The Gist
State Representative, 108th District
Photo of Michael Stender
Michael StenderOfficial portrait — PA House Republican Caucus

Michael Stender

Candidate for State Representative, 108th District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; firefighter
Lives in
Upper Augusta Township (Sunbury), Northumberland County
Campaign website
repstender.com

Republican state representative for the 108th District since winning a 2023 special election to replace Lynda Schlegel Culver. A volunteer firefighter and EMT, he previously served on the Shikellamy School Board and worked as EMS system coordinator for the Susquehanna EHS Council.

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Photo: Official portrait — PA House Republican Caucus

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Opposes drawing on the Rainy Day Fund to balance the governor's 2026-27 budget proposal.

    State pols push back on proposal to raid Rainy Day Fund

    News coverage · The Daily Item · Feb 3, 2026 · dailyitem.com

    “Using one-time funds to pay for recurring obligations creates future budget shortfalls that will have to be met by tax increases or reduced services.”
    Report

  • Sponsored House Bill 2616 to exempt firefighting equipment from the 6% state sales and use tax.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Firefighter Equipment Sales Tax Exemption

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Mar 25, 2026 · palegis.us

    “I am proposing legislation to make firefighting equipment exempt from Pennsylvania’s 6% sales and use tax.”
    Report

Public safety

  • Calls for accountability after an audit of state EMS funding; supports a bill creating an independent EMS commissioner.

    He backed House Bill 1492 (Rep. Martin Causer), which would create an Office of EMS Commissioner within the Department of Health.

    Stender calls for accountability after EMS funding audit

    News coverage · The Daily Item · Dec 1, 2025 · dailyitem.com

    “I am appalled at the lack of internal controls, and this audit makes it clear the Department of Health failed to do its job. … This kind of structural reform is needed to make sure EMS voices are heard and funding is managed responsibly,”
    Report

  • Proposes moving oversight of minors who volunteer in fire and EMS companies to the State Fire Commissioner.

    Oversight currently sits with the Department of Labor and Industry under the Child Labor Act.

    Stender suggests transferring oversight of minor participation in volunteer emergency services

    News coverage · The News-Item · Jan 15, 2026 · newsitem.com

    “Outdated statues limit the opportunities for young people to safely engage in emergency service,”
    Report

Education

Economy & jobs

Roads & infrastructure

  • Sponsored House Bill 2624 to let tow truck operators tow two disabled vehicles at once in emergencies.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Protecting Tow Truck Operators on Pennsylvania Roadways

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · May 7, 2026 · palegis.us

    “my legislation would authorize tow truck operators to tow up to two wrecked or disabled vehicles per combination in emergency situations.”
    Report

Health & human services

  • Says kratom rules must be enforceable and calls harmful products sold in stores a public health risk.

    Lawmakers seek oversight of kratom products

    News coverage · The News-Item · Jul 24, 2026 · newsitem.com

    “Sometimes we make laws that just aren’t enforceable … I think any time that we have harmful products available in stores that anybody can purchase. I think it all creates a public health risk,”
    Report

  • Pledges to defend "pro-life" and Second Amendment values (campaign site).

    Michael Stender for State House

    Campaign website · Friends of Michael Stender · stenderforpa.com

    “will defend our pro-life and Second Amendment values, and he will defend our constitutional rights”
    Report

Other issues in this race

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

  • 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.