The Gist
State Representative, 80th District
Photo of Scott Barger
Scott BargerOfficial portrait — PA House of Representatives

Scott Barger

Candidate for State Representative, 80th District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; pastor and radio host
Campaign website
repbarger.com

Republican state representative for the 80th District, which covers parts of Blair and Huntingdon counties. Born and raised in Altoona, he was a pastor for 15 years and lists his occupation as pastor and radio host.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — PA House of Representatives

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Voted against the 2026-27 state budget, saying it lacked fiscal restraint.In office

    PA Budget Lacks Key Initiatives, Barger Says

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Scott Barger · Jul 12, 2026 · repbarger.com

    “we made no real effort to exercise fiscal restraint. I had to be a 'no' vote”
    Report

  • Lists preserving the Rainy Day Fund and ending the structural deficit as his budget priorities.In office

    PA Budget Lacks Key Initiatives, Barger Says

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Scott Barger · Jul 12, 2026 · repbarger.com

    “I had two priorities: saving the Rainy Day Fund and eliminating the structural deficit.”
    Report

  • Plans a bill letting host communities charge data centers an optional impact fee per megawatt-hour.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Allowing Municipal Impact Fees on Data Centers

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Sep 24, 2026 · palegis.us

    “I plan to introduce legislation authorizing host local governments to levy a per-megawatt-hour (MWh) impact fee on data center electricity use.”
    Report

Public safety

Education

  • Says the budget should have included scholarships for students in schools he calls failing.In office

    PA Budget Lacks Key Initiatives, Barger Says

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Scott Barger · Jul 12, 2026 · repbarger.com

    “The budget as passed fails to address scholarships that could be used by families with students trapped in failing schools.”
    Report

  • Introduced HB 2768 to raise bidding thresholds so schools can finish projects and buy supplies faster.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Raising Procurement Thresholds (HB 2768)

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Aug 14, 2026 · palegis.us

    “making necessary updates to antiquated dollar thresholds for work which requires contract bidding”
    Report

Roads & infrastructure

  • Supports the Ratepayer Protection Act, requiring data center developers to bring their own new power.In office

    Focus on Data Centers: Barger, Verobish Tackle Tough Issues at Joint Event

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Scott Barger · Sep 24, 2026 · repbarger.com

    “Both representatives support the Ratepayer Protection Act … ensure developers bring their own sources of new electric generation”
    Report

Environment & parks

  • Says the budget did not advance a Senate bill letting towns pause new data centers for 18 months.In office

    PA Budget Lacks Key Initiatives, Barger Says

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Scott Barger · Jul 12, 2026 · repbarger.com

    “did not advance a Senate bill that would have allowed local municipalities to place an 18-month moratorium on new data center development.”
    Report

Other issues in this race

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

  • Economy & jobsNo documented position found.
  • Government & transparencyNo 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.