Trending
As we consider the election race between challenger Destiny Howard and Kathy Rapp for the state House of Representatives, the current dynamic in Harrisburg weighs heavily.
The state House currently includes 102 Democrats and 101 Republicans. That number is important for rural Pennsylvanians. Even though Republicans don't have the ability to set the agenda in the House, the slim margin means the House is a proving ground for bills before they get to the state Senate, which Democrats hope to flip in the Nov. 3 election. It's important for Republicans not to lose any ground in the state House with control of the Senate up in the air next week.
That brings us to the race between Rapp and Howard. Rapp, the incumbent, hasn't faced many serious challenges in her career in state politics. That has allowed the Warren Republican to take the positions she has taken on issues like abortion, protecting women's sports and state spending. Rapp hasn't had to moderate her positions given her typical margin of victory among county voters. Those positions have put a bit of a damper on Rapp's effectiveness in the House of Representatives the past two years, as Democrats have largely had their way in legislation that has run through the House Health Committee that Rapp formerly chaired.
While reduced influence is concerning in a Democrat-controlled House, returning Rapp to Harrisburg is important for Warren County residents and others who live in similar rural counties. A greater Democratic Party margin in the House is likely to embolden Democrats in the majority party and lessen any attempts at compromise on legislation that would be harmful to Warren County residents on issues like bail reform.
November's election in Warren County really is about state politics -- and Rapp is the best choice for Warren County and rural counties looking to keep some semblance of influence in Harrisburg.