Mustello wins rematch of 2020 Republican primary to hold state House seat in Butler County
A rematch of the 2020 Republican primary for a state House seat in Butler County had the same result.
State Rep. Marci Mustello, R-Butler Township, defeated challenger Ryan Covert of Oakland Township by a wide margin for the party’s nomination representing the 11th state House District.
Mustello received 5,263 votes (63%) while Covert received 3,073 (37%), according to complete but unofficial election results.
Mustello had last bested Covert in the 2020 primary with 54% of the vote, then defeated Democratic challenger Samuel Doctor with 72% of the vote that November.
The 11th House District covers 13 Butler County municipalities — the townships of Buffalo, Butler, Clearfield, Clinton, Donegal, Jefferson, Oakland, Summit and Winfield; Chicora, Saxonburg and East Butler boroughs; and the city of Butler.
Mustello was first elected to the seat over Doctor in a special election held in May 2019, when the seat became vacant after Republican Brian Ellis resigned following allegations of sexual assault. Ellis was not charged.
Mustello was last elected in 2022, when she was unopposed in the general election after defeating Jennifer Steele in the Republican primary with 75% of the vote.
No candidates were on Democratic primary ballots.
Brian C. Rittmeyer, a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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