Photo provided to the Times Observer State Sen. Scott Hutchinson has announced his candidacy to a fourth term in the state Senate.

State Sen. Scott Hutchinson has announced that he will be running for re-election to a fourth term representing Warren County as part of the 21st District.

Highlighting his comment to “pro-growth, limited government principles,” Hutchinson made the announcement Monday morning.

“Going forward, we must live within our means while focusing on education, workforce training, infrastructure including broadband access, and job creation,” he said.

Hutchinson was first elected to the state Senate in 2012 in the wake of Sen. Mary Jo White’s retirement. His current term runs through the end of 2024.

He was unopposed in both the primary and general elections in both 2012 and 2016 and easily defeated a Democratic challenger in 2020 by 40 points.

The 21st district includes all of Warren, Venango, Clarion and Forest counties as well as parts of Butler and Erie.

“My top priority remains improving the state’s business climate to encourage economic development,” Hutchinson said. “Allowing our home grown manufacturing businesses as well as our traditional energy and forest products industries to flourish are important components of our future economic vitality.”

He currently chairs the Senate Finance Committee and the Local Government Commission and also sits on the Pa. Hardwoods Development Council and the Conventional Oil & Gas Advisory Committee.

“The abundance of energy in this state provides an incredible opportunity,” he stressed. “Affordable fuel can attract energy dependent manufacturers, in addition to benefiting local homeowners by keeping their utility bills in check.”

He also has focused on regulatory issues.

“Reducing bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary regulations are also key goals that both sides of the aisle seem to agree upon as key components of a competitive Pennsylvania” Hutchinson said.

An Oil City native, Hutchinson still lives there with his wife, Mary Beth.