City of Lancaster, Democrat Mike Sturla announced that he is withdrawing from the race for the nomination for the 96th congressional district in the fall.
Sturla, who has served in Harrisburg since 1990, said he plans to finish the rest of his term.
“For 34 years, voters have always been at the forefront of what needs to be done,” Sturla said. LNP told | LancasterOnline on Monday evening. “For the first time since then, I put myself first.”
State law requires nominations no later than Aug. 22, so the Lancaster County Democratic Committee will be under pressure to find a replacement with the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago Aug. 19-22. County Democrats will send their recommendations to the state party, which will make the final decision.
Sturla noted that a $1.1 billion enhance in education funding played a role in his decision.
“When I said I was going to run again, I didn’t know if we could get it through,” said Sturla, who made his decision Sunday. “I wanted to stay to make sure it happened.”
Sturla chaired the Basic Education Funding Commission for House Democrats this year as it prepared recommendations on school funding. The commission drew particular attention this year because of a court ruling last year that found Pennsylvania was not funding its public schools fairly.
After retiring, Sturla plans to spend more time with his wife and four grandchildren.
Two names have been put forward as possible candidates – Manheim Township School District Board Chairman Nikki Rivera AND Dana Hamp Gulickwho unsuccessfully challenged Sturla in the 2022 primary.
Sturla will be succeeded by Republican Party candidate Eric Beezer, who owns a cannabis store in Manheim Township.
The 96th Congressional District covers the northern half of Lancaster, as well as Manheim Parish and East Petersburg.
