On Tuesday, May 16, two state House districts will hold special elections coinciding with the Primary Election to fill vacant seats. ChamberPAC, the political arm of the PA Chamber, issued endorsements last week of the candidates we believe will advocate for the business community’s best interests and build a stronger Pennsylvania economy.

Republican candidate Katie Ford is running for the 163^rd House District representing parts of Delaware County, in the seat that was vacated with the resignation of former state Rep. Mike Zabel. In a press release, PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein touted Katie’s “background in special education, deep commitment to serving her community, and knowledge of the issues facing the Commonwealth’s business community,” as the reasons why she is best suited to represent the district’s constituents, as well as thanking her for serving in the U.S. Army. You can read the endorsement press release here.

In the 108^th House District, comprising all of Montour County and part of Northumberland County, the PA Chamber endorsed Republican candidate Michael Stender. The seat  was vacated when state Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver resigned after winning a  state Senate race. In ChamberPAC’s press release, Bernstein cited Stender’s time as both a school board member and volunteer firefighter and his support for the Chamber’s legislative agenda as reasons for the endorsement. “We believe that Mike’s long-held record of community service and dedication to public safety demonstrates his commitment to keeping Pennsylvania’s communities healthy and vibrant. His knowledge of the issues facing the Commonwealth’s business community will make him a strong pro-business voice in the state Capitol.”