Incumbent Republican State Representatives Russ Diamond and Frank Ryan, whose districts cover most of Lebanon County, say they will seek reelection to Pennsylvania’s state house in November, 2020.
If successful in November, Ryan would serve a third two-year term representing the state house’s 101st District, and Diamond would serve a fourth representing the 102nd.
Together, the 101st and the 102nd cover almost all of Lebanon County. East Hanover and North Annville Townships are in the 104th District.
Ryan and Diamond will be on the ballot in the April 28, 2020, primary election. It is not likely that either will face a Republican primary opponent.
The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. So far, no non-Republicans have announced their candidacy for either seat.
State Representative Frank Ryan (R, 101)
Ryan, a Marine veteran and certified public accountant, has made fiscal responsibility a centerpiece of his tenure in Harrisburg.
In a Dec. 7 press release, Ryan said, “We have made significant progress in addressing Pennsylvania’s financial crisis in the past three years. However, much remains to be done to restore fiscal integrity to state government.”
Looking ahead, Ryan said that his objectives will continue to be “elimination of school property taxes, passage of balanced budgets based on realistic spending and revenue projections, reduction of unfunded pension obligations, conversion of all new state employees to a defined contribution plan much as private industry has and the avoidance of any new taxes.”
Ryan noted that he introduced six bills in his first two terms that have been signed into law by the governor.
Last year he introduced a bill that would require medical facilities to bury or cremate fetal remains after an abortion or miscarriage. It drew opposition from Planned Parenthood and pro-choice lawmakers.
The bill was passed by the state house, and is the awaiting action in the state senate’s Health and Human Services Committee. Governor Wolf has promised to veto it if it reaches his desk.
State Representative Russ Diamond (R,102)
Before taking office in 2015, Diamond worked in manufacturing, ran
an audio/video production business, and was an over‐the‐road trucker.
In a Dec. 2 press release, Diamond said “[i]t’s an honor and a privilege to serve our community and stand for Lebanon County values in Harrisburg.” If re-elected, he promises to “continue to fight for our core beliefs – individual rights, limited government, solving the property tax problem, the right to bear arms, and the right to life.”
Diamond has authored House Bill 382, which would amend the state constitution to prohibit property taxes in the Commonwealth by 2025. The bill is currently being considered by the House Finance Committee.
Diamond also favors broadening the state’s sales tax base with the goal of reducing its rate from 6 percent to 1.9 percent.