The Gist
State Representative, 98th District
Photo of Hugh Darlington
Hugh DarlingtonCampaign photo — Hugh for PA 98

Hugh Darlington

Candidate for State Representative, 98th District

Democratic

Background

Occupation
Retired master arborist
Campaign website
hugh4pa98.com

A U.S. Navy veteran (1977–1983) and certified master arborist who spent his career in arboriculture; a 1983 Penn State graduate. He was unopposed in the May 2026 Democratic primary for this open seat.

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Photo: Campaign photo — Hugh for PA 98

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Says legislators should not be paid while the state budget is past its June 30 deadline.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 98 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · State budget process · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “In the same way many employees, organizations and businesses do not receive payment during this time, neither should state senators or representatives.”
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Education

  • Calls for adequately funded public schools and more oversight of private and charter schools.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 98 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Most pressing issues · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “We need public education that is adequately funded and offer the best resources for our children and more oversight of private and charter schools.”
    Report

  • Supports giving career and technical education equal emphasis with four-year college.

    Priorities | Hugh Darlington

    Campaign website · Hugh for PA 98 · Strong Public Schools & Career Pathways · hugh4pa98.com

    “Hugh believes every student deserves a fair shot and multiple pathways to success.”
    Pennsylvania State Representative District 98 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Most pressing issues · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “equal emphasis on career and technology education as well as 4yr college”
    Report

Economy & jobs

Environment & parks

  • Says data center owners should bear their full costs; backs state minimum guidelines that keep local control.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 98 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Data centers … Data centers · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “The added expense of data center operations should be borne fully by the data center owner/operator. … The state could set minimum guidelines not exceeding the lowest threshold of any municipality.”
    Report

  • Calls for protecting clean water, farmland and open space with approaches that also respect agriculture and business.

    Hugh Darlington for PA House District 98

    Campaign website · Hugh for PA 98 · Priorities: Responsible Stewardship · hugh4pa98.com

    “Protecting clean water, farmland, and open space is a responsibility we owe the next generation.”
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Government & transparency

  • Supports mail-in ballots, pre-canvassing, ballot drop boxes and letting independents vote in primaries.

    Says he has served as a majority inspector and believes Pennsylvania elections are secure.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 98 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Elections … Elections · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “I support the use of mail in ballots and pre-canvassing to enhance election day efficiency. … independent/third party voter participation in PA primaries”
    Report

  • Supports an independent redistricting commission and opposes the proposed federal SAVE Act.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 98 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Elections … Elections · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “I am firmly against the proposed federal SAVE Act. … I am behind the initiative championed by Fair Districts PA to establish an independent redistricting commission”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Hugh Darlington on them.

  • Public safetyNo documented position found.
  • Roads & infrastructureNo documented position found.
  • Health & human servicesNo documented position found.

All sources (11)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.