LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — While many candidates are eyeing the November election, Tuesday's primary race is the big one in the 117th PA house district. With no Democrats on the ballot, whoever wins the Republican primary is likely to take the seat in November.
Incumbent, Representative Mike Cabell is looking to hold on to his spot for a second term after winning a contested primary back in 2022.
"I really knew the needs of my district and the state. Number one the first thing I did 10 days in was introduce the voter ID bill," said Representative Cabell.
Cabell's challenger, Jamie Walsh, lives in Sweet Valley with his wife and kids. He was born and raised in the area he's now looking to represent. Walsh didn't always have plans to get into politics, but the COVID-19 shutdown changed his trajectory. Walsh founded a parental rights organization called Citizens Advisory of Pennsylvania, working to get masks off of kids.
"I think the biggest problem with our government is accountability, transparency and responsibility," said Walsh.
The 117th PA House district covers part of Luzerne County, including Dallas, Harvey's Lake, Freeland, and White Haven. Much of it is rural land, which presents its own set of challenges.
"My number one fight over the next year is to make sure rural school districts and rural Pennsylvania has a voice. Because rural kids need the same opportunities that urban or suburban kids do," said Representative Cabell.
"Our local schools are getting the wool pulled over their eyes. Every time there is a new budget approved, it is taking funding out of our rural school districts," added Walsh.
The two GOP candidates share many similar conservative values and say they're listening to the people's concerns.
"The number one thing I'm hearing at the front door is property taxes. Property taxes are literally putting people out of their homes. It is not fair," said Walsh.
"The number one thing I'm hearing at the front door is illegal immigration. So, what I've done is really led the charge from the state level on illegal immigration. There are some levers that we can pull," said Cabell.
Primary election day is set for Tuesday, April 23.