payer healthcare. The winner will compete against Republican Sharon Soltis Sparano in the general election.
117th House District
Incumbent Jamie Walsh, who narrowly won his seat two years ago, faces Bill Jones, a former executive with extensive community service experience. Walsh emphasizes his commitment to local control over data centers and property tax reform, while Jones argues for pragmatic solutions and criticizes Walsh for a lack of legislative success.
The victor will face Democrat Jeremy Benscoter in the general election, with the district covering much of eastern Luzerne County.
121st House District
The Democratic nomination for the 121st District features a race between Wilkes-Barre Council President Jessica McClay and retired EMT Michael Stadulis. McClay highlights her community and governmental experience, focusing on economic relief and social issues. Repeated efforts to contact Stadulis were unsuccessful.
The winner will take on Republican Michael D. Harostock III in the general election, with the district encompassing the Wilkes-Barre Area School District.
Additional Contested Races:
In the 114th House District, Republicans Logan Lombardo and David Burgerhoff vie for the nomination, while incumbent Democrat Bridget Kosierowski runs unopposed. The 120th House District sees a Democratic face-off between Fern Leard and Luzerne County Councilwoman Joanna Bryn Smith, with incumbent Republican Brenda Pugh unopposed.
The hotly contested 7th Congressional District features four Democrats aiming to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, including Bob Brooks, Carol Obando-Derstine, Ryan Croswell, and Lamont McClure.
