Tuesday’s primary election delivered a predictable result for Erie-area candidates running for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, as each candidate ran unopposed for their party’s nomination and will move forward to November’s general election.
Here are the results:
1st Legislative District
Incumbent State Rep. Patrick Harkins won the Democratic Party’s nod for the 1st Legislative District, which he’s represented since 2007. The 1st District is largely made up of the city of Erie, a Democratic stronghold. Harkins received 5,078 votes.
2nd Legislative District
Incumbent State Rep. Bob Merski won the Democratic Party’s nomination with 6,739 votes. Matt Strupczewski clinched the Republican nomination with 3,225 votes. The 2nd District covers parts of Erie, along with Greene, Harborcreek and Summit townships and Wesleyville Borough.
Merski, a former member of Erie City Council, first took office in 2019, preceding the late Flo Fabrizio. The former teacher is the vice chairman of the House Game & Fisheries Committee, but also serves on the finance, insurance, gaming oversight and professional licensure committees.