16th District

anti-mask and anti-critical race theory teachings in schools.

He said in a written statement that he planned to start preparing for the November election.

“I want to thank Sen. Pat Browne for his service to the Commonwealth and running a spirited campaign,” Coleman said. “I wish him the best in finishing out his term and any future endeavors that he pursues.”

In November, Coleman will face Democratic nominee Mark Pinsley, who was unopposed in the May 17 primary. Pinsley is the Lehigh County controller.

Browne, who lives in Allentown, is chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and serves as one of the leading state budget negotiators in Harrisburg. He wrote the legislation creating the Neighborhood Improvement Zone, the special taxing zone that helped revitalize downtown Allentown.

He has been in the Senate for more than 17 years and previously served more than 10 years in the House.

Loss of ‘clout’

State Sen. Lisa Boscola, a Democrat from Northampton County with about 24 years in Harrisburg, called Browne a friend and said the result was a loss for the Lehigh Valley.

“He was a smart and effective legislator who was able to bring much clout to the Lehigh Valley given his position as Appropriations chair,” she said.

From that position, Boscola said, Browne was able to make sure other parts of the state got their “fair share” of money “instead of all those dollars going to Philly and Pittsburgh.”

Another Democrat, Rep.

Mike Schlossberg of Allentown, also said Browne’s political clout would be missed. Schlossberg called Browne an example of a rarity in politics, with an “ability to put political differences aside and work with any interested party to achieve common goals.”

Browne’s “rich legacy,” according to Schlossberg, includes kids in the Allentown and Parkland school districts “who will lead better lives for his advocacy.”

Tony Iannelli, Lehigh ValleyChamberofCommerce president and CEO, said Browne’s legacy of bringing home resources to Allentown and the Lehigh Valley will last for generations.

But while Browne had an “incredible run” in Harrisburg, Iannelli said, “change is happening, across the board.”