Reese wins race for 59th District in House of Representatives
With a majority of precincts reporting, it appears Republican incumbent Mike Reese, R-Mt. Pleasant, beat his Democratic challenger Harriet Ellenberger of Norvelt for the 59th Legislative District seat in the state House of Representatives on Tuesday.
As of press time and according to unofficial results from Westmoreland and Fayette counties, Reese received 13,854 votes to Ellenberger’s 5,652 votes.
In Fayette County, with 80 percent of precincts reporting, Reese received 1,211 votes, or 72 percent, while Ellenberger received 482 votes, or 28 percent.
In Westmoreland County, with 91.5 percent of precincts reporting, Reese received 12,643 votes, or 71 percent, while Ellenberger received 5,170 votes, or 29 percent.
The 59th district covers Saltlick and Bullskin townships in Fayette County and parts of Westmoreland County.
Ellenberger has served as the president of the League of Women Voters in Westmoreland County and is vice chairwoman of the Democratic Committee in the county and vice president of the Labor United Committee.
She tried to win the seat in 2006 by a write-in campaign for the Democratic Party nomination; however, she lost her bid to former Republican Jess Stairs.
Ellenberger garnered the Democratic nomination in the spring primary.
Reese has been involved in public service for most of his adult life. He served as chief of staff for the former Republican Commissioner Terry Marolt and, following his passing, for Phil Light, who was appointed to that post.
During a meeting with the HeraldStandard.com editorial board, Reese said he is passionate about creating jobs in Pennsylvania.
He also said he’s in favor of the voter identification law, reducing the size of the General Assembly and creating efficiencies between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and PennDOT.
Reese was first elected to serve the district in the Nov. 2008 election after beating his Democratic challenger Michael O’Barto.
He ran unopposed in 2010.
Reese garnered the Republican nomination in the spring primary, and with his win Tuesday night, he will serve the 59th District for a third term.