State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, announced on Tuesday that he will seek a ninth term representing the 77th District in the Pennsylvania House.
Conklin — whose district currently includes State College, Philipsburg, Huston and Rush townships and parts of Ferguson and Patton townships — was first elected in 2006 and is presently Democratic 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 a statement. “In Harrisburg, I will continue fighting for increased education funding, safer infrastructure, voter accessibility and environmental sustainability for Pennsylvania.”
Conklin’s campaign announcement noted endorsements from House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, the Seven Mountains Central Labor Council, Teamsters Local 8, Centre County Commissioners Mark Higgins and Michael Pipe and four elected county row office officials: Prothonotary Jeremy Breon, Treasurer Colleen Kennedy, Controller Jason Moser and Coroner Scott Sayers.
During his last reelection campaign in 2020, Conklin defeated Republican challenger Steven Yetsko with 66% of the vote.
Prior to his election as state representative, Conklin was a Centre County commissioner from 1999 to 2006.
If the final legislative map approved by the Pennsylvania Reapportionment Commission survives a legal challenge, Conklin would see some changes to the make up of his district. The 77th would split State College precincts with the new 82nd district, but would add areas currently included in the 81st district represented by Huntingdon County Republican Rich Irvin. The 77th would add the remaining precincts of Ferguson and Patton townships as well as Port Matilda and Halfmoon, Taylor and Worth townships.
No other candidates have announced campaigns for the 77th district seat.
