Republican Gary Lotz is running against Democrat Mandy Steele for the 33rd House seat

Republican freshman Gary Lotz will face Democratic incumbent Mandy Steele for the state House of Representatives seat representing the 33rd District, which stretches from Aspinwall to Harrison.

Both candidates have been at home in the Alle-Kiski Valley for a long time. Lotz, the vice president of Dick Building Co., lives in Harmar. Steele grew up in O'Hara and now lives in Fox Chapel, where she previously served on the city council.

Lotz, 73, is a professional entrepreneur with degrees in economics and foreign policy. If elected, his top priorities will be reducing the tax burden on families and businesses, he said.

“Pa.’s tax on businesses is among the highest in the country, and the tax situation for families will only get worse,” he said. “There's a proposed tax increase for Allegheny County that leaders say doesn't seem like a lot of money, but for people on fixed incomes or those trying to buy a home, it's a lot.”

“If you look at things like the county’s additional 1% sales tax, it’s higher than most states. Our gas tax is among the highest in the country and we have some of the worst infrastructure. Because of the high tolls, truck drivers avoid the PA Turnpike and use secondary roads.”

Lotz said he will combat what he believes is a state spending problem and work toward a sustainable balanced budget to spur economic and job growth in the Allegheny Valley.

Steele, 47, is a first-term representative who defeated Republican Ted Tomson in 2022 to represent the redrawn district.

The 33rd House District includes Harrison, Brackenridge, Fawn, Tarentum, East Deer, Frazer, Springdale, Springdale Township, Cheswick, Harmar, Indiana Township, O'Hara, Blawnox, Aspinwall, Fox Chapel and Sharpsburg.

The seat opened in 2022 after new boundaries resulted in its previous representative, Republican Carrie DelRosso, being expelled from the district.

Steele said she has been working to build bridges across the aisle in Harrisburg because “we desperately need to bring people together.”

“Never has it been more important to focus on our core American country value before the party,” she said.

Steele, co-founder of the Fox Chapel Parks Conservancy, said she helped raise $22 million in state money for her district in her first term.

“I see this as an important part of my job: finding the local leaders who will get things done and bring back the resources they need to help their communities thrive,” Steele said.

She believes the county's best opportunity for growth lies in the Allegheny Valley.

“I have worked hard to bring our region to the attention of every senior official in Pennsylvania,” she said.

“We have an excellent story to tell and good people living here, and we are an ideal place to invest money in our communities.” If we continue to focus on our region, we will see how this region develops a dynamic economic center.”

Both candidates said they would fight to protect women's health care options.

Lotz, who grew up in the Mon Valley, said he will work to rebuild the district with 21st century jobs.

After turning his college job at Koppers into a full-time position and later moving to Dick Building Co., he believes the energy industry is a cornerstone for job creation here.

Lotz said he would fight what he called out-of-control spending in Harrisburg because higher taxes deter employers.

When he was campaigning, Lotz said he heard from seniors, young families and everyone else, “emphasizing the cost of everything, especially food, gas and utilities.”

“Many are concerned about job security and the migration of companies from the region. People are concerned about the cost, availability and options of health care, particularly for women and young children. Voters are tired of the negativity.”

Steele said that during her conversations with district voters, she raised concerns “that are the same things we worry about in my own family of six – cost of living, safe and funded schools, well-resourced police, clean water, opportunity and strong communities.” .” .

“I'm hearing a lot lately about people's fears that politics has taken a dark turn,” Steele said. “That worries me too.”

She said the way forward is to elect people who will listen.

“I have authored or co-authored legislation in every area I have mentioned because these are the things that the people I represent care about and I listen to them,” Steele said.

Steele believes voters should re-elect her because she takes their trust seriously.

“I have worked hard in my first term and I enjoy having open and honest conversations with the people I represent,” she said.

“A lawmaker’s work should be influenced by the people at home. That's why I've gained the trust of so many people of all political persuasions. And I hope I keep their trust.”

Lotz believes he should deserve the people's vote because he is not a career politician.

“I am a husband, father and dedicated community volunteer,” he said. “I am a businessman who, throughout my career, has been committed to creating jobs, promoting economic growth and opportunity, and improving our community,” he said. “I will put people above politics and prioritize practical solutions over divisive cultural debates.”