KCA Contacts Candidates in Pennsylvania’s Most Competitive Legislative Races to Highlight Construction Industry Priorities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Workforce development, efficient government, and taxpayer accountability lead association’s election outreach

HARRISBURG, PA — October 27, 2026 — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) has contacted candidates in what the association considers Pennsylvania’s 16 most competitive state legislative races, urging them to address the issues affecting construction employers, workers, and taxpayers.

KCA identified these House and Senate contests as potential deciding races in determining which party holds the majority in each chamber. The association’s outreach shares findings from its 2026 Pennsylvania Construction Industry Election Survey and encourages candidates to engage directly with construction professionals.

“Who controls the House and Senate will help shape Pennsylvania’s approach to workforce development, public construction, regulation, and infrastructure investment,” said Jon O’Brien, KCA Executive Director. “We want candidates to understand the challenges construction employers face and the practical steps state government can take to support skilled careers, competitive businesses, and responsible economic growth.”

The survey, distributed to construction executives across Pennsylvania, identified several priorities among participating respondents:

• 64% selected workforce development and skilled trades among their three highest priorities for state government.
• 41% selected apprenticeships and career and technical education.
• 32% selected infrastructure investment.
• 26% selected improving public construction procurement.
• 62% said construction issues would influence their voting decisions a great deal.

The voluntary survey offers the statewide views of participating construction executives.

In its candidate letter, KCA outlined an agenda centered on employer-led workforce partnerships, predictable government processes, and accountability for public spending. The association called for modernizing the Separations Act, expanding appropriate public construction delivery options, and improving permitting coordination while maintaining safety and environmental protections.

KCA also encouraged candidates to support infrastructure investments backed by documented needs and credible funding plans, and to evaluate construction legislation for its effects on employers, project costs, and taxpayers.

“Pennsylvania needs policies that help employers train the next generation, move projects forward, and deliver value for taxpayers,” O’Brien said. “That means asking tough questions about spending, removing unnecessary barriers, and making sure new mandates solve problems without creating additional costs and uncertainty.”

The 16 races KCA is tracking are:

District   County                   Republican                 Democratic                 Other

1. SD-16  Bucks/Lehigh:           Jarrett Coleman (i)  Mark Pinsley
2. SD-24  Montgomery/Berks   Tracy Pennycuick (i) Chris Thomas            Schonewolf
3. SD-36  Lancaster                   Tom Jones                  James Malone (i)
4. HD-88 Cumberland              Jeffrey Clark             Sara Agerton
5. SD-40  Poconos                      Rosemary Brown (i)  Brian Wrightson
6. HD-41 Lancaster                   Brett Miller (i)           Brad Chambers
7. SD-6    Bucks                          Frank Farry (i)          Eileen Hartnett Albillar
8. HD-143 Bucks                       Shelby Labs (i)           Tim Hayes                  C. Gambino
9. HD-137 Northampton           Joe Emrick (i)            Jeff Warren
10. HD-142 Bucks                       Joe Hogan (i)             Kristin Egan
11. HD-121 Luzerne                    Mike Harosock          Jessica McClay
12. HD-144 Bucks                       Mike Murphy            Brian Munroe (i)
13. HD-45 Allegheny                   Brittany Bloam          James Julius
14. HD-44 Allegheny                   Valerie Gaydos (i)     Hadley Haas
15. HD-33 Allegheny                   Michael Hammill       Mandy Steele (i)
16. HD-118 Lack/Luz                 Jim Haddock(i)             John Lombardo

KCA has invited candidates in these races to discuss their platforms with construction professionals and hear directly from employers about industry concerns and many of those listed did. The association views this outreach as a much-needed ongoing conversation with those who will shape Pennsylvania’s legislative agenda.

“Our door is open and many of the incumbents who have contacted us recently understand that,” O’Brien said. “We welcome a constructive conversation with candidates about building a stronger construction industry and a more competitive Pennsylvania.”

Media Contact:
Jon O’Brien, Executive Director
Keystone Contractors Association
Jon@KeystoneContractors.com
717-731-6272