The Gist
State Representative, 125th District
Photo of Joe Kerwin
Joe KerwinOfficial portrait — Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Joe Kerwin

Candidate for State Representative, 125th District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; attorney; Army National Guard officer
Campaign website
kerwinforpa125.com

State representative for the 125th District, now in his third term; before that he was a prosecutor in the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office. He is an officer in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and deployed to East Africa in 2023.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Voted for the 2026-27 budget, citing no tax increase and no use of the Rainy Day Fund.In office

    2026-27 Budget Reflects Dauphin County's Priorities, Says Kerwin

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Joe Kerwin · Jul 12, 2026 · repjoekerwin.com

    “The final budget is a balanced budget that will not raise taxes or use the Commonwealth's Rainy Day Fund”
    Report

  • Co-sponsored a House-passed bill exempting volunteer firefighters' length-of-service awards from income tax.In office

    House Bill 1306, sponsored with Rep. Justin Fleming (D-Dauphin).

    Legislation to Protect Firefighters' Income Passes House

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Joe Kerwin · Jun 23, 2025 · repjoekerwin.com

    “they shouldn't be taxed on the income that departments use as a retention incentive”
    Report

Public safety

Education

  • Supports public school funding along with school choice such as charters, homeschooling and scholarships.

    Issues - Joe Kerwin | PA State Representative | 125th District

    Campaign website · Friends of Joe Kerwin · Improve Education · kerwinforpa125.com

    “he believes in investing in public education and programs that allow parents to determine the best education choices for their children”
    Report

Economy & jobs

Health & human services

  • Opposes public funding of abortion and late-term abortion; supports parental notification for minors.

    Issues - Joe Kerwin | PA State Representative | 125th District

    Campaign website · Friends of Joe Kerwin · Protect Life · kerwinforpa125.com

    “Joe supports common sense measures such as parental notification for minors seeking an abortion and opposes public funding of abortions”
    Report

Courts & justice

  • Co-authors a bill clarifying state law on silencers and short-barreled guns after a federal NFA ruling.

    Memo circulated by Rep. Rob Kauffman with Kerwin and others (Aug. 2026); not yet introduced.

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: National Firearms Act

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Aug 20, 2026 · palegis.us

    “Pennsylvania's laws governing the exercise of a fundamental right should be clear, consistent, and readily understood.”
    Issues - Joe Kerwin | PA State Representative | 125th District

    Campaign website · Friends of Joe Kerwin · Defend the 2nd Amendment · kerwinforpa125.com

    “has consistently stood against anti-gun legislation”
    Report

Other issues in this race

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

  • HousingNo documented position found.
  • Environment & parksNo documented position found.
  • Government & transparencyNo documented position found.

All sources (16)

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.