Republican Scott Timko is getting another chance to flip a competitive Pennsylvania House seat after losing to Democrat Brandon Dukes by just 98 votes in an August special election.
The candidates will face off again November 3 in Pennsylvania’s 12th House District, which includes communities in southwestern Butler County. Dukes won the August 18 special election with turnout of approximately 32%.
Dukes won the seat after former Republican Rep. Stephenie Scialabba resigned in March. He is now seeking a full two-year term.
The narrow margin gives Timko a clear opportunity to argue that a relatively small shift in turnout could change the result.
Timko, a retired Air Force captain and former business owner, has focused his campaign on tax cuts, inflation, government spending, public safety and illegal immigration. He has also called for reducing regulations that he says burden businesses and divert resources from local priorities.
Dukes has emphasized infrastructure spending, affordability and public education. He has made improvements to Route 228 a priority, citing persistent traffic congestion affecting residents and businesses.
The Democrat has also criticized rising household expenses and argued that corporations and utility companies should be held accountable for costs imposed on consumers.
The candidates have taken different approaches to data center development, another issue with implications for local communities. Dukes supports stronger regulations to protect electricity customers and the environment. Timko has argued that developers should provide their own power and water and pay for infrastructure rather than shifting costs to taxpayers and ratepayers.
Dukes has also supported raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage and expanding access to housing, while Timko has emphasized tax relief and reducing government spending.
A scheduled debate between the candidates was canceled in October, eliminating an opportunity for voters to see them face off in a formal public forum before Election Day.
The race now offers Republicans a chance to reclaim a seat that changed hands earlier this year. With the special election decided by fewer than 100 votes, turnout and the candidates’ competing messages on affordability could determine whether Dukes holds the seat or Timko completes the comeback.
