Here’s who is running to represent Centre County in federal, state government

The 2024 petition filing period for state office began in late January and candidates have started announcing their intentions to run for election to represent Centre County.

In the spring primary and November election, Centre County voters will select representatives for state House and the U.S. House of Representatives.

So far three representatives at different levels of government have said they’re running for reelection. The petition filing period runs through Feb. 13. As more candidates announce, this article will be updated.

U.S. House of Representatives

Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Howard, announced his reelection campaign to Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District on Jan. 23.

“If there was any question, today I am announcing my campaign to seek re-election to Congress,” Thompson said in a release. “I am grateful to the countless supporters and volunteers for our campaign. It is together that we have produced real results and I am looking forward to building upon these successes and towards many more victories ahead.”

Thompson is the chair of the House Agriculture Committee and a senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee. He serves on the Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Civil Rights and Human Resources subcommittees.

In December 2023, Thompson announced he was diagnosed with with prostate cancer and will undergo treatment.

Thompson was first elected to congress in 2008; first as the representative for the 5th Congressional District and then serving the 15th Congressional District since 2019 after redistricting. He represents the largest congressional district geographically in Pennsylvania, which covers all or part of 18 counties, including Centre.

Thompson is the only candidate to announce for the 15th Congressional District so far. He won reelection in 2022, defeating Democrat Michael Molesevich with about 70% of the vote.

Prior to his election to congress, he was a therapist, rehabilitation services manager, and a licensed nursing home administrator, according to his government website. He previously served on the Bald Eagle Area School District board.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Paul Takac, PA-82

Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township, announced his reelection bid to Pennsylvania’s 82nd House District, a seat he won in 2022. In a Feb. 12 press release, Takac said during his first term in office he worked to advance legislative and budget priorities while working bipartisanly.

“I continue to focus on what matters most — better jobs, better schools, and stronger, safer communities while protecting and expanding the rights and freedoms of every Pennsylvanian,” Takac said in the release. “I’m proud of my support for historic investments in public education, increases in the child care tax credit, and the expansion of the property tax/rent rebate program. These measures will provide much-needed financial relief to our communities for years to come, and I’m proud to have played a role in securing these important investments.”

Locally, Takac helped secure nearly $15 million in grant funding for Centre County.

“I’m proud that my Republican Senate counterpart, Sen. Cris Dush, and I have been able to set aside partisan differences and work together to secure over $2.6 million in funding for Snow Shoe and the Mountaintop Region,” Takac said. “This funding addresses vital needs such as water and sewer infrastructure, emergency services, upgrades to the Snow Shoe Township park and offices, the Moshannon Community Center, and more.”

If reelected, he said his focus will be on securing full and fair funding for public education and workforce development, protecting the environment and supporting the transition to a clean, renewable energy economy.

“I will also continue to advocate for investment in our rural communities, supporting veterans and first responders, and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, broadband, and other essential services, regardless of their zip code,” he said.

In his first term, Takac served on a number of committees including the House Education Committee, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Environmental Resources and Energy, Tourism, Economic and Recreational Development, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness.

Prior to the state house, Takac worked in educational technology and served on the College Township Council, and as chair of the Spring Creek Watershed Commission and the Centre Region Council of Government’s Public Safety Committee.

Takac is the only candidate to formally announce for the 82nd House District so far. In the November 2022 election, Takac defeated Republican Justin Behrens with about 56% of the vote. It was an open seat in a newly created district.

Scott Conklin, PA-77

One of Centre County’s longtime state representatives announced their reelection campaign in December.

Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, said he is running for reelection to Pennsylvania’s 77th House District in a press release. Since 2007, Conklin has represented parts of Centre County, including Philipsburg and some of State College. He is the chair of the House State Government committee.

“I have always strived to be a servant leader for working families and all people I’ve represented in my years of public service,” Conklin said in the release. “In Harrisburg, I will continue fighting for working families, women’s rights, environmental protections, public education funding and equitable treatment of all Pennsylvanians under the law.”

His campaign is co-chaired by recently reelected Centre County Controller Jason Moser and Centre County Treasurer Colleen Kennedy. Both endorsed him and in a joint statement said they are “fortunate to have such a fierce and devoted public servant in Centre County and look forward to ensuring he continues the work he truly loves.”

This past year, Conklin obtained a $180,000 grant for Patton Township help cover the costs of engineering, inspections, renovations and shelter for families impacted by a sinkhole last Christmas. He has had legislation passed to designate Sept. 18, 2023 as “State Grange Day” in Pennsylvania, and introduced legislation related to pre-canvassing absentee and mail-in ballots, requiring those convicted of arson and related offenses to register with local authorities, and requiring heat detection devices in emergency vehicles, among other bills.

Prior to the state house, he was a Centre County commissioner for seven years and has a background in business. He previously had unsuccessful runs for statewide offices, including auditor general in 2020 and lieutenant governor in 2010.

Conklin is the only candidate to announce for the 77th House District so far. In the November 2022 election, Conklin defeated Republican Steve Yetsko with about 62% of the vote.