State
State Representative, 22nd 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.
Lehigh County only: part of Allentown (wards 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14 and 15 and parts of wards 8 and 11) and part of Salisbury Township (wards 1 and 2 and part of ward 3).
Taxes & budget
Ce Ce GerlachDemocratic
- Proposes taxing the wealthiest and closing the "Delaware loophole" to fund schools and housing.
- Supports withholding state representatives' pay when the budget deadline is missed.
Robert E Smith JrRepublican
- Proposes cutting property taxes with revenue from regulated skill games and legal recreational cannabis.
- Supports suspending legislators' pay and keeping them in session until a budget passes.
Public safety
Ce Ce GerlachDemocratic
No documented position found.
Robert E Smith JrRepublican
- Said he would vote for a state ban on masks for federal immigration officers.
Housing
Ce Ce GerlachDemocratic
- Supports rent stabilization limiting how much landlords can raise rent.
- Supports renewed home repair funding and inclusive zoning laws.
Robert E Smith JrRepublican
- Says unsheltered residents need permanent homes, not just relocation; backs more state housing aid.
Economy & jobs
Ce Ce GerlachDemocratic
- Proposes banning the use of artificial intelligence to set or raise grocery prices.
Robert E Smith JrRepublican
- Calls for abolishing Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone and returning its tax revenue to residents.
Environment & parks
Ce Ce GerlachDemocratic
- Proposes requiring data centers to use renewable energy, study impacts and sign community benefit agreements.
Robert E Smith JrRepublican
- Supports zoning that protects open space and makes developers pay for infrastructure upgrades.
Health & human services
Ce Ce GerlachDemocratic
No documented position found.
Robert E Smith JrRepublican
- Supports wider Narcan access, including in libraries, and restoring drug education in schools.
Government & transparency
Ce Ce GerlachDemocratic
- Supports automatic and same-day voter registration, expanded early voting and an Election Day holiday.
- Supports campaign finance reform and publicly funded elections.
Robert E Smith JrRepublican
- Pledges regular town halls, office hours, listening sessions and bilingual district office staff.
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; 7 issues covered in this race.