The race began in a bid to place Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Savannah Martin33-year-old graduate of the University of Shippensburg, announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination on Thursday.
“The West Coast is my home,” she said in a press release. “I’ve built my life here, and like many families in our community, I want to make sure this is a place where people can afford to live, raise families, build careers, and feel confident in their future. As our neighborhood continues to grow, it’s important that growth is managed thoughtfully. I want to protect strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and the quality of life that draws people here in the first place.”
Martin currently serves as a senior government affairs associate at Triad Strategies, helping to create advocacy campaigns and strengthen relationships. She previously worked at the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors as manager of public policy and political programs.
“I have spent over a decade working in advocacy and campaign departments across Harrisburg, seeing first-hand how decisions made at the state level impact our local communities. This experience showed me how important it is to have representation that understands how government works but remains rooted in the real experiences of the people it serves.”
Martin said managing growth and affordability are defining issues for the 88th District, noting that residents have expressed concerns about housing costs, school capacity, traffic and infrastructure.
“Our community is growing, and that brings with it both opportunity and responsibility,” Martin said. “We need a leader who has his feet firmly in the present and his eyes on the future. The 88th District deserves balance and stability, with leadership that plans thoughtfully, seriously listens to residents and fights for a stronger West Shore.”
Last month, Delozier announced she did not intend to seek re-election after nine terms in Harrisburg. Although she did not give a reason, some have speculated that demographic changes in the 88th District, which includes Hampden Township, Lower Allen Township (part), Mechanicsburg, New Cumberland and Shiremanstown Boroughs, may have influenced her decision.
This will be a closely watched contest as Republicans try to wrest the majority in the House from Democrats. Two Democrats – Sarah Agerton AND Adam Tron – have already announced tenders for their party’s nomination.
Martin and her husband Nick live in New Cumberland.
