33rd state House District shaping up as vital race

The 33rd state House race is revving up to be critically important in the midterm elections.

Democrat Mandy Steele of Fox Chapel and Republican Ted Tomson of Fawn each believe they are the key to growing the economy and revitalizing the district, which runs along one side of the Allegheny River from Aspinwall to Harrison.

“I have a plan to give relief to working families,” said Steele, a Fox Chapel councilwoman. “It includes reducing the price of prescription medications, increasing access to child care and raising the minimum wage. These are basic actions that have for too long been overlooked.”

Tomson, owner of Tomson Scrap Metal and Lernerville Speedway, said he plans to address inflation and the “skyrocketing cost of living that is hurting our families and economy, as well as costing us jobs.

“We can address these issues through fiscal discipline, by helping job creators grow our economy, and through comprehensive energy policies that safely harness all of our energy resources, including clean energy, to reduce costs for consumers,” he said.

Tomson’s family has scrap metal processing facilities in Brackenridge and the Karns section of Harrison.

He is backed by the Laborers’ International Union of North America and the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 91, Allegheny County.

Steele has earned endorsements from Planned Parenthood and the Carpenter’s Union.

The 33rd House seat is open after newly drawn boundaries excluded its former representative, Republican Carrie DelRosso, from the district. DelRosso is vying for lieutenant governor with running mate Doug Mastriano leading the ticket.

Steele and Tomson are lifelong residents of the district, which includes many hard-hit towns along the Allegheny River.

Tomson said some of the most significant issues are ensuring safe communities and improving education.

“This can be done by supporting law enforcement, fighting drug crime and ensuring real criminals get the punishment they deserve,” he said.

Tomson believes preparing children for success can be done through giving parents a stronger voice.

“This is also done by encouraging career and technical education that provides needed job skills, especially for those who don’t believe college is the right fit,” he said.

Steele said, if elected, she will work to see public schools fully funded and will focus on driving new jobs to the region.

“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. If we do not act, we will miss our chance.

“We can be a leader again, this time with clean energy. All of the communities in this district will be lifted up when we make this happen.”

In canvassing the district, Steele said the top question asked most is her stance on women’s reproductive rights.

“I am the only pro-choice candidate in this race,” she said. “I will be a consistent and tireless advocate for women to keep their right to make decisions about their reproductive health.”

With federal protections ended for women’s right to choose, it opened the door for some states to abolish legal abortion, with no exceptions.

“I am determined not to let that happen in Pennsylvania,” Steele said. “If the Republicans control both chambers of the General Assembly after Election Day, they will bring it up for another vote. This is the next step in their plan to ban abortions in Pennsylvania, and I will fight against that proposal or any measure that seeks to curb a woman’s right to health care.”

Tomson said it’s important to note that nothing has changed in Pennsylvania law and said it is possible nothing will in the future.

“The narrative pushed by special interests saying differently is simply not telling the truth,” he said. “Should the state Legislature ever look at changing Pennsylvania’s current laws, I will always support exceptions for the tragic instances of rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother.

“That said, my priorities in Harrisburg will be on fighting inflation, growing our economy and helping job creators.”

Tomson said his biggest attribute is that he is not a politician. He is a blue-collar businessman born and raised in the district.

“I am the son of older parents and the father of a young child. I understand the challenges and concerns our families face because I face them, too,” he said.

He said constituents have revealed their main concerns as food on the table, fuel in the gas tank and heating and cooling their homes.

“The cost of supporting a family has gone up so much and is continuing to rise. Voters need to consider someone who has the skill set to help combat these economic pressures.

“I don’t care about political labels. I care about bringing common sense to Harrisburg, ending the political games and fighting, and getting results that help people. We’ve all seen where partisan bickering and political agendas have put us, and it’s time for a change. And that change won’t come from political insiders.”

Steele said she brings to the district a long track record of serving the public, holding Fox Chapel Borough taxes flat, supporting police and advocating for policies that make communities safer and stronger.

“This campaign has afforded me the chance to meet thousands of residents from all walks of life,” she said.

“The opportunity in this district is just incredible with clean energy jobs, well-funded schools and investment in our communities. We can get this done. But we need to send a representative to Harrisburg who won’t hold us back. And there is a big difference between myself and my opponent in our qualifications and understanding of the opportunity before us.”