State Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township, is running for a second term representing the 82nd District in the Pennsylvania House, he announced on Monday.
“It is an honor and privilege to represent my Centre County neighbors in Harrisburg, and a tremendous opportunity to help create meaningful change in our area and for our commonwealth as a whole,” he said in a statement. “I have worked hard to earn the respect and support of everyone in our community, including my colleagues across the aisle.”
Takac was first elected to represent the 82nd District in 2022, defeating Republican Justin Behrens for the open seat. The district includes part of State College along with all of Howard, Milesburg, Snow Shoe and Unionville boroughs, and Benner, Boggs, Burnside, College, Curtin, Harris, Howard, Liberty, Marion, Snow Shoe and Union townships.
In his first term, Takac says he has continued to focus on “better jobs, better schools, and stronger, safer communities while protecting and expanding the rights and freedoms of every Pennsylvanian,” noting his support for investments in public education, increases in the child care tax credit and the expansion of the property tax/rent rebate program.
He also said he has secured nearly $15 million in grant funding for Centre County.
“Since assuming office, I have prioritized delivering real results and improving the quality of life for residents and communities across the 82nd District now and in the future,” Takac said. “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. 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.”
Citing his bipartisan work in the General Assembly, Takac pointed to public education and workforce development funding, environmental protection and supporting the transition to a renewable energy economy as among his priorities if reelected.
“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.
Takac serves on the committees for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Education, Environmental Resources & Energy, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness and Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development.
Prior to winning election to the state House, Takac was a College Township Council member and chaired the Spring Creek Watershed Commission and Centre Region Council of Governments Public Safety Committee. He worked in education technology for three decades.
