Butler area selects Republican for 11th District state House seat
Voters in the Pennsylvania state House district encompassing the city of Butler selected a longtime Republican committeewoman to serve out the remainder of Brian Ellis’ term.
At press time, Marci Mustello, 48, of Butler Township, held a large lead in Tuesday’s special election for the 11th Legislative District over pro-gun, pro-union Democrat Sam Doctor, 57% to 42%.
Ms. Mustello will replace Mr. Ellis, the Republican legislator who resigned the seat in March following accusations of sexual assault, which he denied. About a year and a half remains in Mr. Ellis’ term.
The solidly Republican district opted for one of its own, sending to Harrisburg a fiscal conservative who wants to cut wasteful spending in government.
Having most recently worked as a staffer in U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly’s office, Ms. Mustello ran on her two decades of experience in congressional district offices, which she has said has given her an understanding of how to help constituents cut through the red
tape of all levels of government.
Ms. Mustello, a lifelong resident of Butler’s Bon Air neighborhood, has served for years on the Republican State Committee and on the board of the Butler County Humane Society, where she also once took on the role of executive director.
Democrats hadn’t put up a candidate for the seat in more than a decade. Mr. Doctor, 28, ran with an eye toward making inroads with Republican voters — talking up his support for anti-corruption measures, pro-worker policies and pro-gun beliefs.