LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — With election day approaching, both candidates in the 120th House State District are making their final push to voters.
Brenda Pugh is looking to replace fellow Republican incumbent Representative Aaron Kaufer after he decided not to run for reelection.
"I've sat on thousands of porches of residents of the 120, and I'm invigorated because I know I can help them," said Pugh.
Democrat Fern Leard from the Back Mountain lost the seat to Representative Kaufer back in November of 2022. Now, she's back, hoping to win that spot.
"I live here. I love being out in the community. I love talking to people and hearing about the issues that affect us," said Leard.
Leard has been an advocate on Capitol Hill for the past decade, working to pass a health care bill. Now she's pushing her focus on women's health freedoms.
"Right now, reproductive freedoms are on the chopping block, and it's going to be up to the states that we protect that, and I'm here for it," said Leard.
Pugh is a long-time resident of Luzerne County's back mountain, a local business owner, and the chair of the Luzerne County Fair. She says she's focusing on issues impacting the community, like addiction, public safety, and inflation.
"I want them to give me a chance. I want them to see that I know the 120. I've lived here, I understand it, and I'm going to fight for them, not for anyone else in this state," said Pugh.
With a divided state congress and an evenly divided district, both candidates say they're willing to compromise if elected.
"There's about an 800 voter registration difference. If you have somebody that's always voting the party line, that means you're not representing the rest of the district," explained Leard.
"I've done that my entire life between business and community and bringing organizations together. We find the common goal, and we get the job done," said Pugh.
Election day is Tuesday, November 5th.