Erie County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Kathryn DiVittorio is a Democratic candidate for State Representative in Pennsylvania's 4th Legislative District. A nonprofit leader and educator, she has dedicated her career to fighting for families and expanding rural access to education across Northwest Pennsylvania. DiVittorio is also the founder of the DiVittorio Center for Autism, which provides support for children on the autism spectrum and their families.

Priorities: More affordable housing · Better schools · Economic opportunities for residents

Jake Banta is a Republican currently serving as a State Representative for Pennsylvania's 4th Legislative District, having been elected in November 2022. A U.S. Navy Seals veteran, he has a background in the oil and natural gas industry and international security.

Priorities: Boosting the economy, supporting small businesses, and promoting deregulation. · Utilizing Pennsylvania's natural gas and oil resources while protecting farmlands from large-scale wind and solar projects. · Protecting Constitutional Rights and opposing government overreach.

Brad Roae is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing District 6. First elected in 2006, he currently serves as the Republican chairman of the House State Government Committee. His current term is set to conclude in November 2026.

Priorities: Prioritizing election integrity legislation, including voter identification, proof of citizenship, and uniform election rules · Making English the official language of Pennsylvania · Eliminating extreme gerrymandering

Michael Walker is the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 6th State House District, representing parts of Crawford and Erie counties. A lifelong resident of Northwest Pennsylvania, Walker has a background in blue-collar work and business, having worked in heat treatment and co-founded a winery. He is running to bring new opportunities and address local needs in the region.

Priorities: Updating and improving local infrastructure, including water, sewer lines, bridges, and power. · Facilitating the acceptance and distribution of state and federal funds to local governments to create new opportunities. · Advocating for pro-choice policies to safeguard women's privacy and access to necessary medical care.

Robert E. Merski is a Democrat serving as a State Representative for Pennsylvania's 2nd Legislative District, representing parts of Erie County. First elected in 2018, he previously served on the Erie City Council and worked as a high school social studies teacher.

Priorities: Lowering costs and increasing affordability for working families and seniors · Promoting economic growth and creating good-paying jobs

Pat Harkins is a Democrat who has represented District 1 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2007. He was first elected in 2006 and has been re-elected for multiple consecutive terms, including being unopposed in his most recent general election. Harkins currently chairs the House Gaming Oversight Committee.

Priorities: Worker safety and labor rights · Environmental protection and sustainability

Ryan Bizzarro is a Democrat who has served as a Representative for Pennsylvania House District 3 since 2013, currently holding the position of Majority Policy Chair. He has also been a candidate for Pennsylvania Treasurer in 2024, focusing on modernizing the office.

Priorities: Establishing the Pennsylvania First-Time Home-buyers Savings Account · Modernizing the state treasury, including automatically returning unclaimed property · Protecting seniors' health and well-being

Donna Reese is a Republican who became involved in politics after realizing the impact of elected officials on businesses. She previously owned General Exterminating and The Cookie Mug. Reese has served in elected office, winning a school board position, and later worked as the Trump Force Election Integrity Director for Erie County.