Democratic incumbent Mandy Steele captures 2nd term in state House
Share this post:
Fox Chapel Democrat Mandy Steele has won second term representing the 33rd state House District in Harrisburg.
Steele, 47, collected 55.65% of the vote to Republican challenger Gary Lotz’s 44.18%, according to unofficial tallies that show 100% of precincts reported in the district.
The 33rd District includes Harrison, Brackenridge, Fawn, Tarentum, East Deer, Frazer, Springdale, Springdale Township, Cheswick, Harmar, Indiana Township, O’Hara, Blawnox, Aspinwall, Fox Chapel and Sharpsburg.
The seat was open in 2022 after new boundaries excluded its former representative, Republican Carrie DelRosso, from the district.
Steele, 47, said she felt good heading into Tuesday’s election. She gathered with supporters at Hitchhiker Brewing in Sharpsburg after the polls closed.
“I’ve worked hard, and I believe that matters,” Steele said. “The people that live in the district are hard workers and they appreciate hard work by the people they vote for.”
She said the bipartisan support she’s received is an indication that most people want to come together and find common ground.
“Our district is a testament to the American values of family, community and country before self,” she said. “I am proud to live in a place like this.”
Harmar’s Lotz, 73, was raised in the Mon Valley and is a career businessman who serves as vice president of Dick Building Co. He couldn’t be reached for comment.
Steele, a former Fox Chapel councilwoman, defeated Republican Ted Tomson in 2020 to earn her first term in the Legislature. On Monday, Tomson endorsed Steele, and he celebrated at her party Tuesday night. Steele said it was a testament to the people in the 33rd District wanting to work with respect and compassion for one another.
Steele has said her focus over the next two years will be to continue to invest money into the region to create an economic hub.
“I would drive as much funding as possible to our district for the issues my constituents care about — first responders, jobs, clean water and public schools,” Steele said. “I will work to represent as many people as I can, with the focus always on listening to the people that live here.”