Incumbent Harhai defeats challenger for Democratic nod in 58th Legislative District
The Democratic Primary race for the 58th Legislative District pitted incumbent Ted Harhai against first-time candidate Dan Reppert, although as the votes came in Tuesday night, it didn’t appear to be much of a race. The voting was closest in Fayette County, where Reppert’s father has been politically active in the past. Ernest Reppert is a former Washington Township Supervisor.
With three of the five Fayette County precincts in the 58th Congressional District counted, Harhai had a 2-1 lead over Reppert, gathering 75 percent of the vote.
The count in Westmoreland County, the bulk of the district with 56 precincts, Harhai showed a commanding lead in most precincts, in some instances gathering more than 90 percent of the vote. With 25 of 56 precincts counted, or 44.6 percent of the vote, Harhai maintained a lead of approximately 84.6 to 15.4 percent over Reppert as the vote tally was made Tuesday evening.
Harhai said the victory Tuesday did not come as a surprise, but he also never took it for granted.
“I knew we had our ducks in order. We had a great team with our poll workers and our campaign workers. You have to get out and work,” Harhai said. “I hope it shows that the people are satisfied with what I’m doing and with the money I’m bringing back. I’ve got 62,000 bosses out there.”
Harhai, a 1973 graduate of Monessen High School and a 1977 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, has served as a member of the House since 1998. He serves on the House commerce, consumer affairs and local government committees. He is also the Democratic chairman of the Steel Caucus.
Reppert, 47, was making his first run for public office. He is a former steelworker and is employed as a construction superintendent for Manown Contracting.
Reppert was not available for comment Tuesday evening.
The district includes Belle Vernon and Fayette City boroughs and the second, third and fourth precincts of Washington Township in Fayette County, as well as part of Westmoreland County, including Monessen; Rostraver and Sewickley townships; parts of East Huntingdon, Hempfield and North Huntingdon townships; and North Belle Vernon, Smithton, Adamsburg, Arona, Madison, Manor, Sutersville and West Newton boroughs.