Schroeder Defeats Katz In PA's 29th House District: AP

BUCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — State Rep. Meghan Schroeder (R-Bucks) has defeated Democratic challenger Marlene Katz in the race for the 29th Pennsylvania House of Representatives District, the Associated Press reports.

With 29 of 29 precincts reporting, Schroeder has received 22,618 votes compared to Katz' 17,976 votes.

As of 2 p.m. Friday, Bucks County had 3,468 mail-in and absentee ballots left to count, according to county elections officials.

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The 29th district includes Buckingham Township, Ivyland, Warminster Township and Warwick Township

Schroeder, who worked as a legislative aide and office manager for 10 years for former Rep. Bernie O'Neill, was elected in 2018. While she describes her top issues as school safety, education and reducing property taxes, she has also focused on the importance of mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The psychological damage is clear," Schroeder said during a House hearing in September. "This is why we as legislators must focus on improving access to mental health services and preventing suicides.”

Prior to running for office, Katz was a small business owner in the wellness industry. For the past decade, she has served on the Bucks County Democratic Committee and advocated for gun safety.

"My background and expertize allows me to understand the challenges facing individuals, families, small-business owners and community leaders today," Katz wrote on her website. "I am passionate about giving back to our community to become a reliable leader in our community."

In the June primary, Schroeder won more than 5,000 votes to defeat Republican challenger Greg Archetto, who received just over 3,000 votes. Katz ran uncontested in the Democratic primary and received just over 8,000 votes.

For full coverage of the election in Pennsylvania, go here.