State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, will run for reelection to the state House in 2026, he confirmed on Saturday, two days after a challenger emerged for his 77th District seat in next May’s Democratic primary.
“At this critical time, experience and seniority are of utmost importance in legislative representation,” Conklin, who will be seeking his 11th term, said in a statement. “Rest assured, I plan to continue to serve you. 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. It is an honor to represent you in Harrisburg, and with your support, I will continue to provide servant leadership for years to come.”
Conklin’s early reelection campaign announcement comes after Philipsburg Democrat Zach Womer said on Thursday that he plans to run for the party’s nomination to represent the 77th District next year. Womer, who lost the election for the 15th Congressional District to Republican incumbent Rep. Glenn Thompson last fall, is also running for mayor of Philipsburg against Republican incumbent John Streno in the general election this November.
It will be the first time Conklin has faced a primary challenger for the state House district that represents part of State College and all of Philipsburg and Port Matilda boroughs and Ferguson, Halfmoon, Huston, Patton, Rush, Taylor and Worth townships.
Conklin was first elected to the state House in 2006. Prior to his time as a state legislator, he was a Centre County commissioner for seven years and owned a carpentry business.
