Democrat Mandy Steele defeats Republican Ted Tomson in 33rd state House

Mandy Steele, the Democratic candidate for the 33rd State House District, defeated Republican Ted Tomson to represent the newly drawn district that includes Alle-Kiski towns from Harrison to Aspinwall.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Steele of Fox Chapel captured about 55% of the votes compared to Tomson of Fawn, who earned about 45%, according to unofficial results by the Allegheny County Elections Department.

With almost all precincts reported, including mail-in ballots, Steele, the pro-choice candidate, had 15,697 votes compared to Tomson’s 13,042 votes.

Data from the Department of State show the vast majority of this year’s requests for absentee and mail ballots — roughly 70% — came from registered Democrats, according to Tribune-Review news partner Spotlight PA.

Steele said women’s reproductive rights were the top priority for voters she met while canvassing the district.

She was not able to be reached for comment before deadline.

Tomson said he is proud of how his supporters worked and would like to see that work rewarded.

“No matter the result, I am sure the people of the 33rd District will be represented in Harrisburg well,” said Tomson, whose family owns a scrap metal facility as well as Lernerville Speedway.

The 33rd House District includes East Deer, Fawn, Frazer, Harmar, Harrison, Indiana Township, O’Hara, Springdale, Aspinwall, Blawnox, Brackenridge, Cheswick, Fox Chapel, Sharpsburg, Springdale Township and Tarentum.

The seat was open after newly drawn boundaries excluded its former representative, Republican Carrie DelRosso, from the district.

Steele and Tomson are lifelong district residents. Each said they were running with the intent to revive the economy.

Steele previously said she has a plan to provide relief to working families that includes reducing the price of prescription medications, increasing access to child care and raising the minimum wage. Steele also said she will work to see public schools fully funded.

“Southwestern PA was once the manufacturing and energy center of the world,” she said. “We have an incredible opportunity to restore our thriving economy with clean-energy investment and job creation.”