The 2024 Presidential Election is proving to be one of the most contentious in history. As a result, most media attention has been focused on developments in the race.
Local and state elections are just as, if not more important, though. Here is some information on candidates who will appear on ballots registered under Point Park’s address.
U.S. Senate: Incumbent Bob Casey (D) vs. Dave McCormick (R)
Casey has held his seat in the U.S. Senate since 2007 and is campaigning against former hedge fund manager Dave McCormick. McCormick previously lost the Republican primary for Senate in 2022 to Mehmet Oz.
Inflation is a key issue, although it has significantly dropped since its peak in 2022, according to Spotlight PA.
Casey’s campaign site proclaims economic policy centered around lowering costs for middle-class families and providing equal opportunities to Pennsylvanians, regardless of class.
McCormick claims Casey’s policy was a blind following of President Biden’s, and led to large spikes in prices nationwide. McCormick argues that government spending should be reduced to lower the burden of taxes on working-class citizens.
On abortion, in the wake of the 2022 Dobbs decision, Casey said “our rights and freedoms are under attack.” Casey had previously gone on record as a “pro-life Democrat,” but it seems his stance has shifted since Dobbs.
McCormick is pro-life but notes he does not support a national abortion ban and agrees with exceptions for rape, incest, and saving the life of the mother.
McCormick and his campaign ads are consistently aggressive and critical of Casey. They often make claims that have no factual basis to support them, such as Casey supporting abortions up until birth and selling American jobs and goods to China.
Infanticide is illegal in the United States, and Casey is not in support of its legalization. McCormick also claims Casey supported the Biden administration’s sale of American oil to a Chinese state-owned company. However, the Senate never voted on anything related to the deal.
U.S. HoR Dist. 12: Incumbent Summer Lee (D) vs. James Hayes (R)
Democrat Summer Lee has served in the House of Representatives 12th District since 2023 and is defending her seat from Republican James Hayes, a businessman from Lancaster.
One of the biggest issues between the two candidates is support for Israel in its war with Hamas after the October 7th attacks. Squirrel Hill, a largely Jewish community, sits in part of the district currently represented by Lee.
Lee has been a frequent vocal critic of the Biden administration’s unwavering support of Israel and has stood in defense of Palestinian civilians who are often caught in the crossfire of the conflict. Hayes supports Israel and argues the U.S. should support its democratic allies overseas.
Economically, Lee supports a Green New Deal and union initiatives for fair contracts. Hayes also supports union jobs but argues the government is overstepping in its regulation of manufacturing plants and natural gas.
Attorney General: Eugene DePasquale (D) vs. Dave Sunday (R)
With current AG Democrat Michelle Henry’s term set to expire, Democrat Eugene DePasquale and Republican Dave Sunday both seek to gain the office.
DePasquale previously served as Auditor General before he left office in 2021. Sunday is a Navy veteran and former attorney.
Both have strong ties to York, PA, where each served some form of office.
The office of the Attorney General usually aims to reduce crime and police corruption, so both candidates hope to be seen as tough on crime.
DePasquale touts his discovery of 3,000 untested rape kits and 50,000 unanswered child abuse hotline calls during his time as Auditor General to set him above Sunday.
Sunday also has experience under his belt as York County’s District Attorney, where he notes a 30% decrease in crime during his first term and 40% reduction in the prison population.
Auditor General: Malcolm Kenyatta (D) vs. Incumbent Tim DeFoor (R)
Incumbent Republican Tim DeFoor is set to face off against State House Rep. Democrat Malcolm Kenyatta for the office of Auditor General.
The Auditor General is responsible for ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent legally and ethically by PA government entities.
DeFoor hails from Harrisburg, is a member of his local NAACP chapter, and served as an inspector under the AG before being elected to Auditor General in 2020.
Kenyatta was born in Philadelphia, got his Bachelor’s in public communication from Temple University, and has been a state representative of District 181 since his election in 2018.
DeFoor’s campaign is mostly centered around maintaining the standards he has set within the office of Auditor General since his election. He states he is “committed to doing the job of Auditor General in a non-partisan way.”
DeFoor’s platform hopes to cut what they call wasteful government spending and create greater transparency in tax dollar spending.
Kenyatta says he wants to become Auditor General to become a “watchdog” for American families and argues his experience as a state house representative has prepared him sufficiently to do this.
Kenyatta hopes to restart annual school compliance audits and create greater transparency in how large hospitals and care providers that file as non-profits spend state money.
Treasurer: Erin McClelland (D) vs. Incumbent Stacy Garrity (R)
Democrat Erin McClelland hopes to unseat incumbent Republican Stacy Garrity for State Treasurer, who has held the seat since 2021.
McClelland ran a private addiction remediation program, first opening in 2002, prior to her bid in the race for state Treasurer.
Garrity served in the army reserve for 30 years and as a board member of a Northeastern PA hospital before her election to Treasurer in 2021.
Garrity’s campaign touts her record of returning unclaimed property, which she said was the most in a single year since 1993. Garrity previously came under fire for her purchase of $20 million worth of Israeli bonds to “show support” for Israel.
McClelland is running to reduce human rights abuses in the supply chains of Pennsylvania companies. She also opposes foreign investments by the state.
State House Dist. 19: Aerion Andrew Abney (D) (uncontested)
Democrat Aerion Andrew Abney is running uncontested for re-election in District 19 of the Pennsylvania State House. He was first elected in 2022.
Those registered to vote in person under Point Park’s address can vote on Nov. 5 at the Human Services Building located on 1 Smithfield Street on the corner of Fourth and Smithfield.
