Abby Major keeps 60th state House seat

Republican incumbent Abby Major secured a win for the state’s new 60th House District against newcomer Democrat Bob George.

Unofficial results show Major earned about 69% of the votes compared to George’s 31%. Major had 18,957 votes, compared to George’s 8,507 votes.

“Thank you to the people of the Kiski Valley for reelecting me,” Major said. “It’s been great getting to know everyone down here, and I look forward to working with everyone.”

The 60th state House seat spans Armstrong and Westmoreland counties.

In Armstrong, the district includes Bethel, Burrell, Cadogan, East Franklin, Gilpin, Kiski Township, Manor Township, North Buffalo, Parks Township, South Bend and South Buffalo, Apollo, Applewold, Ford City, Ford Cliff, Freeport, Leechburg, Manorville, North Apollo and West Kittanning.

In Westmoreland, it includes sections of Lower Burrell (Wards 1, 2, 3 and part of 4), Allegheny Township, East Vandergrift, Hyde Park, Vandergrift and West Leechburg.

Major had a particularly strong showing in Armstrong County, earning about 80% of the vote.

Results were slightly closer in Westmoreland, with Major earning 60% of the vote compared to George’s 40%.

Both candidates are from Ford City.

George was unable to be reached for comment Tuesday night.

The 67-year-old earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and works full time as a bus driver. He entered politics to promote term limits.

The newcomer said being an average person keeps you in touch with residents and what they want.

“We need to get back to citizens helping citizens,” George said previously.

Major, 37, was elected in 2021 to fill in for former Rep. Jeff Pyle after he quit his seat because of health issues. She was Pyle’s chief of staff for 10 years before taking over his seat.

Pyle passed away in September.

Major is a member of the House committees on Children and Youth, Urban Affairs, Liquor Control, and Aging and Older Adult Services.

She said her top priority is helping to balance the budget with no tax increases.

“Everybody is struggling with rising costs and inflation,” she said. “The most important thing we can do at the state level is to balance the budget.”