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State Representative, 15th 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.

Covers western Beaver County: the townships of Brighton, Greene, Hanover, Independence, Potter, Raccoon, South Beaver and Vanport and the boroughs of Beaver, Frankfort Springs, Georgetown, Glasgow, Hookstown, Industry, Midland, Ohioville and Shippingport. Also includes western Washington County (Burgettstown, Claysville, Midway, West Middletown and the townships of Blaine, Buffalo, Canton, Cross Creek, Donegal, Hanover, Hopewell, Independence, Jefferson, Robinson and Smith).

CandidatesCompare by issue

Taxes & budget

  • Sydney SpeicherDemocratic

    • Supports local tax relief for working families and seniors.

  • Joshua D. KailRepublican

    • Supports the 2026-27 budget agreement, citing spending below the governor's request and no tax increases.In office
    • Proposes requiring data centers to pay the property taxes of residents over 65 in their communities.In office

Public safety

  • Sydney SpeicherDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Joshua D. KailRepublican

    • Co-sponsors 'Josh's Law' to allow automated camera enforcement in highway work zones.In office

Education

  • Sydney SpeicherDemocratic

    • Calls for more state funding for public schools, manageable class sizes and more school counseling.

  • Joshua D. KailRepublican

    • Opposes allowing athletes born male to compete in girls' sports; promotes a 'Defending Our Daughters' pledge.In office

Housing

  • Sydney SpeicherDemocratic

    • Supports housing assistance programs, including initiatives for first-time homebuyers.

  • Joshua D. KailRepublican

    No documented position found.

Economy & jobs

  • Sydney SpeicherDemocratic

    • Supports raising the minimum wage and creating paid family and sick leave programs.

  • Joshua D. KailRepublican

    No documented position found.

Roads & infrastructure

  • Sydney SpeicherDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Joshua D. KailRepublican

    • Proposes 25-year environmental permits for large power plants designated as priority projects.In office
    • Introduced a bill, with Rep. Kozak, to end vehicle emissions inspections in Beaver County.In office

Environment & parks

  • Sydney SpeicherDemocratic

    • Calls for stronger zoning and environmental review of data centers, including their energy and water impact.
    • Supports enforcing clean air and water standards and backing renewable energy projects.

  • Joshua D. KailRepublican

    • Supported repealing the regulations that put Pennsylvania in RGGI, which he calls a carbon tax.In office

Health & human services

  • Sydney SpeicherDemocratic

    • Supports expanding Medicaid and other programs to make health care and prescriptions affordable.
    • Supports access to abortion services and reproductive health clinics.

  • Joshua D. KailRepublican

    No documented position found.

Courts & justice

  • Sydney SpeicherDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Joshua D. KailRepublican

    • Describes his priorities as restoring law and order, protecting taxpayers and defending the Second Amendment.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; 9 issues covered in this race.