The Gist
State Representative, 71st District
Photo of Jim Rigby
Jim RigbyOfficial portrait — Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Jim Rigby

Candidate for State Representative, 71st District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative
Lives in
Johnstown
Campaign website
repjimrigby.com

State representative for the 71st District, now in his fourth term, and a member of the House Appropriations Committee who leads its criminal justice subcommittee. A former Ferndale Borough police chief and 24-year Ferndale Borough Council member who also worked 29 years for the American Red Cross.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Documented positions

Public safety

  • Calls state grants for fire and ambulance companies critical as costs rise and volunteers decline.In office

    Rigby Announces More Than $354,000 in Grants for Cambria, Somerset County Emergency Responders

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Jim Rigby · Feb 18, 2026 · repjimrigby.com

    “As our emergency responders across the Commonwealth struggle to remain viable as costs rise and the number of volunteers dwindles, this funding is critical.”
    Report

  • Called for those responsible for a string of Johnstown shootings to be held accountable and for preventing retaliation.In office

    Rigby Comments on Rash of Shootings in Johnstown

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Jim Rigby · Apr 27, 2026 · repjimrigby.com

    “Those responsible must be identified and held fully accountable. At the same time, preventing further violence and avoiding retaliation must be an immediate priority.”
    Report

Education

  • Supported keeping the EITC and OSTC school choice tax credits intact in the 2026-27 budget.In office

    Rigby Approves of Education Funding in State Budget

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Jim Rigby · Jul 13, 2026 · repjimrigby.com

    “keep intact both the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which support school choice”
    Report

  • Promotes the 'Defending Our Daughters' campaign for female-only girls' sports and locker rooms.In office

    Rigby Encourages Making the Promise to 'Defend Our Daughters'

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Jim Rigby · Jan 9, 2026 · repjimrigby.com

    “protecting opportunities for girls and women in sports is the right thing to do now”
    Report

  • Proposes making students of sign language interpretation eligible for Grow PA scholarship grants.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Eligibility Requirements for the Grow PA Scholarship Program

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Mar 4, 2026 · palegis.us

    “students pursuing postsecondary education in this area should be eligible for grants under the program”
    Report

Roads & infrastructure

  • Proposes a resolution urging DEP to freeze new permits and rules that raise sewage treatment costs for two years.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: DEP Sewage Treatment Cost Moratorium

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Apr 15, 2026 · palegis.us

    “urges DEP to implement a two-year freeze on the issuance of new general permits or the modification of existing ones”
    Report

Health & human services

  • Proposes requiring gambling websites to verify the age of all visitors to curb teen gambling.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Online Gambling Age Verification Act

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Apr 29, 2025 · palegis.us

    “require gambling websites to verify the age of all website visitors to curb the meteoric rise of teenage gambling”
    Report

Courts & justice

  • Proposes requiring prosecutors to notify ICE when they believe a criminal defendant is in the U.S. illegally.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Illegal Immigration

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Dec 19, 2024 · palegis.us

    “require a prosecutor to notify United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if the prosecutor has a reasonable basis to believe”
    Report

All sources (13)

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.