Yough School Board president running for state rep.

Yough School Board President Ken Bach has his sights on the state legislature.

“I grew up in, learned in, and have impacted this community my entire life,” the South Huntingdon Democrat said. “With this experience, I believe I am the perfect fit for this role.

Bach, 52, announced his candidacy Monday for the 58th District state House seat, which soon will be vacated by Republican Justin Walsh of Rostraver.

Walsh was elected this month to serve as judge in Westmoreland County court. He soon will resign from the legislature.

The county Democratic and Republican committees each will nominate a candidate for Walsh’s seat. Voters will choose the winner at a special election in the spring.

Gov. Tom Wolf has yet to schedule the special election.

Bach owns an auto repair shop in South Huntingdon. He’s been on the Yough board for 12 years.

“Solutions and permanent fixes are extremely difficult to come across, especially in today’s conditions, but they are possible,” Bach said. “In this ever-changing world, I truly believe serving for the betterment of one another is the best way to improve our local communities and, in turn, the state.”

Bach will face competition from at least one fellow Democrat.

Robert Prah, 37, of Rostraver, a U.S. Army veteran who works as director of Military and Veterans Affairs at California University of Pennsylvania, launched a campaign for the office in the summer.

The 58th District includes Belle Vernon, East Huntingdon, Jeannette, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, Rostraver, Sewickley, South Huntingdon and West Newton along with parts of Hempfield.