The Gist
State Representative, 64th District
Photo of R. Lee James
R. Lee JamesOfficial portrait — Pennsylvania House of Representatives

R. Lee James

Candidate for State Representative, 64th District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; former banking and investment management professional
Lives in
Venango County
Campaign website
repjames.com

State representative for the 64th District since 2012 and Republican chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee for the 2025-26 session. A U.S. Navy veteran (1966-72) with more than 40 years in local banking and investment management.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

Education

Economy & jobs

  • Opposes raising the state minimum wage to $15 an hour.In office

    As Republican chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee, James said a higher mandated wage would raise costs for residents and businesses.

    James Urges Fiscal Discipline, Targeted Investments for 2026-27 Fiscal Year Budget

    Public statement · Office of Rep. R. Lee James · Feb 4, 2026 · repjames.com

    “a government-mandated minimum wage hurts both the free market and Pennsylvanians.”
    Report

  • Co-sponsored HB 2709 to raise the Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program tax credit cap from $24M to $26M.In office

    The memo, circulated with Rep. Joe Ciresi, aims to draw touring Broadway productions to launch in Pennsylvania.

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Broadway Tour Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program (HB 2709)

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Jun 30, 2026 · palegis.us

    “increase the annual funding available under the Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program (EEEP) by $2 million, from $24 million to $26 million.”
    Report

Roads & infrastructure

  • Supports infrastructure investment tied to economic growth and community safety.

    R. Lee James announces re-election bid

    News coverage · The Derrick · Jan 6, 2026 · thederrick.com

    “investing in the infrastructure necessary to promote a strong economy and safe communities”
    About Lee | PA State Rep. R. Lee James

    Government record · PA House Republican Caucus · repjames.com

    “investing in the infrastructure necessary to promote a strong economy and safe communities”
    Report

Environment & parks

  • Opposes the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and calls for fewer energy regulations and faster permitting.In office

    Emptying PA's Financial Tank Will Lead to Torrential Fiscal Downpours

    Public statement · Office of Rep. R. Lee James · Jul 14, 2025 · repjames.com

    “The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), as well as burdensome regulations and a complicated government permitting process, continue to remain in place. … make government more efficient, unleash our energy potential and maintain fiscal responsibility.”
    Report

Government & transparency

  • Introduced HB 2508 to exempt volunteer fire and EMS companies from most Right-to-Know Law requirements.In office

    James's memo says compliance is time-consuming for small volunteer organizations; records tied to municipal funds would remain covered.

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Volunteer Fire/EMS Companies and the Right-To-Know Law (HB 2508)

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Apr 27, 2026 · palegis.us

    “I will soon be introducing legislation to exempt Volunteer Fire and EMS agencies from the requirements of the Commonwealth's Right-to-Know Law”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from R. Lee James on them.

  • HousingNo documented position found.
  • Health & human servicesNo documented position found.

All sources (9)

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.