The Gist
Your ballot

State

State Representative, 6th 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 parts of both counties: Albion and Cranesville boroughs and Conneaut, Elk Creek and Springfield townships in Erie County, and 36 precincts in Crawford County.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Taxes & budget

  • Michael WalkerDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Brad RoaeRepublican

    • Opposes the governor's proposed $53.26 billion 2026-27 budget, saying deficit spending will lead to a tax increase.In office
    • Opposes the enacted 2026-27 budget's deferred Medicaid payments and its pension cost-of-living increase for retirees.In office

Education

  • Michael WalkerDemocratic

    • Calls for less emphasis on standardized testing and adequate tax funding of public education.

  • Brad RoaeRepublican

    • Supports legislative oversight of the PIAA, the state's interscholastic athletic association.In office

Economy & jobs

  • Michael WalkerDemocratic

    • Supports tax cuts and grants for Pennsylvania-based businesses and agriculture.

  • Brad RoaeRepublican

    No documented position found.

Roads & infrastructure

  • Michael WalkerDemocratic

    • Calls for more state investment in bridges and in water and power systems.

  • Brad RoaeRepublican

    • Calls for transit agencies to raise fares by $1 rather than rely on more state funding; opposed HB 1788.In office

Health & human services

  • Michael WalkerDemocratic

    • Calls for lower prescription drug costs, price transparency, and protecting rural hospitals and health centers.
    • Supports stricter enforcement of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

  • Brad RoaeRepublican

    • Opposes abortion after fetal viability.In office

Government & transparency

  • Michael WalkerDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Brad RoaeRepublican

    • Opposed House Bill 1396's election code changes, including a permanent mail-in ballot list and new county mandates.In office

Courts & justice

  • Michael WalkerDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Brad RoaeRepublican

    • Opposed the House-amended second-degree murder sentencing bill (HB 1042), including its added medical parole language.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.