Special elections will fill seats in Northwestern PA, Westmoreland County and Bucks County
PENNSYLVANIA – Today, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party announced its nominees for the March 17th special elections in House Districts 8, 18, and 58.
The nominee for HD-8 is Phil Heasley. The nominee for HD-18 is Harold Hayes. The nominee for HD-58 is Rob Prah Jr.
State Party Chairwoman Nancy Patton Mills released the following statement:
“2020 is one of the most pivotal years in the history of our commonwealth, and we are excited to keep our momentum going by nominating Phil, Harold and Rob. Together they will help bring us closer to a Democratic majority in Harrisburg. They are devoted community members who will fight for the best interests of all their friends and neighbors. We are making historic early investments to compete in every part of Pennsylvania, and we look forward to using our growing ground game to support our special election candidates.”
HD-8 CANDIDATE: PHIL HEASLEY
Local entrepreneur Phil Heasley has announced his candidacy for the upcoming special election on March 17, 2020 to fill the empty seat formerly held by Ted Nesbitt.
Residing in Center Township, Mr. Heasley is a lifelong resident of the district. Phil attended Center Township Elementary School and graduated from Butler High School before attending Edinboro University. Phil spent two years there before returning home to manage his family’s business, Butler Gymnastics Club located on Rt. 68 in Butler.
Phil’s campaign will be based on being a representative voice for every resident of the district from Center Township to Sandy Creek Township. Phil humbly asks the people of the community for the opportunity to represent everyone from all walks of life throughout the district regardless of political affiliation.
HD-18 CANDIDATE: HAROLD HAYES
Harold Hayes has called Bucks County home for the past decade. His parents instilled in him the importance of volunteering and service, whether it was helping with maintenance work around his church, going door-to-door with his mother — a Democratic committeewoman, or working on behalf of his union’s endorsed candidates.
Hayes graduated from high school and entered the apprenticeship program with Plumbers Local 690. He earned his certification as a Master Plumber and opened his own business in 2005. As a small business owner, he employed dozens of union members over the years. He shut his business down amid the Great Recession and is with Local 690 to this day.
Hayes and his wife Stacy, a nurse, married in 2010 and reside in Bensalem with their two young sons, Owen and Gabe.
HD-58 CANDIDATE: ROB PRAH JR.
Robert Prah Jr. of Rostraver Township is a military veteran, educator, volunteer firefighter and the former Mayor of Smithton. He was raised in Smithton and graduated from Yough Senior High School before attending California University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies with a Homeland Security concentration.
He is currently the Director of Military and Veterans Affairs at California University of Pennsylvania and an adjunct professor at Westmoreland Community College. A strong believer in the promise of the Westmoreland County region, he is committed to fighting the opioid epidemic, funding public schools and supporting law enforcement and first responders.