There will be three more special elections next Tuesday, March 17.
Democrat in the 79th Legislative District Caleb McCoy and republican Andrea Verobisz meet to fill the remaining date Lou Schmittwho resigned his seat to become judge of the Blair County Court of Common Pleas.
There will be two separate elections for the 2027-2028 term – a primary election on May 17 and a general election on November 5.
Caleb McCoy (no)
- Experience: Registered nurse, former member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard
- The reason for running. I’m running because I want to work for the residents of Altoona and our neighboring communities. I believe the most vital thing we can do is improve conditions for the working class.
- Priorities.
- Investing in and supporting the working class. Paid parental leave. Increase the minimum wage. Keep rural hospitals open. Prevent the privatization of school systems
- Accessibility. Stop data centers from driving up energy costs. Preventing monopolization of health care.
- Protect rights and freedoms. Protect the right to choose. Legalize marijuana. Fight back against ICE’s civil rights attack. Promote and protect responsible gun ownership.
- Defense of Democracy. Create equitable districts and stop gerrymandering. Reform and remove corporate money from politics. A ban on insider trading for all politicians. Protect our elections from federal interference.
- Education: BS, Mount Aloysius
- Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Blue
- What they say. “The most important way I can help Pennsylvanians is to take political action against the institutions that are destroying health care and the overall working conditions of the average American.”
Andrea Verobish (right)
- Experience: Field representative for Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson since 2019 Legislative advisor for Senator John Eichelberger2015-18.
- The reason for running.
- Priorities.
- Defend life in all its stages. 100% pro-life
- Protect freedom. . . . I support the 2nd amendment 100%.
- Defend common sense. Protect women’s sports
- Explore, mine and save Pennsylvania’s energy.
- Stop Shapiro’s plan to legalize weed.
- Oppose tax increases and reckless government spending
- Education: B.A., Gannon; M.P.A., Gannon
- Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook
- What they say. “I will fight this campaign against our Democratic opponents professionally. I will fight with civility. I will fight with class. But when it comes to fighting for our conservative values, I WILL NOT BACK UP.”
In the News
By the numbers
- The 79th District includes the city of Altoona and the towns of Allegheny and Logan in Blair County.
- Voter registration (as of January 8). Republicans 55.4%, Democrats 29.1%.
