State Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Brookline, secured another victory Tuesday, fending off his first challenger in more than two decades to win the Democratic primary for 42nd District.
Fontana, 76, defeated political newcomer Paul Steenkiste, a software engineer whose campaign marked the longtime incumbent’s first contested race since winning a special election in 2005.
As of 9:30 p.m., about 72% of precincts reporting unofficial results, Fontana had collected 72.46% of the votes tallied compared with Steenkiste’s 27.49%.
“Being an incumbent and being around all these years, folks know me,” Fontana said. “I’m looking forward to the next four years.”
No Republicans are on the ballot in the 42nd Senatorial District, which includes a significant portion of Allegheny County, including Downtown Pittsburgh, the North Side, and 17 surrounding suburban townships and boroughs such as Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Carnegie and McKees Rocks.
Steenkiste, 31, of Lawrenceville, conceded on social media shortly before 10 p.m.
“I’m obviously disappointed by the result of the election, but more than that I feel incredibly grateful for all of you who gave me your support and trusted me with your vote,” the post said.
Running as a new face, Steenkiste’s campaign was built around leveraging his experience in the technology sector to ensure communities are protected from the influx of data centers and AI facilities.
Fontana’s victory comes after more than 20 years of experience in Harrisburg. During his campaign he told TribLive that if reelected he hoped to work on reforms to property assessments, education and economic development.
“Experience matters, especially in Harrisburg,” Fontana said. “If you go in a new person, you’re bottom of the barrel.”