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State Representative, 26th 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.

Chester County only (northern Chester County): East Coventry, East Nantmeal, East Pikeland, East Vincent, North Coventry, South Coventry, Warwick and West Nantmeal townships, and Elverson, Phoenixville and Spring City boroughs.

Taxes & budget

  • Samantha HoroskyRepublican

    • Calls for addressing rising taxes, housing costs and everyday expenses for families and seniors.
  • Paul FrielDemocratic

    No documented position found.

Public safety

  • Samantha HoroskyRepublican

    • Supports law enforcement and more practical mental health resources for children and families.
  • Paul FrielDemocratic

    • Sponsored H.B. 1944 to shield people who help someone during an overdose from criminal charges.In office

Education

  • Samantha HoroskyRepublican

    • Supports keeping education decisions with parents and local communities rather than state mandates.
    • Supports a meaningful role for parents in education and keeping political agendas out of classrooms.
  • Paul FrielDemocratic

    No documented position found.

Economy & jobs

  • Samantha HoroskyRepublican

    No documented position found.

  • Paul FrielDemocratic

    • Co-sponsored H.B. 2162 letting drug and medical device makers seek a state license during FDA review.In office
    • Proposed raising the cap on state small business loans for farmers from $400,000 to $2 million.In office

Environment & parks

  • Samantha HoroskyRepublican

    • Calls for balancing development with protection of farmland and open space.
  • Paul FrielDemocratic

    • Sponsored H.B. 2496 letting municipalities pause data center applications for up to six months.In office
    • Advanced state rules on spreading food processing residuals on farmland, enacted in the 2026 budget.In office

Health & human services

  • Samantha HoroskyRepublican

    No documented position found.

  • Paul FrielDemocratic

    • Co-sponsored a bill making insurance CEOs liable for aggravated assault when care denials cause serious harm.In office

Government & transparency

  • Samantha HoroskyRepublican

    No documented position found.

  • Paul FrielDemocratic

    • Co-wrote H.B. 2728 to bar corporations from unlimited spending on political ads in Pennsylvania.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; 7 issues covered in this race.