Jake Banta
Candidate for State Representative, 4th District
Background
- Occupation
- State representative; farmer
- Lives in
- LeBoeuf Township
- Campaign website
- jakebantaforpa.com
State representative for the 4th District, first elected in 2022. A U.S. Navy veteran, musician and former government contractor who owns and operates a farm in the district.
Photo: Official portrait — Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Opposes state budgets that spend more than projected revenue; voted against the 2025 budget on that basis.In office
He voted for the 2026-27 budget, citing no new taxes, but raised concerns about unfunded pension cost-of-living adjustments.
ReportBanta Votes 'No' on 2025 Budget, Citing Overspending and Commitment to Fiscal ResponsibilityPublic statement · Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus · repbanta.com
“I will not support a spending plan that exceeds our revenue and puts future generations deeper into debt.”
Banta Votes 'Yes' on 2026-27 Budget, Citing Long-Awaited Collaboration Among the General AssemblyPublic statement · Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus · repbanta.com
“I do have concerns regarding the unfunded cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for some retired government employees.”
Opposes new state taxes on energy producers and consumers.In office
ReportBanta, Policy Committee Host Hearing on Stopping New Energy TaxesPublic statement · Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus · repbanta.com
“Pennsylvania has many opportunities to unleash our energy potential, but further taxing hard-working Pennsylvanians is not an option.”
Education
Proposes legislation to provide firearm safety education to children.In office
Banta says the aim is to reduce firearm-related crime involving young people.
ReportCo-sponsorship memo: Gun Safety in SchoolsGovernment record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Apr 10, 2025 · palegis.us
“The purpose of my legislation is to educate children in firearms and reduce the crime rate in Pennsylvania.”
Economy & jobs
Introduced a bill for short-term state aid to farmers hit by sudden market losses, such as canceled grape contracts.In office
HB 2521 followed a grape juice processor's termination of contracts with Lake Erie grape growers in 2026; it would let the Agricultural Business Development Center fund responses to such emergencies.
ReportBanta Introduces Legislation to Support Farmers Facing Uncertainty in Severe Market InterruptionsPublic statement · Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus · repbanta.com
“A severe market interruption like this is no different than a farm facing an invasive pest, contagious disease or a natural disaster”
Environment & parks
Opposed Pennsylvania's participation in RGGI and supports expanded use of the state's natural gas.
ReportThe Issues - Jake Banta for PACampaign website · Committee to Elect Jake Banta · jakebantaforpa.com
“We must use our Natural Gas resources in Pa.”
Banta Votes 'No' on 2025 Budget, Citing Overspending and Commitment to Fiscal ResponsibilityPublic statement · Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus · repbanta.com
“I have opposed RGGI from day one, and I am proud to see it gone.”
Health & human services
Proposes allowing over-the-counter sales of ivermectin in Pennsylvania.In office
ReportCo-sponsorship memo: Making Ivermectin Available Over the CounterGovernment record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Apr 23, 2025 · palegis.us
“please join me in this very important piece of legislation, to legalize over the counter sales of Ivermectin.”
Government & transparency
Proposes requiring the General Assembly to stay in session in Harrisburg until a late budget is passed.In office
ReportBanta Votes 'No' on 2025 Budget, Citing Overspending and Commitment to Fiscal ResponsibilityPublic statement · Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus · repbanta.com
“If the budget is not complete by June 30, my legislation would require the General Assembly to remain in Harrisburg until the budget is complete.”
Courts & justice
Proposes barring courts from using executive agency interpretations to determine legislative intent.In office
ReportCo-sponsorship memo: Preventing Executive Agencies from Re-Interpreting Statutes Enacted by the General AssemblyGovernment record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Dec 17, 2024 · palegis.us
“My amendment would eliminate this extraneous source of legislative intent and clarify that only the intent of the Legislature should be considered”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Jake Banta on them.
- HousingNo documented position found.
All sources (11)
- Erie County Official Candidate Listing - 2026 General Election
Election filing · Erie County Board of Elections · eriecountycouncilpa.gov
- Official Notice of Election for Military and Overseas Voters, County of Erie - 2026 General Election
Election filing · Erie County Board of Elections · eriecountycouncilpa.gov
- PA House 4th District: GOP incumbent Banta, Dem DiVittorio move on
News coverage · Erie Times-News · May 20, 2026 · aol.com
- The Issues - Jake Banta for PA
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Jake Banta · jakebantaforpa.com
- Banta Votes 'No' on 2025 Budget, Citing Overspending and Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility
Public statement · Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus · repbanta.com
- Banta Introduces Legislation to Support Farmers Facing Uncertainty in Severe Market Interruptions
Public statement · Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus · repbanta.com
- Banta Votes 'Yes' on 2026-27 Budget, Citing Long-Awaited Collaboration Among the General Assembly
Public statement · Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus · repbanta.com
- Banta, Policy Committee Host Hearing on Stopping New Energy Taxes
Public statement · Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus · repbanta.com
- Co-sponsorship memo: Preventing Executive Agencies from Re-Interpreting Statutes Enacted by the General Assembly
Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Dec 17, 2024 · palegis.us
- Co-sponsorship memo: Gun Safety in Schools
Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Apr 10, 2025 · palegis.us
- Co-sponsorship memo: Making Ivermectin Available Over the Counter
Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Apr 23, 2025 · palegis.us
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.