Brandon Markosek vs. Steve Schlauch
Meet the candidates for Pa. House District 25
The Post-Gazette submitted a series of three questions to candidates running for state office in Western Pennsylvania.
1. Q: Who are you and why are you qualified to run for state House?
Markosek: I am Rep. Brandon Markosek and I have served the 25th District as their representative since my first election in 2018. I was born in Forbes Hospital in Monroeville. I am a graduate of Duquesne University with dual degrees in political science and history. I also have a masters degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to being the state representative I served as the community outreach representative for state Sen. Jim Brewster. I am qualified for this position for my experience in state government. My professional and educational background have paved the way for me to be a productive state representative for the last four years.
Schlauch: As a longtime resident of Allegheny County, I have worked 15-plus years in the private sector mostly in the financial services industry. I currently work at one of the largest financial investment firms in the region. I am an expert at managing others’ money including my time spent as a school director at Plum Borough School District. As finance chair and one of the leaders of the board, we made some very difficult, courageous decisions to get Plum School District and the students’ education turned around for the better after inheriting a scandal, multi-million dollar deficit, and other issues. I am able to unify and be a bipartisan leader in order to get the job done for the betterment of the people. I have the experience, compassion, and work ethic to tackle and solve the issues that are affecting the people of the 25th House District.
2. Q: Why are you running for state House?
Markosek: I am running for state
House for a third term because I genuinely want to improve the lives of the constituents of the 25th District. I want to be their voice in Harrisburg. I want every constituent and business owner in my district to prosper, and I will continue to do everything in my power to make that happen.
Schlauch: I am running for the state House because the district has been served by career politicians from the same family for the last 40 years with little to no accountability to the people. The job economy is hurting, high inflation has caused skyrocketing prices, and gas prices have increased greatly due to failed policies and leadership. The people of the State House 25th District deserve a positive change from a proven reformer with bipartisan experience such as myself who knows how to solve the current issues to make state government work better for the people.
Q: Why should voters pay attention to this race?
3. Markosek: Voters should pay attention to this race because I have a proven record of making our economy better, improving education and providing quality health care to all of our citizens especially senior citizens and veterans.
Schlauch: The voters should pay attention to this race because the state Legislature plays an important role in our lives — from taxes to our schools to our jobs. We need new leadership during these difficult times where everyone is struggling to meet the demands of rising inflation and skyrocketing gas prices, grocery bills, and the cost of other household necessities. I will proudly stand with working families, fight for our union and private sector manufacturing jobs, assist small businesses and focus on public safety to ensure our communities remain a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.