CHESTER COUNTY REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES
2026
Primary General Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Statewide Candidates
Stacy Garrity for
PA Governor
Retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel, businesswoman, and our Commonwealth’s 78th Treasurer, Stacy Garrity has lived a life of service to her nation, her Commonwealth, and her community.
In uniform, Stacy rose to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving three deployments in defense of our nation: Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
At home, Stacy Garrity emerged as a groundbreaking Pennsylvania business leader, rising from accountant at Global Tungsten & Powders Corp. to becoming the first of two female vice presidents at the company.
Now, as our Commonwealth’s Treasurer, Stacy has focused on cutting waste, eliminating taxpayer abuse, and bringing transparency to Pennsylvania’s government. She understands first-hand the challenges hardworking Pennsylvania families face, and she brings the same commonsense that people use to manage their own finances to the Treasurer’s office.
Stacy works every day to protect more than $170 billion in state assets, serving as a fiscal watchdog for programs like Pennsylvania’s 529 College & Career Savings Program, where she has saved account holders nearly $17 million. For her leadership in spearheading the PA ABLE Savings Program for individuals with disabilities, Stacy was elected the inaugural Chair of the national ABLE Savings Plans Network by her fellow State Treasurers.
Stacy’s work as our Treasurer has directly touched the lives of millions of Pennsylvania families, with more than $1 billion returned to its rightful owners and nearly $10 million returned to Pennsylvania taxpayers through the Treasury’s Money Match program. Each year, the Treasury saves Pennsylvania taxpayers nearly $50 million by identifying overpayments and duplicate payments to the Commonwealth.
Now Stacy Garrity is running for Governor to continue her service to Pennsylvania as our Commonwealth’s 49th Governor. She will apply the lessons she’s learned and experiences she’s encountered as a successful businesswoman, soldier, and public servant to make Pennsylvania the Keystone State to grow a business and raise a family.
For all that Stacy has accomplished, Stacy’s never forgotten where she came from. A native of Bradford County, Stacy is a graduate of Sayre High School and Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, later receiving a certificate from the Cornell University Business Management Institute. Stacy serves on the board of Bradford County United Way and is a trustee of Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. Stacy resides in Bradford County with her husband Dan and worships at Christian Life Church.
Jason Richey for
PA Lt. Governor
Jason Richey is a true Pennsylvanian. His family can be traced to some of the earliest settlers in Washington County, where both of his parents were raised. After his parents married, they moved to Beaver County. Jason grew up in Aliquippa, Beaver County and attended Hopewell Area High School where he played football and wrestled while taking numerous odd jobs to help his family, including grass cutting, busboy, roofer, and McDonalds’s cook.
Jason attended Allegheny College where he graduated magna cum laude with a 3.8 GPA, which earned him Phi Beta Kappa honors. Additionally, Jason became a three-time NCAA Academic All-American wrestler and finished his collegiate wrestling career as only the third wrestler in Allegheny College history with 100 wins. After college, Jason worked his way through law school as a union worker at an Aliquippa steel mill. In 1993, Jason attended one of the top law schools in the country, Ohio State University.
He graduated in 1996 and returned home to Pittsburgh to work at one of the largest law firms in the world, K&L Gates LLP. At K&L Gates, Jason burst onto the legal scene, representing large and small manufacturing and energy companies and contractors throughout the world as well as representing the highest profile professional wrestling organization. About halfway through his career, Jason began representing companies to uncover government corruption and procurement irregularities at state and local governments throughout the country. In 2005, after less than 10 years at K&L, Jason earned the opportunity to become a partner in the firm.
Jason and his wife Melissa reside in Sewickley, Allegheny County, they are the proud parents of three sons: Justin, Logan and Marcus.
US 6th Congressional District Candidate
Dedicated. Accomplished. Trusted
Marty Young – Candidate for U.S. Congress, Pennsylvania’s 6th District
Marty Young is a fourth-generation Pennsylvanian and a proud graduate of West Chester schools. His family’s story reflects hard work, service, and community. His great-grandfather helped build Philadelphia’s Chinatown, his mother, an immigrant from Portugal, taught in public schools, and his father, a DuPont engineer, showed Marty the value of discipline, giving back, and leaving things better for the next generation.
After earning nominations from Senator John Heinz and Congressman Dick Schulze, Marty attended West Point and graduated in 1993. He served as an Infantry Officer until injuries ended his active-duty career. After 9/11, he returned as a U.S. Army Chaplain and now serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard, helping soldiers and families navigate challenges like mental health, suicide prevention, homelessness, and family resilience.
After leaving active duty, Marty earned a master's in operations research from Georgia Tech and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business. Over 25 years, he has built a reputation as a turnaround expert, helping more than 100 companies in defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and technology. One of his proudest moments was helping a cable company go from losing $1 million a day to earning $100 million a year—saving thousands of jobs, including many in Chester and Berks Counties.
Marty and his wife, Sandy, live in West Chester, raising four children who reflect the family’s values of service and leadership. Sandy is active in the community as PTO president and church volunteer. Their children excel in academics, athletics, and community service.
Marty is running for Congress to bring practical, results-driven leadership to Pennsylvania’s 6th District. His priorities include:
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Lower Costs for Families and Small Businesses – Cutting wasteful spending and making life more affordable.
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Fix Healthcare – Making care accessible, preventive, and reliable for children, young adults, and expectant mothers.
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Protect Families and Public Safety – Supporting law enforcement, first responders, and neighborhood safety.
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Energy Security & Lower Costs – Expanding reliable, affordable energy through smart policy and investment.
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Retirement Security – Helping families save and plan for the future with protected, flexible retirement accounts.
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Support Veterans and Our Military – Ensuring troops and veterans get the care, resources, and respect they deserve.
As a father, veteran, and business leader, Marty Young brings experience, discipline, and backbone to Congress. He is committed to keeping Pennsylvania’s 6th District a place where families can work, live, and build a future for generations to come.
Pennsylvania's Senate District 44 Candidate
Dedicated. Accomplished. Trusted
Melissa Dicranian – Candidate for Pennsylvania State Senate, District 44
Melissa Dicranian believes in the people of Pennsylvania and in leadership that works for families, businesses, and communities. She lives in Charlestown Township with her husband and two daughters on a historic family farm restored with the help of local small businesses. The restoration project reflected two core priorities: teaching her children the value of the trades, from planning to completion, and supporting Pennsylvania-based products whenever possible.
Raised in Maine in a family of small business owners, Melissa learned the importance of hard work, planning, and perseverance. She carries those lessons into every part of her life, from her professional career to her community service. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science from Wentworth Institute of Technology while working in Boston and built a career in corporate design, serving as a designer, owner’s representative, and architectural consultant.
Melissa is deeply involved in her community. She serves as Chair of Charlestown Township’s Historic Commission, leading local initiatives including the township’s America250 celebration. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Legislative Committee, supporting generational family farming and policies that sustain Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage.
Melissa is running for State Senate to put the people of District 44 first. She is committed to practical solutions that protect the community, grow the local economy, and strengthen Pennsylvania families. Her priorities include:
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Workforce development – Enacting programs that create “Study and Stay” pathways for graduates in Pennsylvania, expanding training opportunities for entry-level workers, and connecting retiring employees with opportunities to pass on decades of experience.
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Energy and economic growth – Supporting Pennsylvania energy production and strategic growth initiatives. Pennsylvania’s agricultural land is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s future.
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Small business support – Promoting policies that help local businesses innovate, grow, and create jobs, while fostering a competitive and results-driven economic environment. Evaluating programs and policies based on measurable outcomes and effectiveness.
Melissa understands the challenges facing Pennsylvania families because she experiences them every day—raising her children, managing a household, and working alongside small businesses in her community. Her combination of business experience, community service, and practical problem-solving equips her to listen, act, and deliver results for District 44.
Melissa Dicranian is ready to serve as State Senator as District 44’s People First candidate, fighting for families, protecting communities, and securing Pennsylvania’s future.
Pennsylvania State Representative Candidates
Re-Elect
John Lawrence
for PA State Representative
13th District
"I share the values of our community and fight for them as your Representative."
As a father, I share the hope of every parent: that life for our children will be even better than our own. That is why I ran for State Representative – to get our state back on track for today and tomorrow, and to leave a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. This is my only goal, which is why I will always put your interests and commonsense, conservative principles first in state government.
My story is not much different than many who live in our community today. I was born and raised in southern Chester County to a close knit family. I walked to Kemblesville Elementary School. Today, my wife Rebecca and I are raising our two children near my childhood home. As a matter of fact, except for my time at college, I have always lived in our community.
My dad, John, was a small-town dentist and my mom, Joanne, was his assistant along with being “mom.” Together, they taught me the importance of giving an honest day’s work for a fair day’s pay, the importance of not spending money you don’t have, and, most importantly, the value of helping others. These are principles that our government needs to learn and live by.
Growing up, I spent many hours on my grandparents’ dairy farm. While feeding cows, cleaning out the barn, and repairing fences, I learned first-hand the work it takes to run a successful farm. I also learned how vital it is to preserve our agricultural heritage by protecting open space for future generations.
After high school, I worked my way through Penn State University by working in a car factory building Chevy Malibus. I still have the gloves that I wore down to nothing in that job to remind me of the hard work it takes to succeed. I graduated from Penn State with a degree in Business, and six months later married my wife Rebecca. We have been blessed with two amazing daughters.
Along with being your State Representative, I am also a concerned citizen – concerned about the loss of direction our elected leaders have displayed in the recent years. In 2005, when the legislature raised their pay in the dark of night, I stood up for reform and took on the status quo. Since then, I have continued to shine a light on issues of importance that career politicians continue to ignore: pension reform, ending the perks, fixing the property tax system, election reform, and more.
I have also made it a priority to protect and improve our community. I have worked to:
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Ensure access to health care by bringing Emergency Room services back to Jennersville with ChristianaCare.
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Preserve Big Elk Creek so it will be protected for future generations.
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Stop the sale of the Chester Water Authority, earning recognition for my steadfast support.
My pledge to you is what is has always been: if given the honor of continuing to serve as your Representative, I will always put the interests of the people first, working hard to ensure a brighter future for our state.
Samantha Horosky
for PA State Representative
26th District
Samantha Horosky - Candidate for Pennsylvania State Representative – 26th District
Samantha Horosky has spent her career in the classroom—not in politics. A kindergarten teacher in the Owen J. Roberts School District since 2008, she has spent more than 18 years working directly with children and families, helping young students build strong foundations and supporting parents through the earliest and most important stages of learning. She is now running as a write-in candidate for State Representative because she believes the voices of families and educators are not being heard in Harrisburg.
Samantha has lived in Elverson for over twenty years, where she and her husband, Jack, are raising their two children. Like many families in the 26th District, she sees the pressure of rising costs, rapid growth, and policies that often feel disconnected from everyday life. She is running because she wants practical, grounded representation from someone who lives in those realities every day.
She was raised in a home built on faith, respect for the military, and a strong work ethic. Samantha is deeply proud of her Hispanic immigrant heritage and the values her family carried with them—resilience, gratitude, and a commitment to building a better life through hard work.
Her family history also connects her to Pennsylvania’s earliest industries. Samantha is a direct descendant of Anna Nutt, her seventh great-grandmother and colonial America’s first female industrialist. Anna oversaw Warwick Furnace, which produced Franklin stoves and supplied cannons and cannonballs during the Revolutionary War. That legacy reflects a simple belief Samantha carries into public service: real progress comes from people who step up and build.
Professionally, Samantha has taught at French Creek and East Coventry Elementary Schools and recently helped develop and launch the district’s full-day kindergarten program. She also served as a Juvenile Crisis Counselor with The COAD Group, working with at-risk youth and coordinating support between families, schools, and law enforcement. She earned her B.S. from West Chester University and her Early Childhood/Elementary Education Certification (Level II) from Immaculata University.
Samantha has been recognized for her work as an educator, including being featured on Fox News and nominated for the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. She has also served as a Pennsylvania PTA Reflections Program Coordinator and volunteered with Chester County 4-H and local family engagement programs.
Policy Priorities:
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Strong Schools & Local Control: Keep education decisions close to parents and local communities, not distant state mandates.
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Affordability for Working Families & Seniors: Address rising taxes, housing costs, and everyday expenses that are squeezing households.
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Public Safety & Youth Mental Health: Support law enforcement and strengthen practical mental health resources for children and families.
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Responsible Growth & Land Preservation: Balance development with protection of farmland, open space, and community character.
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Parental Voice & Common-Sense Values: Ensure parents have a meaningful role in education and protect children from political agendas in the classroom.
Samantha Horosky is running to bring steady, practical leadership to Harrisburg—rooted in real classroom experience and a clear understanding of what families in the 26th District are facing every day.
Lorenzo Kelley
for PA State Representative
74th District
Lorenzo Kelley – Candidate for Pennsylvania State Representative, 74th District
Lorenzo Kelley is running for State Representative in Pennsylvania’s 74th District because the communities from Coatesville to Honey Brook deserve leadership that delivers results—not more of the same policies that have driven up costs and left families frustrated with government. His focus is straightforward: lower costs, strengthen local jobs, and restore accountability in Harrisburg.
A Valley Township resident and civil construction professional with 27 years of experience, Lorenzo understands what it takes to build things that last. From roads and bridges to major infrastructure projects, success requires planning, discipline, and follow-through—qualities he believes state government has been missing. Lorenzo is ready to bring a builder’s mindset to Harrisburg.
Lorenzo has lived in Pennsylvania for more than 20 years and is deeply rooted in the community he calls home. He serves as a Republican committee member in Area 14 and previously served as an alternate on the Valley Township Planning Commission. He is also active with the Brandywine Goddard Masonic Lodge in Coatesville, Gateway Church in Parkesburg, and Shriners International, supporting efforts that help children receive specialized medical care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
Families across the 74th District continue to feel the impact of rising costs and reduced access to essential services, including healthcare challenges following the closure of Brandywine Hospital. Lorenzo is committed to improving local healthcare access, lowering property taxes, reducing energy costs, and making state government responsive to the people it serves.
Priorities
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Lower Costs & End Wasteful Spending: Bring discipline and accountability to state budgeting.
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Strengthen Local Jobs & Opportunity: Support employers and working families.
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Restore Essential Services & Accountability: Improve healthcare access, public safety, and responsible growth.
Lorenzo Kelley offers a clear choice: real-world experience, practical problem-solving, and a commitment to putting the people of the 74th District first.
PA State Representative 155th District
Candidate for Pennsylvania State Representative, 155th District
Greer Heindel is running to bring practical, no-nonsense leadership to the Pennsylvania House—and to focus on the issues that actually affect families here in the 155th District and across Pennsylvania.
In Harrisburg, State Representatives are responsible for the state budget, school funding, and the laws that impact our communities. That’s where Greer will stay focused—on what can be done, and what needs to get done.
For too long, voters in the 155th District have experienced a lot of noise—politics built around headlines, highly charged emotional issues, and division without much to show for it. Meanwhile, rising costs, traffic, and overdevelopment continue to impact everyday life.
Greer’s approach is simple: less talk, less drama—just do the job.
A graduate of the University of Delaware, Greer spent nearly 30 years working across Southeast Pennsylvania solving problems and delivering for his clients. He was recognized for excellence in his field, earning top performance honors for his work. He understands accountability and follow-through—something Harrisburg needs more of.
Greer and his wife, married for over 20 years, have lived in East Brandywine Township for more than three decades. He is invested in this community and ready to represent it.
His focus:
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Lower Taxes, Less Waste: Protect taxpayers by cutting waste and demanding accountability.
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Strong, Accountable Schools: Support quality education, qualified teachers, and responsible spending.
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Responsible Growth: Address traffic, zoning, and overdevelopment while preserving our community’s character.
This race comes down to a simple choice: more division—or real results.
Kris Volrath
for PA State Representative
156th District
Kris Vollrath – Candidate for Pennsylvania State Representative, 156th District
Kris Vollrath is a West Chester small business owner who knows what it takes to create jobs, meet a payroll, and navigate government regulations, and he’s running to bring that real-world experience to Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania should be a place where businesses can grow, and people can build a future. Kris is focused on making that happen—by supporting policies that cut unnecessary red tape, lowering costs, and supporting the workers, families, and local employers who keep the 156th District moving.
A resident of West Chester since 1969, Kris is a graduate of East High School and West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in Business and Computer Science. He spent 25 years in the IT industry working with both small companies and major corporations, gaining firsthand experience in innovation, efficiency, and problem-solving.
For the past 15 years, Kris has owned and operated a local renovations business, managing every aspect of his company and working directly with clients in the community. That experience gives him a clear understanding of how state policies impact small businesses and what it takes to keep them operating and growing here in Pennsylvania.
Though newer to elected politics, Kris has been guided by strong, consistent principles throughout his life. As an elected committee member of the Chester County GOP in one of the county's bluest areas, he understands the importance of representing all constituents and making sure every voice is heard.
Kris’s priorities include:
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Pro-Growth Economy: Cut unnecessary regulations and reduce the tax burden to keep businesses in Pennsylvania and bring new ones in.
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Support for Small Business: Back policies that help local entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
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Public Safety: Support cooperation with federal authorities to remove criminal offenders from our communities.
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Practical Immigration Solutions: Support enforcement of the law while recognizing the need for a stable, legal workforce that protects key industries.
Kris Vollrath believes government should be straightforward, accountable, and focused on results. He is committed to practical solutions, stronger communities, and a future where Pennsylvania remains a place people choose to live, work, and invest.
Justin Pak
for PA State Representative
157th District
Justin J. Pak – Candidate for Pennsylvania House, District 157
Justin J. Pak is a first-generation Korean American, born in Philadelphia, raised in Delaware County, and proud to call Willistown, Chester County, home. A husband, father of twins, and the son of Korean immigrants who came to this country with little but determination, Justin learned early the value of hard work, personal responsibility, and service to community.
A small business owner, Justin has consistently taken on challenges and followed through. He brings that same drive and results-oriented mindset to his campaign for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He stepped forward because he believes the voices of families in District 157 deserve to be heard.
Justin represents a generation often described as overlooked. Millennials like him are the bridge between analog and digital, past and future, and increasingly between human systems and emerging technologies. That perspective shapes his practical, creative approach to problem-solving.
His campaign is guided by a simple principle: government exists to serve the people—not the party, not donors. Residents of District 157 want leadership that is responsive, accountable, and focused on real solutions. Justin is committed to delivering that.
Justin’s priorities are clear:
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Energy costs – ensuring Pennsylvania families have fair representation in PJM and relief from rising utility bills
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Real women’s health – expanding awareness, access, and research on PCOS, POTS, PMDD, perimenopause, menopause, and HRT
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Prescription drug affordability – making medications more accessible and manageable for Pennsylvanians
Beyond these priorities, Justin’s platform is guided by the people of District 157. He listens, he acts, and he represents. He listens first, then works to turn community needs into practical solutions. Leadership starts at home, in our communities, and in the choices we make for the next generation—and Justin is ready to work for the district.
Tina Ayala
for PA State Representative
158th District
Tina Ayala – Candidate for Pennsylvania State Representative, 158th District
Tina Ayala is running for State House to bring a fresh, practical perspective to Harrisburg and stand up for families and working households in the 158th District. She is committed to creating stability, opportunity, and growth for local families, focusing on affordability, responsible taxation, and smart community development.
A licensed real estate professional in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Tina has spent more than 15 years helping families buy and sell homes, navigate mortgages, and make sound financial decisions. She understands how rising costs, property taxes, and large-scale developments like data centers affect families and neighborhoods, and she is ready to bring practical solutions to these challenges.
Tina and her family are deeply connected to the district. She supports youth programs, school music initiatives, and nonprofits that strengthen families. Her work with A Child’s Light, which provides support and healing for children who have experienced trauma, reflects her belief that strong communities begin with protecting and uplifting those who are most vulnerable. She also serves as Parliamentarian Board Member for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, advocating for homeownership opportunities, leadership development, and economic empowerment.
Tina is now focused full-time on serving her community and addressing the issues that matter most to families in the 158th District.
Priorities:
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Affordable Living: Work to keep housing and essential costs manageable for families.
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Responsible Taxes: Ensure state and local taxes are fair, cut waste, and hold government accountable.
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Smart Growth and Development: Guide new projects, including data centers, to protect neighborhoods and the character of the district.
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Stronger Communities: Support youth programs, local initiatives, and opportunities for families to thrive.
Tina Ayala brings real-world experience, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to service to Harrisburg. A recipient of the NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award, she has a proven record of achievement and results—and is ready to deliver practical solutions and much needed leadership for the families of the 158th District.
Re-Elect
Craig Williams
for PA State Representative 160th District
Craig Williams is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having retired as a Colonel after 28 years of service. He flew 56 combat missions in the F/A-18D during the Gulf War and was personally decorated eleven times, including twice for acts of Valor in combat.
Craig later attended law school while in the Marines and became the chief prosecutor for the largest base in the Marine Corps. He served as Deputy Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with an emphasis on Ethics and Detainee issues in federal court. He served as a federal prosecutor with the Department of Justice, prosecuting a host of crimes, including illegal gun possession, drug-distribution conspiracies, and fraud. He was a prosecutor for the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Elected to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 2020, Craig Williams represents portions of Delaware and Chester counties and proudly serves on the Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, Aging and Older Adult Services and Human Services Committees.
Dedicated to his community and the constituents he serves, Craig is longtime volunteer with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, as well as a local baseball, football and track coach.
Craig lives in Concord Township with his wife, Jennifer Arbittier Williams, and their four children. All of their children are or have been students in the Garnet Valley School District.
Joe Lewis
for PA State Representative
167th District
Joseph (Joe) Lewis – Candidate for Pennsylvania State Representative, 167th District
Joe Lewis is running for State Representative in the 167th District because he believes Harrisburg needs leaders who understand real-world responsibility—earned through service, work, and community life—not politics as usual.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Joe moved to Lancaster County as a teenager. After high school, he attended Millersville University before enlisting in the United States Army in 2001. Over a 20-year military career, including multiple deployments and the initial invasion of Iraq, he led soldiers in high-pressure environments where trust, accountability, and clear decision-making were essential.
After returning home, Joe continued serving his community in a different way. Alongside a fellow veteran, he co-founded a small coffee shop in Wayne, helping create local jobs and a place for neighbors to connect. He also remained active in the veteran community and was elected the youngest Commander of the American Legion in Wayne.
Joe and his wife are raising their family in Charlestown Township. He is a stepfather to three children, coaches Little League, and stays involved in the community through local volunteer efforts. For Joe, being part of the community is how he lives every day.
Joe is running for State Representative because he sees too many decisions in Harrisburg that ignore the real needs of local families, schools, and small businesses. He believes people deserve a representative who listens first, acts with common sense, and stays accountable.
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Lower Taxes & Fiscal Responsibility – Cut wasteful spending, oppose unnecessary tax increases, and make sure families and small businesses keep more of what they earn.
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Support for Veterans & Public Safety – Ensure veterans get the care they deserve, support law enforcement, and help communities stay safe.
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Strong Schools & Local Control – Back quality education, demand transparency, and let local families have a real voice.
This election is a choice between real-world leadership and business-as-usual politics in Harrisburg. Joe Lewis is ready to serve, listen, and deliver for the 167th District.