2024 Election Guide

A letter from the directors:

In making this guide, we wanted to help the residents of the Borough of State College better understand the ballot they’ll see in front of them when they go to the polls on November 5th. We thank the members of CommRadio’s News Department for their hard work and dedication to this project. We hope this unbiased guide will help you find which candidate aligns with your beliefs. The views expressed in the following articles are of the candidates themselves and in no way reflect the views expressed by the reporters who wrote them, CommRadio, or the Pennsylvania State University. For any inquiries, please contact the reporters themselves, or news.comradio@gmail.com.

Best,

Ethan Ellis

Natalie Simone

Donald Trump (R) – Candidate for President of the United States

Former President Donald Trump is now in the midst of his third race for the U.S. presidency. Trump won his first presidential race back in 2016, defeating Hillary Clinton to become the 45th President of the U.S.

Before running for office, Trump was a famed businessman. He was born into a successful business family and his father, Fred, was a successful real estate developer.

Trump’s education includes the New York Military Academy, Wharton School of Finance, and the University of Pennsylvania. After his education, he took over his father’s real estate business. Trump went on to expand this to include projects like hotels, casinos, and golf courses.

In 2004, he launched one of his most well-known projects, a reality TV show named “The Apprentice”. This is where his famous catchphrase “you’re fired” came from.

Trump’s only political experience coming into this race comes from his four-year term as president. Currently, Trump is married to Melania Trump, whom he wed in 2005. He has one child with her, and three children from other marriages and 10 grandchildren.

During his presidency, Trump appointed three justices to the Supreme Court, the most ever of any president. Trump also worked closely with countries including Mexico, China, Japan and others to broker new trade agreements between them and the U.S. As part of his foreign policy, Trump became the first sitting president to sit down with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

His presidency, however, came with a fair share of controversy. In 2018, the government partially shut down when Trump and Congress couldn’t come to an agreement on how to fund his border wall.

Additionally, Trump became the first president to be impeached multiple times. The first came when he allegedly pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Hunter Biden, the son of then-presidential candidate Joe Biden, who served on the board of a natural gas company in Ukraine.

The second impeachment came after he lost the 2020 election. After supporters of his raided the Capitol Building on allegations that the election was stolen (a claim that has been disproven multiple times), Congress impeached him on charges of inciting an insurrection. This came after he gave a speech hours before the insurrection, where he encouraged attendees to protest the election.

With Trump trying to go back to the White House, here are some issues that are important to him:

Economy

One of the core goals of Trump’s economic plan is to reduce what they call the worst inflation crisis in four decades and bring down prices. They plan to do this by cutting government spending the Republican Party deems to be wasteful and passing a series of deregulation laws.

His platform claims his administration’s deregulation policies saved Americans an average of $11,000 per household. He additionally proposes to deport illegal immigrants which he claims is driving up the prices of housing, healthcare, and education.

Additionally, he plans to put more money in the pockets of Americans by making his tax cuts permanent and cutting taxes even more, by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime.

He wants to bring the cost of energy down by deregulating energy sources such as coal, oil and natural gas (an industry that provides over 16,000 jobs in PA).

Immigration

This is the biggest policy that Trump has mentioned on the campaign trail. Trump feels that the current border policies have allowed for an onslaught of illegal aliens, migrant crime and drugs to enter the country.

To secure the border, Trump plans to finish his border wall, shift portions of law enforcement to the border, and even bring home troops overseas to secure the border. He additionally wants to work on deporting illegal immigrants currently in the U.S.

To do this, he wants to strengthen the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some other policies he’s proposed are eliminating sanctuary cities by cutting their federal funding, prioritizing merit-based immigration, and reinstating both the travel bans and remain-in-Mexico policies.

Affordability

Trump believes that prices in multiple sectors of the U.S. are too high and he wants to make the American Dream affordable again. To do this, he wants to bring down prices in housing, education and healthcare.

For housing, he plans to reduce mortgage rates by cutting inflation, open portions of federal lands for new home construction, and promote home ownership through tax incentives.

In terms of higher education, he plans to support the creation of alternatives to four-year college degrees that are much more affordable.

Trump believes healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. To fix this, they plan to increase transparency, promote choice and competition, and expand access to new affordable healthcare and prescription drug options. He additionally plans to protect Medicare and ensure seniors receive the care they need.

While Trump has many other policies he plans to implement if elected, those are just a few.

Controversies

Trump has had his fair share of controversies these past four years since leaving office. His legal troubles led the way, which have kept him in the spotlight of American politics even while not in office.

Currently, there are four major legal cases that the former president is facing. In one of them, the hush money case where he allegedly falsified business records in relation to a payoff to an adult film star, he was convicted on all 34 counts brought against him. This made him the first U.S. president to become a convicted felon.

In addition to the hush money case, he has two election interference cases against him (one at a federal level and the other in the state of Georgia), and a classified documents case. In those three, he has been indicted, but not convicted.

One of the biggest controversies this year in the election has been Project 2025. Developed by the Heritage Foundation (a right-wing think tank), Project 2025 is a 900-page wish list for the next Republican president.

The plan calls for the entire federal bureaucracy, including independent agencies like the Department of Justice, to be placed under direct presidential control. It’s important to note that while some former Trump officials were involved in writing the plan, Trump himself has claimed that he disagrees with some of the things proposed on it and thinks some of the document is “ridiculous and abysmal”.

Most recently, his campaign came under fire for allowing comedian Tony Hinchcliffe to appear at his rally in Madison Square Garden in New York City and make several racist jokes against Puerto Ricans and Hispanics.

The Trump campaign later came out with a statement saying his joke did not reflect the views of the campaign. Trump himself said he didn’t know the comedian or hear the jokes but has not officially condemned the jokes.

Former President Donald Trump has had a controversial, but at times successful, foray into American politics. He’s recently targeted several swing states that will be crucial to getting him back into office to implement his plan above.

Ethan Ellis is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email ece5133@psu.edu.

Kamala Harris (D) - Candidate for President of the United States

The current vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, is the first woman, black American and Asian American to hold the title. In July 2024, President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee.

By August 2024, Harris was officially the Democratic Party’s nominee.

Harris studied at Howard University and earned her law degree at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Staying in California, Harris served as a deputy district attorney and gained respect through her toughness in prosecuting gang members, drug traffickers and sexual abusers.

In 2011, she was named the attorney general of California, then in 2017, she joined the U.S. Senate.

More recently, she ran for president in 2020, but with her race being doomed by December 2019, she removed herself from the running. Harris kept her reputation clean, passionate and consistent, which made her a high-profile politician by the time Biden needed to choose a vice president to accompany his campaign. And the newest candidate in the 2024 Primary Election, replacing Biden.

Economy

Kamala Harris’ economic plan for her 2024 presidential campaign builds on several Biden-era policies while intensifying efforts to address middle-class concerns, like high living costs and income inequality. Harris proposes expanding the Child Tax Credit up to $6,000 for families with newborns and restoring the enhanced credit available under the American Rescue Plan Act, aiming to provide more direct support to families.

Additionally, she plans to increase funding for affordable housing by constructing 3 million new homes, up from Biden’s proposed 2 million, and restrict large investors from purchasing residential properties to limit rent hikes.

Harris also targets corporate practices she argues drive inflation, focusing on controlling grocery and housing costs through stricter regulations on corporate pricing and subsidies to lower insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act.

Reproductive Health

Kamala Harris strongly supports federal legislation to protect reproductive rights, particularly aiming to codify the protections established by “Roe v. Wade”. In her campaign, she has emphasized the importance of restoring these rights, which were overturned by the Supreme Court’s “Dobbs v. Jackson” decision in 2022.

To make this possible, Harris advocates for an exception to the Senate filibuster rule, which would allow reproductive rights legislation to pass with a simple majority of 51 votes, rather than the usual 60-vote threshold.

Harris’s plan reflects a pragmatic approach, aiming to achieve broad access while maintaining limits around the point of fetal viability, approximately 22-24 weeks. This has resonated with mainstream abortion rights groups, but some activists argue it doesn’t go far enough in securing unrestricted access beyond viability.

Harris’s firm stance on reproductive rights underscores her campaign’s focus on women’s autonomy and healthcare decisions as pivotal for her platform and the 2024 election.

Immigration

Kamala Harris supports a comprehensive immigration reform plan that includes strengthening border security while providing pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

As vice president, Harris led diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of migration from Central America, including economic instability and violence in countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Through partnerships, she has helped secure investment aimed at creating opportunities in these regions to reduce migration pressure on U.S. borders.

Harris has consistently emphasized humane treatment for immigrants and supports Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which protects young immigrants from deportation. Recently, she has advocated for stronger border enforcement, aiming to neutralize criticisms of a “porous border.”

This approach includes hiring additional border agents, targeting trafficking networks, and addressing fentanyl smuggling—a stance that aligns her with bipartisan efforts on immigration reform. This policy strategy attempts to balance enforcement with protections for those who contribute to U.S. communities, especially focusing on Dreamers and long-standing residents who seek legal pathways to citizenship.

Natalie Simone is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

Bob Casey Jr. (D) – Candidate for United States Senate

About: Bob Casey was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania where he still resides. He and his wife, Terese, have lived in the Hill section of Scranton in the same home where they raised their four daughters.

He brings the Pennsylvania values of hard work and perseverance to his service in the U.S. Senate.

He is one of the most bipartisan and effective members of the Senate. He introduced and passed into law more bills than nearly every other Senator in the last Congress. Casey regularly visits each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties to talk to the people of PA about the issues that matter most to them.

He believes in LGBTQ+ rights and has worked to implement legislation that allows for equal rights. Casey also believes that women should have the right to choose when it comes to their bodies.

He supports the disabled, seniors, and children. He believes education is a right and is working to create more jobs in the commonwealth.

Casey practiced law in Scranton and began his political career as Pennsylvania Auditor General. He was elected in 1996 and held the position until 2005. A year later he was elected to the United States Senate and has held that position since.

Casey has been a senator for three consecutive terms and is running for a fourth term this November.

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ+, & Unions

He prioritizes protecting our democracy and voting rights, women’s rights, and workers’ rights. He believes it was a mistake to overturn Roe v. Wade and strongly opposes Republican efforts to enact a national abortion ban.

He fought for ten years to ensure workplaces treat pregnant women fairly with his Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. He’s fighting for equal pay for equal work.

He has fought to undo many of the harmful policies that contributed to the historic discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in the United States.

He’s also an original co-sponsor of an act that protects the right to organize a union and is actively fighting to pass an act to prevent corporations from receiving tax breaks for union busting. He has helped save thousands of Pennsylvania workers’ and retirees’ pensions as part of the American Rescue Plan.

Supporting Seniors, Children, and People with Disabilities

Casey supports investments in early education by fighting to increase funding for Head Start and quality, affordable child care. He is also working to promote children’s health care by expanding CHIP and passing the Medicaid for Every Child Act, which would automatically enroll children in Medicaid at birth.

As the Chair of the Senate Aging Committee, he has worked to protect seniors from financial scams and exposed underperforming nursing homes

He took on insurance and pharmaceutical companies to cap insulin costs at $35 a month for seniors and co-led the reauthorization of the hallmark Older Americans Act, which delivers essential services to Pennsylvania’s seniors.

He has been a strong advocate and voice for Americans with disabilities, making sure they have access to high-quality education, strong healthcare benefits, and secure employment. He wrote and passed the ABLE Act, which has been called the most significant disability legislation since the ADA.

Fighting for Workers

Casey is an original co-sponsor of the PRO Act and he introduced the Tax Fairness for Workers Act to allow workers to deduct union dues from their taxes.

Through his work in Washington, Casey has fought to pass legislation, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which are projected to create hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs all across the Commonwealth over the next decade.

He is a leader in the fight to hold the Chinese government accountable for its currency manipulation and cheating practices that caused Pennsylvania workers to lose their jobs.

Economy

Casey is working to pass a law to give the Federal Trade Commission the power to punish corporate price gouging.

To fight back against the corporate tax giveaways, he supports raising corporate tax rates and making corporations pay their fair share. He also wants to reinstate the expanded Child Tax Credit to put more money in working families’ pockets.

Hannah Neurohr is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email hmn5264@psu.edu.

Dave McCormick (R) – Candidate for United States Senate

In the evolving world of American politics, few figures have spotted as much attention as Dave McCormick. From a businessman into being a political candidate in Pennsylvania, McCormick’s beliefs and policies have stirred considerable debate.

He seeks to establish himself as a key player in the swing state’s political future for both legislative documentation and future elections as a current representative of the Republican Party, in his run for a U.S. Senate seat.

Background

Dave McCormick was born on Feb. 2, 1965, in Washington, Pennsylvania. He is a seventh-generation Pennsylvanian and has spent much of his life working in and observing the battleground state.

He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served as an officer in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he attended both Princeton and Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

His mind intertwined the worlds of finance and business leading to leadership roles at global investment firms such as being the CEO of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest hedge funds.

He sat on former President Donald Trump’s Defense Advisory Board and served in top positions under President George W. Bush.

His combination of military experience/discipline and business background places him in political positions as a candidate who, according to him, understands both the practical and strategic aspects of governance.

Political Thoughts and Beliefs

McCormick’s political beliefs are rooted in a commitment to conservative tracks, emphasizing personal responsibility, economic growth, and national security. His team says they have created a vision for Pennsylvania that includes revitalizing its economy, enhancing educational opportunities, and strengthening the state’s position in national affairs.

As far as presidential endorsements go, McCormick is Trump all the way. He spoke before the Republican National Convention calling the 2024 election a “choice between America’s greatness or its sad, disgraceful decline.” McCormick’s speech included a headline of a quote he spoke “Who’s ready to retire Joe Biden and Border Czar Kamala Harris and send her back to California? And who’s ready to make Donald Trump our 47th President.”

Economic Growth and Job Creation

McCormick’s platform has a strong focus on economic growth and job creation. He believes that Pennsylvania has the potential to be a leader in various industries, including technology, energy, and manufacturing.

McCormick argues for policies that reduce regulatory burdens on businesses, promote innovation, and incentivize investment in the state.

He envisions Pennsylvania as a hub for tech startups and renewable energy initiatives, reflecting a belief that the state can thrive in a modern economy while respecting its historical manufacturing roots.

National Security and Foreign Policy

McCormick stresses the importance of a strong national defense and has been vocal about the need to address threats from abroad, particularly from nations like China and Russia.

Back in 2021 he made the statement, “Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Bob Casey’s failed border policies have created an enormous economic and national security threat for America and Pennsylvania.” actively criticizing the democratic party.

McCormick argues that economic competition is directly linked to national security, advocating for a foreign policy that supports American interests while promoting global stability. This aligns with traditional Republican values of strength and dominance on the world stage.

He also spoke with the Pennsylvania Quarterly on how national security was a large part of why he wanted to run, “last fall, the Afghanistan thing – our withdrawal — really shook me. It was a national humiliation and such a sign of weakness.”

Education Reform

Education is another large focus of McCormick’s campaign. He advocates to enhance school choice, increase funding for vocational training, and ensure that students are prepared for the jobs of the future.

McCormick has often highlighted the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, advocating for partnerships between schools and local businesses to best prepare students for what the job world needs.

He recently campaigned for school choice in Harrisburg. This included proposing making it easier for a parent to send their child to private schools using public or outside money.

Health Care and Social Issues

In the realm of healthcare, McCormick supports market-based solutions aiming to prioritize patient choice and reduce costs. He believes that competition among providers can lead to better outcomes and lower prices for consumers.

McCormick’s approach to social issues tends to reflect conservative values. He has emphasized the need for policies that promote family stability and community engagement, arguing that strong families are foundational to a thriving society.

Challenges and Controversies

McCormick faces challenges within the competitive Republican landscape. His past business dealings have drawn scrutiny and backlash from opponents who question his connection to everyday Pennsylvanians who he aims and chooses to represent.

Additionally, dealing with political dynamics in Pennsylvania, a state with diverse sides, poses another challenge for the politician.

Conclusion

Dave McCormick stands at an unsure moment in Pennsylvania politics, advocating for a vision that combines traditional conservative values with a forward-looking agenda. He continues to campaign and articulate his vision. Whether he can effectively translate his beliefs into electoral success remains to be seen.

Bronwyn Liber is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email brl5354@psu.edu.

Eugene DePasquale (D) – Candidate for Pennsylvania Attorney General

Eugene DePasquale is the Democratic nominee in the 2024 Pennsylvania Attorney General Election. He is running against Dave Sunday. The incumbent attorney general, Michelle Henry, Democrat, is not running for reelection.

The role of a state attorney general is to provide counsel for local and federal government agencies and to propose legislation as well as facilitate legal proceedings for the state, amongst other responsibilities.

DePasquale’s resume includes serving as the Pennsylvania Auditor General from 2013-2021 while also serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2007-2013.

DePasquale himself is also a lawyer.

In more recent years, much of DePasquale’s time has been committed to teaching at both the Widener University School of Law and the University of Pittsburgh.

DePasquale announced his bid for attorney general back in June 2023.

“Too many of our rights and freedoms are under attack by extremists – from criminals and big corporations to dishonest politicians,” said DePasquale in his candidacy announcement video.

He stated that his top priority was to protect the people of Pennsylvania, which includes “defending reproductive rights, making all communities safer, and safeguarding taxpayer and consumer dollars.”

Here are DePasquale’s positions on some of the biggest issues facing Pennsylvania voters ahead of the 2024 elections:

Reproductive Freedom

One of DePasquale’s top issues is that of defending reproductive freedoms such as access to abortions, IVF care and contraceptives.

During the Pennsylvania Attorney General Democratic Debate, DePasquale cited his history as Auditor General of cracking down on “the fraudsters at Real Alternatives who were giving pregnant women, basically lying, horrible information about what would happen to them if they actually had an abortion.”

Throughout his legislative tenure, DePasquale has received a 100% rating from the Planned Parenthood of Pennsylvania organization.

Education

DePasquale plans to work towards creating equity across the public education system, so that “every Pennsylvania student gets an equal opportunity at a quality public education,” a stated issue on his election website.

An additional avenue Pasquale seeks to pursue in his role as attorney general is cracking down on corruption.

His previous tenure as Auditor General saw him uncover around “$2 billion in waste, fraud and abuse.”

DePasquale’s candidacy has been endorsed by the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, and he is a strong advocate for unions in the education sphere.

Crime and Gun Control

DePasquale’s father was a Vietnam War veteran who struggled with mental health as a side effect of his service.

He underwent substance abuse issues which eventually led to him getting entangled with the criminal justice system and marking him as a felon.

Growing up throughout that process, DePasquale committed to pursuing the law in what he viewed as both fair and strong-willed.

DePasquale says that Pennsylvanians must elect an attorney general who understands the effects that poverty, mental health, substance abuse and incarceration have on our community.

On the issue of gun control, DePasquale supports universal background checks, red flag laws and the banning of the sale of “ghost guns” (Privately made firearms that lack serial numbers used to trace them and are often purchased without a background check).

The Economy

DePasquale says he wants to fight for a “fair economy”, which he will do so by enforcing tax codes on the rich, combating fraud and maintaining an equitable healthcare system.

DePasquale vows to represent victims of unethical practices in the health and healthcare sphere and take on insurance companies that unlawfully deny coverage.

DePasquale promises to crack down on corporate greed through his role as Attorney General and defend workers from wage theft, stop corporate price gouging and go after predatory scamming practices.

Another concern of DePasquale is handling the opioid crisis through the legal avenue of ensuring that settlement payouts are spent on “proven prevention and treatment problems.”

Labor and Unions

DePasquale is pro-union and has a 100% certification record as a legislator from the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations).

“I’m proud of my record as a fighter for Pennsylvania’s working families. I’ve never shied away from taking on bullies who threaten or exploit us, and I never will,” said DePasquale as he accepted his endorsement from the AFL-CIO.

DePasquale is also endorsed by a swathe of other union entities and is himself a member of the United Steelworkers Union. DePasquale says he will fight wage theft and defend collective bargaining rights.

Trip Tagle is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact them, please email tnt5403@psu.edu.

Dave Sunday (R) - Candidate for Pennsylvania Attorney General

York County District Attorney Dave Sunday is a 2024 Republican candidate for Pennsylvania attorney general. He is running against Democrat Eugene DePasquale, the state’s former auditor general.

Sunday brings over 15 years of prosecutorial experience, focused on public safety and fighting violent crime, drug offenses and gang activity.

Graduating from Penn State University in 2002 with a finance degree, Sunday went on to earn his law degree from Widener Law School in 2007. During law school, he interned at the United Nations in New York with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

He began his legal career as a clerk for former York County President Judge Joseph C. Adams before joining the York County District Attorney’s Office, where he rose to chief deputy prosecutor of litigation. In this role, Sunday led major crime cases, managed the Felony Narcotics Unit and served as legal advisor for the Drug Task Force and SWAT team.

Appointed in 2013 by the U.S. Department of Justice as a special assistant U.S. attorney, Sunday prosecuted federal cases involving gang, gun and drug offenses.

Beyond trial work, Sunday has served as president of the York County Bar Association, on the board of the York County Children’s Advocacy Center and the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association’s Board and Education Committee.

His work has earned awards such as the 2019 Spirit of York County Award and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Cooperative Law Enforcement Award in 2020.

Here are Sunday’s positions on some of the key issues highlighted in his 2024 campaign:

Public Safety & Law Enforcement

During his first term as district attorney, Sunday’s collaborative efforts resulted in a 30% reduction in crime, nearly a 40% decrease in the prison population from its peak and a lower supervision caseload.

A recent Indiana University of Pennsylvania study found that York County offenders had the lowest five-year recidivism rate compared to seven other counties, emphasizing the impact of Sunday’s initiatives.

One of his notable accomplishments is York County’s Early Termination of Probation Program, which boasts a 95% success rate, with only 5% of participants reoffending within two years. This program has become a statewide model for probation reform.

In his role as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Sunday led “Operation Sunrise,” a large-scale arrest and prosecution of over 100 members and affiliates of the violent Latin Kings gang in York County.

As a career litigator, he has personally tried about 50 felony jury trials, including over ten high-profile York County murder cases, securing convictions in cases such as multi-defendant gang murders, targeted shootings and domestic violence homicides.

A pivotal moment in Sunday’s career came in 2012 when he prosecuted a case involving a man who repeatedly scammed an elderly York County resident with Alzheimer’s disease out of thousands of dollars.

In a March interview with the York Daily Record, he described this experience as an integral moment that fueled his desire to run for attorney general, stressing his commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and prioritizing public safety.

Sunday’s experience extends to community-centered programs as well; he co-chairs the York County Reentry Coalition Action for Recovery and Diversion (CARD) initiative, as well as being a founding member of the York Group Violence Initiative (GVI), where he focuses on providing individuals with the opportunity to change their lives yet still enforcing the law rigorously.

Sunday said during a March debate that the number one cause of crime is failure to arrest, charge and prosecute people for illegal possession of firearms. “Because until that’s done, we are never going to see a change,” he said during the debate.

Opioid Epidemic

Another key initiative for Sunday is the fight against drug-related crimes, particularly focusing on the heroin and fentanyl epidemic in York County. He believes that the opioid epidemic is the number one issue plaguing Pennsylvania.

He co-founded the York County Heroin Task Force, now known as the York County Opioid Collaborative, where he served as board chair. His leadership also contributed to the expansion of the District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, aimed at combating the heroin and fentanyl trade throughout the county.

Since taking office as district attorney, Sunday has provided expert testimony on the heroin epidemic and human trafficking before various legislative bodies, including the York County State House Delegation Public Hearing on Human Trafficking, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary and Law and Justice Committees.

In the same interview with the York Daily Record, Sunday referred to his experiences addressing the opioid crisis as one of the most galvanizing moments of his career, shaping his campaign for attorney general.

He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I’m running for attorney general because I believe that our open border and the fentanyl pouring in here is going to kill more Americans and more Pennsylvanians than we’ve ever seen in our lives.”

This statement, made during a debate with state Rep. Craig Williams of Delaware County in March, highlights his commitment to tackling the opioid epidemic as a central theme of his campaign for the 2024 election.

Gavin Rollman is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email gmr5526@psu.edu.

Malcolm Kenyatta (D) – Candidate for Auditor General

Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta is a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Auditor General. He is running against the Republican incumbent Timothy DeFoor, who assumed office in 2021.

Kenyatta has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2019 and represents the 181st district. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Kenyatta has been engaged in community and political affairs since he was a child.

He became the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color in the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2018. He also made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color to seek a U.S. Senate seat in 2022.

Kenyatta serves on the Finance and Commerce committees in the state House and is co-chair of the Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. In 2023 he was appointed by President Joe Biden to chair the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.

Kenyatta has received endorsements from both of Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators, Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey.

Here are Kenyatta’s positions on some of the biggest issues for the 2024 elections:

Education

In 2022, incumbent Auditor General DeFoor returned responsibility for performing school audits to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, closing the Bureau of School Audits. Kenyatta wants to reestablish this bureau.

Rebuilding this bureau will take back the responsibility for annual school compliance audits and, according to Kenyatta, “ensure every single one of our kids is getting the high-quality education they deserve.”

Kenyatta has been endorsed by teachers statewide, including the Pennsylvania state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.

Gun Control

Kenyatta advocates for common-sense gun safety policies such as red-flag laws and background checks. He has supported other strategies to reduce crime in Pennsylvania, saying that the state needs to crack down on straw purchasing and ghost guns.

Straw purchasing is when someone is unable to pass a required background check or desires to not have their name associated with the transaction and uses a proxy buyer to do so for them. Ghost guns are privately made firearms that have no serial numbers.

Kenyatta co-sponsored a measure approved by the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee on Jan. 17 aimed at ending the rapid increase of “ghost guns” in the state. House Bill 777 would impose a third-degree felony on anyone who sells or purchases a firearm or firearm parts with serial numbers.

If elected, Kenyatta has pledged to review the state’s approach to reducing gun violence.

Abortion and Healthcare

Kenyatta has vocally supported abortion rights for citizens of Pennsylvania. He says that abortion is healthcare and that the government has no right to force anyone to give birth.

He has sponsored a bill that would require insurance companies to fully cover abortion services. Kenyatta has also voted against a Senate Bill aimed at establishing a constitutional amendment that states that there is no constitutional right to taxpayer-funded abortions.

Kenyatta has also said that every Pennsylvanian deserves the right to have a healthcare plan that meets their needs and that they should not be forced into deciding between spending money on food or their prescriptions.

According to Kenyatta’s website, if elected he will ensure that hospital nonprofits and long-term care providers disclose their use of state dollars.

Economy

Kenyatta has worked as a community activist on poverty issues, calling poverty a public health crisis and “the moral and economic issue of our generation.” He has long supported the $15 Now movement, a movement that advocates for a $15 dollar minimum wage, and has also vocally supported equal-pay initiatives regardless of race or gender.

In February, Kenyatta praised the expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, calling it “life-changing support for families.”

Earlier this year, Kenyatta introduced legislation to study the public assistance benefits cliff. This is a situation in which a family’s household earnings increase and public benefit programs phase out quickly.

Labor and Unions

Kenyatta has pledged to look “deeply and critically” at how the state enforces labor laws. He plans to do this by creating a Bureau of Labor and Worker Protection.

This bureau is intended to investigate union busting and wage theft, as well as ensure businesses follow labor laws concerning independent contractors.

Kenyatta has also received endorsements and support from several labor unions, including the Service Employees International Union and the Pennsylvania State Construction and Building Trades Council.

Kenyatta has also supported a nationwide temporary prohibition on fracking, saying that the state should be focusing on clean energy.

Isabelle Charboneau is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ijc5186@psu.edu.

Timothy DeFoor (R) - Candidate for Auditor General

Currently running for his second term, Timothy L. DeFoor is the Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s Auditor General. He has had the title since 2021, serving as the 50th Auditor General in Pennsylvania.

DeFoor grew up in Harrisburg, PA, and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. He is still very involved with his hometown community and serves on boards of many different organizations, including the local YMCA, the community college’s foundation, and the Chris “Handles” Foundation, a charity that benefits black youth in Harrisburg.

His passions include improving financial literacy for adults and students kindergarten through 12th grade in Pennsylvania.

After finishing his education, he began pursuing work in public service. In 2021, he made national history by being elected as Pennsylvania's first black auditor general. DeFoor feels responsible “to open doors and elevate others” and wants to promote success to all incomes and people in the state.

Starting as the Special Investigator with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Office of Inspector General he investigated fraud, waste and abuse within the state government.

If reelected his priorities are to cut “wasteful government spending” to relieve the taxpayers and economy and to adjust and review the relationship between taxpayer dollars and state programs.

Education

DeFoor worked with the General Assembly to create “Be Money $mart” in 2021, a financial literacy initiative to be taught in K-12 public, charter and cyber schools in Pennsylvania.

The initiative’s mission describes the need for students to learn “tools they can use to help them on the journey to financial independence.”

In 2023, DeFoor, supported by Senator Chris Gebhard, Act 35 “requires all public schools to teach a half credit of personal financial literacy for high school students starting with the 2026-2027 school year.”

Since “Be Money $mart” began, DeFoor has accomplished a statewide tour to advocate for financial literacy legislation, educated students in several YMCAs, worked with Junior Achievement for elementary school education and created a statewide financial literacy competition for high school students with Harrisburg’s University of Science and Technology.

Healthcare

As Auditor General, in 2022, DeFoor released an audit revealing that taxpayers paid an extra $7 million for Medicaid prescription drug benefits due to the neglect of the Department of Human Services and the pharmacy benefit managers.

DeFoor is a critic of Medicaid and plans to continue investigating the policy and Medicare to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used correctly.

However, this audit received negative feedback with people believing it was politically motivated and conflating data.

Community Engagement

DeFoor investigated and “uncovered financial irregularities in volunteer firefighter relief associations.” Specifically, the Markle Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association had nearly $26,000 missing.

The case was reported to the Centre County District Attorney and found in 2019-2020 there were 18 savings account withdrawals. The result of the investigation risked future state aid unless the associations continued to follow the policies and regulations.

Natalie Simone is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

Erin McClelland (D) – Candidate for Pennsylvania State Treasurer

Erin McClelland, a business owner and former project manager with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, is the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Treasurer. She previously ran for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 12th District and has experience managing payroll, which she cites as foundational to her views on finance and worker rights.

McClelland is running to unseat Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood PA PAC, and several labor unions have endorsed her.​

Worker Protections and Keystone Saves

McClelland opposes the proposed Keystone Saves program, which would establish a state-managed IRA for employees at businesses that do not offer retirement plans. She criticizes it as a “privatized, unregulated” scheme, pledging instead to shield workers from risky financial products and to advocate for better-regulated retirement options. Her campaign emphasizes a commitment to economic equity and protecting Pennsylvania workers.​

Human Rights and Ethical Contracting

Drawing on the Biden administration’s Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, McClelland proposes requiring companies with state contracts to certify that their supply chains are free from forced labor. She says she will aim to use the treasurer’s office to oversee ethical contracting, holding companies accountable if they do not comply with human rights standards.​

Transparency and Financial Accountability

McClelland aims to boost transparency in government spending and financial practices as treasurer. She is focused on improving oversight mechanisms and ensuring taxpayer money supports Pennsylvanians directly rather than flowing to unregulated financial products or mismanaged investments.​

McClelland’s campaign has framed the 2024 election as a test of Democratic commitment to labor rights and economic justice, specifically for rural and working-class voters she believes have been underserved.

Annelise Hanson is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email amh8563@psu.edu.

Stacy Garrity (R) - Candidate for Pennsylvania State Treasurer

Stacy Garrity, the Republican candidate for Pennsylvania State Treasurer, has a strong background in both the military and financial sectors.

She graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a degree in finance and economics and later attended the Cornell University Business Management Institute.

Garrity’s military career includes three deployments with the U.S. Army Reserve, where she earned the nickname “Angel of the Desert” for her work at Camp Bucca, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, receiving two Bronze Stars and the Legion of Merit before retiring as a colonel.

In the business realm, she served as a cost accountant and rose to vice president at Global Tungsten & Powders Corp, specializing in finance and government affairs. Garrity is also actively involved in her community, serving on boards for organizations like the United Way and Guthrie Hospital.

Economy

Garrity promotes fiscal responsibility and transparency in state spending. Since taking office in 2021, she has emphasized returning unclaimed property to Pennsylvania residents, managing to return over 500 million dollars in the last two years.

Garrity has also focused on enhancing the state’s financial transparency portal, offering better access to spending and budget data for Pennsylvania taxpayers, and has criticized unnecessary government spending as part of her economic agenda.

Garrity advocates for streamlining savings programs, including lowering fees for the Pennsylvania 529 College and Pa. ABLE savings plans, which aim to support families saving for education and disability expenses.

Garrity claims her office has saved account holders millions through these adjustments. Her platform continues to spotlight transparency in state finances and maximizing returns on Pennsylvania’s investments as she campaigns for re-election​.

Law Enforcement

Garrity is endorsed by key law enforcement organizations, including the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association (PSTA) and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Garrity’s support for law enforcement is a core part of her platform, and she emphasizes providing resources to law enforcement agencies to ensure community safety and maintain public trust.

Her endorsements highlight her commitment to supporting officers, as she has advocated for policies that reinforce law enforcement capabilities and safety across the state. Garrity’s law enforcement stance contrasts with her opponent’s approach, as she critiques her opponents for supporting organizations or initiatives that, in her view, may prioritize rehabilitation over punishment for certain offenders, which she believes could compromise public safety.

Her support from the PSTA and the FOP signifies trust in her dedication to public safety, particularly through the efficient allocation of state resources and strategic fiscal oversight to support law enforcement agencies.

Through her platform, Garrity aims to be a steady ally for law enforcement, reinforcing her image as a reliable public servant who prioritizes state security and the welfare of its officers.

Healthcare

Garrity emphasizes fiscal transparency, cost savings, and efficiency in her approach to healthcare-related expenditures. Although healthcare isn’t her primary campaign focus, her initiatives often impact residents’ healthcare indirectly.

For example, Garrity supports programs like the Pa. 529 College and Career Savings Program, which helps families save for educational and career opportunities, indirectly affecting healthcare costs by potentially improving access to health education.

Additionally, Garrity promotes efficient management of unclaimed property returns, which she argues can alleviate financial strains on Pennsylvanians facing medical expenses by giving them quick access to funds they may not realize are available. This economic strategy reflects her broader goal of reducing financial burdens for residents, including those affecting healthcare.

Natalie Simone is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

Zach Womer (D) – Candidate for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District

Zach Womer is a Democratic candidate for the 2024 United States House of Representatives in Pennsylvania’s 15th District. He is running against incumbent Glenn Thompson, who has served in this position since 2019.

Womer makes history in this election as the youngest congressional candidate in the nation at the age of 25.

Zach Womer has been a construction worker for seven years and is an aspiring lawyer.

Education

Womer was the first person in his family to earn a college degree. He attended Denison University and later became a law student at Pennsylvania State University. While attending law school, he served on the Centre County Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, and Early Intervention Advisory Board. His writing has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Centre Daily Times, Capital-Star, and others.

Trade

When explaining his vision for reimplementing jobs in Central Pennsylvania, Womer commented, “Under the regime of free trade, we have seen thousands of jobs lost as American corporations take advantage of the weak labor protections of other nations. To bring manufacturing back to Central PA, I believe we need to implement targeted tariffs on goods that can be reasonably produced in the United States.”

Womer believes free trade is one of the biggest threats to Central Pennsylvania as it has taken away a large variety of manufacturing jobs. In Congress, he would strongly support policies that improve job prospects for residents of the region.

Public Assistance and Federal Programs

Womer considers the 15th Congressional District to be the most economically distressed in Pennsylvania, citing that over 100,000 residents rely on public assistance. He is a strong supporter of programs providing public assistance, such as Medicaid, and promises to never cut funding.

When asked if these programs are doing enough to provide public assistance, Womer responded, “No. Frankly, as our federal programs have been gutted over the last three decades, we have seen childhood poverty and food insecurity rise in the 15th district. We don’t need fewer benefits and less investment in our community; we need more.”

Worker’s Rights

Womer believes that individual worker protections have declined as corporations have taken hold of the government. He aims to stand in solidarity with all workers and to advocate for adequate pay.

When asked how being a construction worker has impacted his opinion on workers’ rights, Womer explained, “It prompted me to run for office because when I heard political speeches, I didn’t hear the issues that my compatriots discussed in the national debate. I felt that as a construction worker with an education, I had a unique ability to ardently advocate for them.”

Corporate Influence

Womer sees corporate influence as a significant problem in government. He believes corporations prioritize their bottom line over the nation’s health and promises to fight corporate influence to empower the people.

When asked about a specific corporation he takes issue with, Womer cited Cargill, explaining that the corporation “consistently uses its immense wealth and influence to prevent antitrust action, making it very difficult for small family farms to survive.”

Market Consolidation

Womer argues that capitalism cannot function without competition. He views market consolidation as an issue, stating that when there is no competition, those running the markets can set prices without concern for competitive pricing. He aims to break up consolidated markets to create more competition for American consumers.

Nikolai Wagner is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To email him, contact njw5648@psu.edu.

Glenn (GT) Thompson (R) – Candidate for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District

Congressman Thompson is the incumbent in this race to reelect him to the U.S. House of Representatives. Thompson is a Pa. native and a lifelong resident of Howard.

Before politics, Thompson worked as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager and licensed nursing home administrator. Outside of work, Thompson is an Eagle Scout and spent over 30 years as an active member of the Juniata Valley Boy Scout Council. In addition to Boy Scouts, Thompson also served as a volunteer firefighter for over three decades.

Thompson attended Penn State University and Temple University, earning a B.S. and Masters in Education respectively. Thompson’s married to his wife Penny and has three sons and two grandsons.

Here’s where Thompson stands on issues affecting the 15th District:

Education

Thompson wants to ensure access to high-quality and affordable education for all students, especially those in rural areas. He served on the House Committee on Education & the Workforce.

He also wants to strengthen and expand the skilled workforce to preserve the nation’s technical job base and remain globally competitive. Thompson is a strong advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Energy

Thompson wants to make energy a priority and bring energy production back to the US. He believes this will protect our economy, environment and national security.

Thompson wants to increase fossil fuel production in the U.S. He feels that even with heavy funding going toward renewable energy, it’s still important to increase fossil fuel energy production as it currently makes up 85% of energy usage.

While he supports fossil fuels, he also supports increasing renewable energy sources. He feels that Congress has an obligation to do so. Thompson says he will support legislation that proposes to responsibly expand these types of energy.

Healthcare

This is one of the areas of politics that Thompson is most familiar with. Thompson is a huge critic of the Affordable Care Act, which he feels gives the government too much control over an individual’s health. He wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and find a more common-sense reform to healthcare.

As a congressman, Thompson introduced bills like the Fairness in Medicare Act, to fix the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program. He claims this would allow smaller suppliers who charge less for medical equipment to have a fair shot on the market and drive down costs for seniors.

Agriculture

Thompson is a descendant of farmers and recognizes the importance of agriculture to Pa. He is the Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee.

Rural Development is something that is central to his agriculture policy. He wants to expand broadband and cell phone service in Pa. as he knows it is critical for farmers.

Thompson also wants to help support dairy farmers, as Pa. ranks fourth in the nation in dairy production. He wants to repeal part of the legislation passed by Congress in 2010 that prohibited varieties of milk from being served in the National School Lunch Program, which he claims has decreased milk consumption in schools.

Veterans

Thompson recognizes the importance of caring for U.S. veterans. He’s supported legislation that ensures they receive the care they need in a timely manner when they come home.

Thompson faces a challenge from Democrat Zach Womer in this election. Thompson’s district includes areas including State College, part of Williamsport, Warren and South Bradford.

Ethan Ellis is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email ece5133@psu.edu.

William McGill (D) - Candidate for Pennsylvania's 25th Senatorial District

William “Bill” McGill, the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 25th Senatorial District, has a unique educational and political background.

Raised in Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, he began working at a young age in local businesses and ultimately pursued a career in service and entrepreneurship. After high school, McGill joined the U.S. Army, where he managed troop medical clinics and earned the Army Commendation Medal.

His career then shifted to business, where he spent 35 years managing automobile dealerships in Pennsylvania.

Politically, McGill has community-based experience, serving as a Boy Scouts of America District Director and participating in the Jaycees, where he held leadership roles including District Director.

Although McGill previously ran for Williamsport City Council and the Pennsylvania State House, he is now focused on bringing his expertise in business and community service to the Pennsylvania Senate, aiming to address issues important to rural Pennsylvanians, like education funding and economic development in underserved areas.

Economy

McGill advocates for economic policies that address the unique challenges of rural areas. Acknowledging high costs and limited economic growth in rural Pennsylvania, McGill emphasizes fostering job creation and economic opportunity through legislation.

His approach includes developing new economic policies to support rural communities and reduce the disparity in state funding between urban and rural areas. He aims to promote rural development, including expanding broadband access, a necessity for business and education in these communities​.

Additionally, McGill seeks tax reform to enhance state revenues and reduce dependency on regressive taxes. For instance, he advocates for a severance tax on fracking instead of the current impact fee.

This tax could generate additional revenue to fund services and potentially reduce income and property taxes. McGill’s economic approach highlights both immediate relief measures and long-term strategies for sustainable growth in his district.

Education

McGill prioritizes educational reforms to support equity and accessibility across Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on rural education. McGill sees broadband access as a crucial factor for educational success in underserved rural communities, suggesting that improved connectivity can bridge educational gaps.

He promotes increased state funding to ensure equitable distribution for schools, aiming to counteract underfunding in rural areas that leaves some students without essential resources.

McGill also emphasizes lowering higher education costs, aligning with Democratic values to reduce the financial burden on students and graduates. He supports initiatives for affordable college tuition and reducing student debt, believing these steps will make higher education more accessible for all Pennsylvanians.

Through these proposals, McGill seeks to create a more inclusive educational landscape, preparing students in rural and urban areas alike for future success.

Healthcare

McGill stresses the importance of accessible, affordable care for all Pennsylvanians. He focuses particularly on expanding healthcare resources in rural areas, where hospital closures and limited medical services have left communities underserved.

To address this, McGill proposes bolstering funding for local healthcare facilities and advocates for telehealth as a short-term solution to mitigate the scarcity of nearby healthcare providers, especially in remote areas.

In the long term, he supports recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural regions to ensure consistent access to necessary medical services​.

Additionally, McGill is concerned about the rising costs of healthcare and aims to reduce the financial burden on residents. His vision includes working with state and federal agencies to increase funding for hospitals and clinics, supporting programs that lower prescription drug prices, and expanding mental health services.

By prioritizing both physical and mental healthcare infrastructure, McGill hopes to create a more inclusive and robust healthcare system for Pennsylvania’s underserved communities.

Natalie Simone is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

Cris Dush (R) – Candidate for Pennsylvania’s 25th Senatorial District

Dush enters this election as the incumbent, seeking to win his first reelection to this seat. Dush was elected to the seat in 2020.

Before serving as a state senator, Dush represented the PA’s 66th district for six years. At that time, he honored one of his campaign promises to give up his seat after three terms.

Senator Dush is a native of Brookville, Pa. He attended Brookville High School there and attended Clarion State College.

He then enlisted in the Air Force, where he held multiple roles, including Hostage Negotiation Team Chief, Anti-Terrorism Program Manager and Resource Protection Technical Consultant to the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA. After his 16 years of service, Dush returned and worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for 16 years, retiring in 2012.

After that Dush served as the Chief of Information Protection at the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Dush and his wife Traci currently reside in Pine Creek Township. Here are some of the issues that are important to him:

The Second Amendment

Dush believes in protecting the constitutional rights of Americans and protecting their freedoms enshrined in it. He is a big Second Amendment advocate, receiving an “A” rating from the NRA back in 2020. He is also the chairman of the PA Senate Second Amendment Caucus.

Spending

Dush wants to cut down on government spending and combat the debt that PA is facing. On his campaign site, Dush claims he uncovered wasteful government spending and reduced unfunded mandates. These were mandates that allegedly harmed schools, industries and local governments.

Schools

Dush is a huge advocate for PA schools. In October alone, he helped bring in over $4 million in grants for schools in the area.

Human Trafficking

Last year, Dush helped sponsor a landmark, bipartisan human trafficking bill in PA. The bill removed the requirement for any minor exploited for commercial sex to identify their third-party perpetrator to be identified as a victim of human trafficking.

Ethan Ellis is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email ece5133@psu.edu.

Scott Conklin (D) - Candidate for Pennsylvania's 77th Legislative District

Scott Conklin, the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 77th Legislative District, has a strong background in public service and local government.

Before joining the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006, Conklin served as a Centre County Commissioner from 1999, where he was recognized for his financial oversight, helping Centre County achieve one of its highest financial ratings in history.

Conklin’s focus in his legislative role has often involved government transparency and integrity, which aligns with his current position as the Democratic Chairman of the House State Government Committee. His commitment to local interests extends to his roles in various committees that cover finance and legislative budgets​

Economy

Conklin has a comprehensive and forward-thinking position in the economy. As the Majority Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, Conklin focuses on supporting local businesses and fostering job creation in his district.

He emphasizes the importance of equitable opportunities, particularly for minority-owned businesses, which often face significant financing challenges. By advocating for policies that connect these businesses with essential resources, he aims to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance competition within the local economy​.

Conklin also supports initiatives that boost the state’s overall economic health, including investments in infrastructure, technology, and education. His commitment to improving broadband access reflects his understanding of its critical role in enabling businesses, especially in rural areas, to thrive in a digital economy​.

Additionally, he champions policies that prioritize sustainable economic practices, aligning with his broader commitment to environmental protection and community welfare​.

Education

Conklin is a strong advocate for improving education in the state. He emphasizes the need for equitable funding for public schools, recognizing that many districts, particularly in rural areas, face significant financial challenges that hinder educational quality.

Conklin supports efforts to ensure that all students have access to quality education, regardless of their zip code​.

A key part of his educational agenda includes enhancing mental health resources in schools. Conklin believes that creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for students’ academic success, which includes addressing mental health issues that affect learning​.

He has actively worked on securing funding to improve school safety and mental health initiatives, recognizing their vital role in fostering a conducive learning atmosphere​

Conklin advocates for expanding vocational and technical training programs to prepare students for the workforce, aligning education with the evolving demands of the job market.

His comprehensive approach seeks to ensure that Pennsylvania’s education system not only provides foundational knowledge but also equips students with practical skills for future careers.

Reproductive Rights

Scott Conklin, the Democratic candidate for the Pennsylvania 77th Legislative District, is a staunch advocate for reproductive rights. He believes that individuals should have the autonomy to make their own healthcare decisions without government interference.

Conklin strongly opposes restrictions that limit access to reproductive health services, including abortion.

He views reproductive rights as integral to women’s health and equality, emphasizing the importance of protecting these rights at both the state and national levels​.

Conklin has been vocal in his criticism of legislative efforts that he perceives as attempts to undermine these rights, aligning with a broader Democratic commitment to safeguarding access to healthcare and reproductive choices​.

He advocates for comprehensive education on reproductive health, ensuring that individuals have access to the information they need to make informed decisions​.

Conklin’s position reflects a growing concern among many legislators about potential threats to reproductive freedoms, especially in light of recent national trends affecting access to these vital services.

Natalie Simone is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

Marie Librizzi (R) – Candidate for Pennsylvania’s 77th Legislative District

Librizzi is a former Unit Commander in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, who served there for 15 years. After the Coast Guard, she became an entrepreneur in the State College area.

Librizzi has owned several restaurants in the area and owned the Old Main Frame Shop and Gallery. Her political experience is limited to running for Centre County Commissioner in 2023. She currently resides in Ferguson Township. Here are some of the issues she’s passionate about:

Education and Parental Rights

She believes that parents are the ones who have the right to the direct moral and religious upbringing of children. Librizzi believes that schools should not override this right.

She wants to rid public schools of identity-based policy and curriculum. Additionally, She feels that schools should not let biological males in women’s sports and bathrooms.

Election Integrity

Librizzi stresses the importance of poll watchers and volunteers on election day to keep elections fair and free. She promises to sponsor legislation that will improve the security of elections at the county and state levels.

Energy Independence

She feels that PA is the answer to the U.S.’s energy independence. Librizzi wants to work to cut down on regulations and allow for more fracking and extracting of natural gas in PA. She feels that by doing this, more jobs will be created in the state.

Fiscal Responsibility

Cutting down on spending is something she feels she can do if elected. Librizzi feels that government spending is out of control and that it’s time to put the country on a sustainable monetary path.

Free Speech

Quoting the First Amendment on her campaign site, she feels that the government cannot limit your speech in any way. She firmly believes in the freedom of speech, as long as it’s done in a peaceful way.

Healthcare

Libizzi believes that healthcare is not a right guaranteed by the Constitution and therefore, is not the government’s responsibility. She thinks that government-run healthcare would be more expensive and less efficient than the private industry.

While she believes heavily in private health insurance, she does still want a safety net for those who cannot provide for their own healthcare needs. Finally, she strongly opposes giving healthcare to illegal immigrants.

Border Security

Librizzi wants to secure our border and stop the flow of illegal weapons, drugs and people. Securing the border provides economic prosperity and greater safety for citizens. She feels she has the resources needed to combat those problems in this district.

Jobs & the Economy

She thinks that high corporate taxes can hurt businesses and lose jobs. Librizzi thinks that some regulations can slow down business and job creation.

Law & Order

Librizzi promises to defend first responders and sponsor legislation that will benefit them.

Second Amendment

While Librizzi recognizes the right of Americans to bear arms, she feels that it is the obligation of gun owners to keep and use their firearms in a safe and responsible manner.

Librizzi is running for the 77th district against incumbent Scott Conklin. The 77th district includes Port Matilda, Waddle, and parts of State College, Osceola Mills, and Philipsburg.

Ethan Ellis is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email ece5133@psu.edu.

Paul Takac (D) – Candidate for Pennsylvania 82nd Legislative District

Pennsylvania State Representative Paul Takac is a Democratic candidate for the Pennsylvania 82nd District. He is running against Republican Therese Hollen, who is running for election for the first time.

Takac has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2023 and represents the 82nd district. For over twenty years, Takac and his wife, Regan, have lived in Centre County, where they raised their three children.

Takac has more than 30 years of legislative experience, serving as a member of the College Township Council and as chair of both the Spring Creek Watershed Commission and the Centre Region Council of Government’s Public Safety Committee. He also sits on multiple caucuses, including LGBTQ Equality, Labor, Mental Health and Manufacturing.

Here are Takac’s positions on some of the biggest issues for the 2024 elections:

Reproductive Rights and Abortion

In this election, Takac is the pro-choice candidate, and he believes that everyone should have control over their personal, bodily autonomy. According to Takac, “The decision to have an abortion is one the most personal decisions anyone can make and that decision should only be made by that person and their doctor.”

If elected, he will vote to codify Roe v. Wade into Pennsylvania Law to protect the reproductive rights of everyone in the Commonwealth, as well as make a safe haven for those seeking care from other states.

Takac would also introduce anti-discrimination legislation, including the right of everyone to control their own body, regardless of their gender identification.

Gun Ownership

Takac isn’t trying to take away individual gun ownership, but he believes that there should be some “common sense’ things that can be done, in order to keep people safe.

According to Takac, “We should look at common sense regulations that get guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.”

He believes that there should be a system in place where reasonable people can have a firearm, and people who aren’t reasonable shouldn’t be able to use a firearm until they are better and not a danger to a community.

Accountability is also another thing that Takac says that’s needed in order to keep people safe. If you are issued a weapon you are responsible for everything that happens with it and especially in a military sense.

Takac questions, “Why do 18-year-olds on their birthday have more rights than a trained U.S. service person.”

According to Takac’s website, he will actively work to bring ERPO laws to the floor, which will both protect people from domestic abuse with a weapon and also decrease the rate of gun-inflicted deaths by suicide.

LGBTQ+ Rights

Takac believes that every American deserves equal rights and protections under the law. According to Takac, “Pennsylvania is still one of 29 states that do not provide explicit protections for all those in the LGBTQ+ community and that must change.”

One of his first votes was in the PA House of Representatives to be cast in favor of the Pennsylvania Fairness Act, which would promote equity and comprehensive legal protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ community members.

He has also advocated and sponsored legislation for anti-bullying measures in schools and marriage equality in Pennsylvania.

According to Takac’s website, he will continue to be a champion for all Pennsylvanians to express themselves as their authentic selves, receive the affirming care they need, love who they love, and build the family they deserve.

Christian Audia is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism and economics. To contact him, email cga5177@psu.edu.

Therese Hollen (R) – Candidate for Pennsylvania State Representative in the 82nd District

Therese Hollen is driven by a vision to build a prosperous, safe, and fair future for all Pennsylvanians. Her campaign focuses on three main pillars: demanding an economy that works for all, developing abundant and clean energy, and delivering better education across the state.

With a background in healthcare and a commitment to her community, Hollen brings a unique perspective to these issues, striving to represent the diverse needs of her constituents in Harrisburg.

A mother and proud Christian, Hollen is passionate about supporting families and promoting parental rights. Her values are reinforced by endorsements from the Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania, Gun Owners of America and the Pa. Firearms Association.

State Representative Stephanie Borowicz and State Senator Chris Dush also backed her candidacy, aligning with her vision for a stronger, more resilient Pennsylvania.

Demanding an Economy That Works for All

Hollen advocates for economic fairness, focusing on policies that create opportunities for all Pennsylvanians. She envisions an economy that fosters job creation and sustainable growth, ensuring that everyone has a chance to prosper.

Community Safety

She is committed to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians feel secure within their communities. Emphasizing the need for effective local law enforcement, Hollen supports increased funding for police departments and other first responders, promising to equip them with the resources necessary to keep neighborhoods safe.

Developing Abundant and Clean Energy

Hollen prioritizes environmental responsibility, aiming to unleash Pennsylvania’s energy resources by tapping into its natural gas, petroleum, and renewable reserves. She believes that abundant, clean energy access will benefit the state’s economy, promote innovation, and provide Pennsylvanians with lower energy costs and greater financial freedom.

Delivering Better Education for All

Committed to enhancing educational standards statewide, Hollen seeks to ensure that every child has access to quality schooling and opportunities for success. She is passionate about strengthening education, viewing it as essential to Pennsylvania’s future growth and prosperity.

Healthcare Reform

Drawing from her background in healthcare, Hollen advocates for a shift toward preventative care. She argues that the state should address the root causes of chronic health issues and help Pennsylvanians live healthier, more productive lives.

Parental Rights and Family Values

As a strong proponent of family values, Hollen prioritizes parental rights and supports the ability of parents to raise and educate their children according to their beliefs. She views the family unit as foundational to a healthy society and intends to protect these rights in the legislature.

Abortion

Hollen believes that abortion is deeply personal to Pennsylvanians. She supports allowing state residents to vote on abortion legislation directly, advocating for the decision to rest with the people rather than solely with lawmakers.

Second Amendment

A competitive marksman herself, Hollen is a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment. She firmly believes in the right to self-defense and pledges to uphold Pennsylvanians’ rights to bear arms, taking a strict interpretation of “shall not be infringed.”

Support for First Responders

Acknowledging the importance of first responders, Hollen aims to provide consistent and sufficient funding to police, fire departments, and emergency medical services, ensuring they can adequately serve their communities without financial strain.

Mental Health Initiatives

Hollen is committed to addressing the mental health crisis affecting Pennsylvanians. She calls for increased funding and open dialogue on mental health, pushing for bipartisan support to provide resources that will help individuals and families access necessary care.

Agricultural Advocacy

As a champion for Pennsylvania’s farmers, Hollen pledges to reduce regulatory burdens on the agricultural industry, viewing farmers as integral to the state’s economic foundation. She promises to protect this key sector from unnecessary government interference, ensuring they continue to thrive.

Carson Schuler is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him please email cts5357@psu.edu.