PROVIDED PHOTO An updated map shows changes to some state representative districts in Pennsylvania. The 76th District, previously made up of Clinton County and part of Center County, is now made up of Clinton and part of Union County, as shown above.
LOCK HAVEN– Barring withdrawals or newcomers, two Democratic candidates will face off for a shot at the state representative seat in the 76th district.
Outgoing Representative Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) will also be on the ballot. As of late last week, she faces no challengers in Primary. Borowicz is seeking a third term as a representative.
Borowicz is the first-ever woman to serve and represent the 76th District, winning her first two-year term in 2018 and getting a second in 2020. She is a mother, a former fourth-grade teacher, and the wife of a pastor.
Since the last lines were drawn in the state, the district includes all of Clinton County and part of Union County. The townships of Buffalo, Hartley, Kelly, Lewis, Limestone and West Buffalo and the boroughs of Harleton, Lewisburg, Mifflinburg and New Berlin in Union County will all be represented in the 76th District.
Previously, the district consisted of Clinton and part of Center County which included the townships of Benner, Boggs, Curtin, Haines, Howard, Liberty, Marion, Miles, Snow Shoe and Union and the boroughs of Howard, Milesburg, Snow Shoe and Unionville.
The map caused a change in the 85th District, currently represented by Republican David H. Rowe who resides in East Buffalo Township.
Denise Maris and Elijah Probst are the Democratic candidates vying for the 76th district seat that will appear in the primary ballot on May 17.
Maris, a mother of four and grandmother of two, has a master’s degree in health sciences and has 20 years of business and volunteer experience.
Probst is a 2018 graduate of Central Mountain High School and a chemistry degree from Lock Haven University. He was involved in local scouts, previously earning the Eagle Scout title for his years of service.
Outside of the 76th District, another race in The Express’ coverage area will see two potential candidates face off in the primary.
Glenn, outgoing Republican Congressman from the United States “GT” Thompson will seek another term in the 15th District. Thompson has been a U.S. Congressman since 2005, when he served in the 5th District. A change in 2018 moved it to the 15th arrondissement. Since 2021, he has been a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee.
With the updated congressional map approved earlier this year, the district of Thompson was expanded to Clinton County and much of Lycoming County.
The 15th District is currently made up of Armstrong, Cameron, Center, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Unon, Venango, and Warren counties.
Another Republican, George R. Rathmell of Jefferson County, also threw his hat in the ring for the 15th District. Rathmell served as an Army chaplain from 1974 to 1994, was a visiting pastor, industrial chaplain, and pastor from 1994 to 2007, and is currently a volunteer prayer coordinator with the Family Research Council.
Statewide, three major races have captured the attention of several Democrats and Republicans across the Commonwealth.
Governor Tom Wolf is nearing the end of his final term, opening the state’s highest office. Nine Republicans are currently registered in the primary ballot. They include: Lou Barletta, Doug Mastriano, Nche Sama, Dave White, Melissa Hart, Bill McSwain, Charlie Grow, Joe Gale and Senator Jake Corman.
Currently, Attorney General Josh Shapiro is the only Democrat running for governor.
In the United States Senate, incumbent Pat Toomey, a Republican, will not seek re-election. Seven Republican candidates and five Democrats are expected to be on the ballot in May.
The Republican candidates are Kathy Barnette, Mehmet Oz, George Bochetto, Jeff Bartos, Dave McCormick, Sean Gale and Carla Sands.
The Democratic candidates currently in the primary ballot are: Alex Khalil, Connor Lamb, Malcolm Kenyatta, Kevin Baumlin and John Fetterman.
The last state-level election on the May ballot is the race for lieutenant governor. Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman is not seeking re-election as he bids for a U.S. Senate seat.
Nine Republicans are currently registered in the primary. They are: Clarice Schillinger, James Earl Jones, Rick Saccone, John Brown, Chris Frye, Jeff Coleman, Russ Diamond, Carrie Lewis Delrosso and Teddy Daniels.
Three Democratic candidates are currently expected to be on the ballot. They are: Austin Davis, Ray Sosa and Brian Sims.