101st state House district: Retired Cornwall educator retains seat for Republican party
Republicans continue to hold on to the Pennsylvania 101st state House seat as retired educator John Schlegel gained a majority of votes in Tuesday's general election.
The Cornwall resident held a sizable lead against his Democratic opponent Catherine "Cavi" Miller after the polls closed. The 101st House district consists of the City of Lebanon, Cornwall borough and the following townships: North Cornwall, North Lebanon, South Lebanon, West Cornwall and West Lebanon.
Schlegel did not return calls by the Lebanon Daily News Tuesday night to comment on the race.
With 100% of precincts reporting, Schlegel received 14,014 votes. Miller received 8,483 votes.
Election officials reported that 89%, or 10,641, mail-in ballots were returned in this election. The bureau had 12,121 mail-in ballots sent out to residents for the general election.
In January, state Rep. Frank Ryan announced that he would not seek re-election for his seat in the 101st district.
“I am running to ensure that our area continues to have a strong voice in the State House of Representatives," Schlegel said in a press release announcing his candidacy. "We must continue to work to ensure that the values of the hardworking families and American loving residents of the 101st are represented in Harrisburg. Rep. Frank Ryan was a great elected official. I hope to carry on his legacy of being a passionate voice for the rights of the unborn, our 2nd Amendment, and our freedom."
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After graduating from Kutztown University, Schlegel became a social studies teacher and coach at Northern Lebanon High School. Since then, his experience in education includes service as an administrator at Lebanon High School and Palmyra High School. He served for ten years as Director of Secondary Education in the Cornwall Lebanon School District
Schlegel told the Lebanon Daily News in October that his main focus in the state legislature will be fiscal responsibility and government accountability.
"Out of control government spending has led to record high inflation levels hurting families across Pennsylvania," he wrote. "Government must live within its means and be good stewards of the tax dollars it receives. Controlling spending will help us lower taxes and attract new business and jobs to Pennsylvania."
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The Pennsylvania election process should be consistent throughout the commonwealth, according to Schelgel. He has advocated repealing Act 77 and passing voter ID legislation.
"My view is that public service and the opportunity to represent my neighbors in the legislature would be an honor and extension of my lifetime contributions to our local area," Schlegel said in February. "My entire adult life has been focused on positively impacting the lives of others and working with the residents of our community.”
Miller could not be reached Tuesday evening.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on Twitter at @DAMattToth.
This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Retired Republican Cornwall educator wins 101st state house seat
