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State Representative, 159th District

Vote for
1
Term
2 years
Candidates
2
Election
Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A state representative votes on Pennsylvania laws and the state budget in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Delaware County only: the City of Chester; Eddystone, Marcus Hook, Parkside and Trainer boroughs; and Lower Chichester and Upper Chichester townships.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Public safety

  • Mike Bannon, Jr.Republican

    • Backs law enforcement and calls for district attorneys to prosecute criminals instead of releasing them.
    • Supports more funding, training and mental health resources for firefighters, police officers and EMS workers.

  • Carol KazeemDemocratic

    • Co-authored H.B. 434 to create an Ebony Alert system for missing Black and Brown youth.In office

Education

  • Mike Bannon, Jr.Republican

    No documented position found.

  • Carol KazeemDemocratic

    • Praises the 2026-27 state budget's education increases, saying it will give all students educational opportunities.In office
    • Sponsored House-passed H.B. 1045 requiring seizure recognition and first-aid training for school nurses and staff.In office

Housing

  • Mike Bannon, Jr.Republican

    No documented position found.

  • Carol KazeemDemocratic

    • Calls housing a human right and making it more affordable one of the smartest investments the state can make.In office

Economy & jobs

  • Mike Bannon, Jr.Republican

    • Proposes creating jobs by using the district's riverfronts, supporting small businesses and cutting red tape and taxes.

  • Carol KazeemDemocratic

    • Calls on the Public Utility Commission to reject PECO's proposed electric and gas rate increase.In office

Health & human services

  • Mike Bannon, Jr.Republican

    • Calls for bringing a full-service, trauma-capable hospital back to Delaware County.
    • Supports letting qualified psychologists prescribe medication to improve access to mental health care.
    • Supports protecting and strengthening programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
    • Supports expanding programs and services for senior citizens, including recreation and transportation.

  • Carol KazeemDemocratic

    • Proposes grants and a tax credit to expand birth centers in maternity care deserts and areas with hospital closures.In office

Courts & justice

  • Mike Bannon, Jr.Republican

    No documented position found.

  • Carol KazeemDemocratic

    • Proposes limiting contact between federal immigration authorities and state and county prisons.In office

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 6 issues covered in this race.