Republican Andrea Verobisz defeated the Democratic challenger Caleb McCoy win the special election in the 79th Legislative District on Tuesday night.
Once the votes are confirmed, Verobish will be sworn in and fill out the remainder Lou Schmitt term representing Blair County in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Former field representative for Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-15) Verobish received 57.4% of the vote to 42.2% for McCoy, a registered nurse and former member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The GOP was expected to retain the seat as Republicans held a 55-29 advantage in the district.
Coupled with a Republican victory by Catherine Wall in the 193rd Legislative District, Democrats still hold a 102-100 majority. The fifth and final special election will be held on May 19 to fill the seat vacated by Republicans Seth Grove in the 196th district.
“Tonight, House Republicans won important victories in two open seats, demonstrating the success of our message and the strength of our candidates,” he said House Republican Party Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton).
“I want to extend my genuine congratulations to Representative-elect Andrea Verobish (HD-79) and Representative-elect Catherine Wallen (HD-193) for winning their races with a focused message, a disciplined campaign and a united Republican Party behind them.
“Mark my words: House Republicans will continue to carry our message of cutting taxes, fighting for families and unlocking economic potential to every corner of the Commonwealth. In this year’s election, we will execute a winning strategy characterized by a vision of a hopeful future that will lead to a new Republican majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.”
The 79th District includes the city of Altoona and the towns of Allegheny and Logan in Blair County.
