State
State Representative, 47th 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.
Northeastern York County: Conewago, East Manchester, Hellam and Manchester townships; part of Springettsbury Township (precincts 2, 3 and 7); and Hallam, Manchester, Mount Wolf and Wrightsville boroughs.
Taxes & budget
Edward RitterDemocratic
- Calls for property tax relief for retirees living on fixed incomes.
- Proposes that legislators forfeit two days' pay for each day the state budget is late.
Joe D'OrsieRepublican
- Voted against the 2026-27 state budget, citing spending above projected revenue.In office
Education
Edward RitterDemocratic
No documented position found.
Joe D'OrsieRepublican
- Sponsored HB 2661 requiring annual residency checks for school district and cyber charter students.In office
- Sponsored a bill creating a State Seal of Biliteracy for graduates; it passed both chambers unanimously.In office
Housing
Edward RitterDemocratic
- Supports expanding affordable housing by speeding permits and rehabilitating abandoned or underused properties.
Joe D'OrsieRepublican
No documented position found.
Economy & jobs
Edward RitterDemocratic
- Supports raising the state minimum wage to $15 an hour, with tipped workers paid 60% of it.
Joe D'OrsieRepublican
- Sponsored HB 2317 to cap Labor and Industry safety inspection and certification fees.In office
Environment & parks
Edward RitterDemocratic
- Calls for data center transparency and enforceable limits, including on power consumption.
Joe D'OrsieRepublican
No documented position found.
Health & human services
Edward RitterDemocratic
- Proposes state funding to replace federal cuts to programs such as SNAP, Head Start and Medicaid.
- Supports Death with Dignity legislation for terminally ill patients of sound mind.
Joe D'OrsieRepublican
- Opposes proposed Department of Health disease-control regulations and has called for their withdrawal.In office
- Co-sponsors child care bills, including easing lifeguard staffing rules for providers' water outings.In office
Government & transparency
Edward RitterDemocratic
- Supports open primaries so unaffiliated voters can take part in primary elections.
- Pledges to support a legislative gift ban and to serve no more than three terms.
Joe D'OrsieRepublican
No documented position found.
Courts & justice
Edward RitterDemocratic
No documented position found.
Joe D'OrsieRepublican
- Proposes a Grooming of a Minor offense for adults who exploit positions of authority and trust.In office
- Voted against the House-passed second-degree murder sentencing bill, saying it would allow release eligibility.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; 8 issues covered in this race.