The Gist
State Senator, 38th District
Photo of Thomas West
Thomas WestFriends of Thomas West (campaign photo)

Thomas West

Candidate for State Senator, 38th District

Republican

Background

Occupation
Small-business owner (TRIM Pittsburgh men's clothing store)
Lives in
Pittsburgh (Highland Park)
Campaign website
westforpa.com

Has run TRIM Pittsburgh, a men's clothing store on Butler Street in Lawrenceville, for more than a decade, after 15 years as a local television news producer. He sought the Republican nomination for Pittsburgh mayor in 2025 and lost the primary to Tony Moreno.

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Photo: Friends of Thomas West (campaign photo)

Documented positions

Public safety

  • Lists safe communities as a priority, calling for dependable local services, coordination and practical investment.

    Priorities - Thomas West

    Campaign website · Friends of Thomas West · Priority 02: Safe Communities · westforpa.com

    “Safe neighborhoods require dependable local services, strong coordination, and practical investment.”
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Housing

  • Lists affordable living as a top priority, saying families should not be priced out of their communities.

    Priorities - Thomas West

    Campaign website · Friends of Thomas West · Priority 01: Affordable Living · westforpa.com

    “Families should not be priced out of the communities they built.”
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Economy & jobs

  • Says state and local governments too often work against businesses; calls for policies that lower costs and add jobs.

    West made the remarks at his November 2025 campaign announcement in Pittsburgh.

    Pittsburgh businessman announces run for state Senate seat

    News coverage · CBS News Pittsburgh (KDKA) · Nov 19, 2025 · Announcement speech quotes … Announcement speech quotes · cbsnews.com

    “too many times, our local and state governments seem to be at war with businesses, both small and big. That must end … We need policies that will lower costs for families, bring back jobs and make this region a shining example of what is possible.”
    Report

  • Says development should create jobs and opportunity without shifting its long-term costs onto local families.

    The campaign says West attended the Springdale data center open house and held a community roundtable before taking a position; no position on that project is posted.

    Priorities - Thomas West

    Campaign website · Friends of Thomas West · Priority 03: Responsible Growth · westforpa.com

    “Development should create jobs and opportunity without handing local families the bill.”
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Government & transparency

  • Pledges to weigh what proposals cost and who pays, explain tradeoffs, and report results back to residents.

    Thomas West for State Senate

    Campaign website · Friends of Thomas West · Our approach … Our approach: 02 Verify · westforpa.com

    “Public service should be practical, transparent, and rooted in local experience. … Ask what it costs, who pays, and what the evidence shows.”
    Report

Other issues in this race

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

  • Taxes & budgetNo documented position found.
  • EducationNo documented position found.
  • Roads & infrastructureNo documented position found.
  • Health & human servicesNo documented position found.

All sources (8)

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.