State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, confirmed on Monday that he will seek reelection in the 77th District.
“At this critical time, experience and seniority are of utmost importance in legislative representation. 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 a campaign announcement. “Our offices, in both State College and Philipsburg, will continue to deliver the excellent service so many in our community have come to rely upon. In Harrisburg, I will continue fighting for increased education funding, safer infrastructure, voter accessibility, and environmental sustainability.”
First elected to the state House in 2006, Conklin will be running for his 11th term representing a district that includes part of State College and all of Philipsburg and Port Matilda boroughs and Ferguson, Halfmoon, Huston, Patton, Rush, Taylor and Worth townships. He currently chairs the House Commerce Committee.
Prior to his time as a state legislator, Conklin was a Centre County commissioner for seven years and owned a carpentry business.
Centre County Treasurer Colleen Kennedy and Centre County Controller Jason Moser will chair his reelection campaign.
“We are proud to continue supporting Rep. Scott Conklin’s re-election in the 77th District,” Kennedy and Moser said in a joint statement. “Scott has fought time and again for Centre County residents and all Pennsylvanians. He has advocated for his constituents, stood up for workers, and defended democracy in our beloved Commonwealth. We are fortunate to have such a fierce and devoted public servant in Centre County and look forward to ensuring he continues this important work.”
For the first time, Conklin is expected to face a primary challenger. Philipsburg Democrat Zach Womer, who previously ran against U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson for the 15th Congressional District in 2024, announced in July that he planned to run for the 77th State House District in the 2026 Democratic Primary. Conklin indicated at the time that he intended to run for reelection.
Womer confirmed in an email to StateCollege.com on Monday that he still plans to run for the seat.
Conklin enters the race with endorsements from the Pennsylvania State Building Trades and Construction Council; Teamsters Local 8; Teamsters Joint Council 40; Centre County Democratic State Committee members Laura Shadle, Jeremy Breon and Joanne Tosti-Vasey; and elected officials across the county and Pennsylvania, including state House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia.
“I am proud to endorse my colleague and good friend, Scott Conklin, for re-election,” McClinton said in a statement. “Scott’s devotion to serving his constituents and delivering results for the 77th district remains unwavering. He has led the charge in defending our democracy for all Pennsylvanians. I rely on his invaluable senior leadership and look forward to our continued work together in Harrisburg.”
