Voters in Pennsylvania’s 40th District, which includes parts of the South Hills in Allegheny and Washington counties, will choose between incumbent Republican Natalie Mihalek and Democrat Peter Kohnke for representation in Harrisburg.
Mihalek was first elected in 2019. Kohnke won a write-in nomination for the Democrats.
The district covers Bethel Park, Peters Township and parts of Upper Saint Clair.
Mihalek said, since she took office, she’s worked on issues from protecting victims of domestic violence, better equipping first responders to making food safer, “and everything in between.”
She said people are struggling financially and state government can’t add to that burden.
Kohnke said that, if elected, he will work to protect a woman’s rights over her own body.
“(I) will also work to improve Pennsylvania’s air and water quality, and to balance the state budget,” he said.
Kohnke has had a hand in local infrastructure. A retired civil engineer and longtime Bethel Park resident, he said he spearheaded efforts to build the Bethel Branch of the Montour Trail. He’s also led the Friends of the Montour trail in Bethel Park since its inception, and was instrumental in efforts to build the J.R. Taylor Bridge over Clifton Road.
A mom of 3, Mihalek said a priority she has is ensuring schools are serving children the best they can.
“Equipping our schools with the resources they need and making certain parents are able to play an active role in their child’s education will always remain a priority,” she said.
She also will work on legislation that goes after some of the ingredients “that we have known for years are not meant for human consumption.”
“If re-elected, I will continue my work helping to make the 40th district the best district to live, work and play,” she said.