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State Representative, 185th District

Vote for
1
Term
2 years
Candidates
1
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.

In Philadelphia: southern and southwestern Philadelphia, made up of all of Ward 26 and parts of Wards 40 and 48. Also includes Tinicum Township and Colwyn Borough in Delaware County. Uncontested: no Republican candidate is on the ballot.

Photo of Regina Young
Regina YoungOfficial portrait — PA House Democratic Caucus

Regina Young

DemocraticIncumbent

State legislator and community organizer

The gist

  • Names housing costs and home repairs owners cannot afford as top concerns in the 185th District.
  • Calls for access to stable jobs that pay enough to support a household.
  • Says public safety needs neighborhood resources and opportunities that prevent violence, not only enforcement.
  • Supports more flexible voting options and support for election workers, saying access and security both matter.
  • Calls for earlier coordination among both parties, both chambers and the Governor to meet the June 30 deadline.
  • Supports statewide data center guidelines while keeping local governments' voice in development decisions.
  • Sponsored Act 31 of 2026, requiring human trafficking awareness training for hotel and short-term rental workers.In office
  • Introduced a bill raising PACE/PACENET drug-aid income limits to $45,000 for individuals and $55,000 for couples.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Regina
View sources (3)
  1. Names housing costs and home repairs owners cannot afford as top concerns in the 185th District.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 185 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (VOTE411) · Most pressing issues · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “many homeowners are dealing with properties that need repairs they cannot afford”
  2. Calls for access to stable jobs that pay enough to support a household.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 185 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (VOTE411) · Most pressing issues · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “residents want access to stable jobs that actually pay enough to support a household”
  3. Says public safety needs neighborhood resources and opportunities that prevent violence, not only enforcement.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 185 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (VOTE411) · Most pressing issues · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “Public safety is also part of that conversation, not just enforcement, but making sure our neighborhoods have the resources and opportunities that prevent violence”
  4. Supports more flexible voting options and support for election workers, saying access and security both matter.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 185 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (VOTE411) · Elections · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “We can make voting easier without compromising security, and both have to be priorities.”
  5. Calls for earlier coordination among both parties, both chambers and the Governor to meet the June 30 deadline.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 185 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (VOTE411) · State budget · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “With earlier coordination and clear communication, we can stay on track to meet the June 30th deadline”
  6. Supports statewide data center guidelines while keeping local governments' voice in development decisions.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 185 — VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (VOTE411) · Data centers · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “I would support reasonable statewide guidelines that provide clarity and protect communities, but I also believe strongly that local governments need to keep their voice”
  7. Sponsored Act 31 of 2026, requiring human trafficking awareness training for hotel and short-term rental workers.

    Gov. Shapiro signs Young's anti-human trafficking bill into law

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Regina Young · Jul 20, 2026 · pahouse.com

    “This law will give front desk and housekeeping staff training to identify signs of human trafficking and what they can do to report it.”
  8. Introduced a bill raising PACE/PACENET drug-aid income limits to $45,000 for individuals and $55,000 for couples.

    House Majority Policy Committee examine ideas to help more seniors afford prescription medications

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Regina Young · Mar 10, 2026 · pahouse.com

    “Young has introduced legislation that would allow even more seniors to qualify for PACE and PACENET by raising the income eligibility requirements for the program.”

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.