Republican Cooper wins 55th House seat

Murrysville political organizer Jill Cooper will keep the redrawn 55th state House District in red.

Republican Cooper, 60, a former chairwoman of the Westmoreland County GOP Committee, and Democrat Scott Gauss, a 69-year-old retired human resources director for the Boeing Corp., were vying to represent the district that includes Murrysville, New Kensington and Arnold as well as Salem, Derry and Washington townships.

With all 54 precincts reported, Cooper received nearly 62% of the vote. Gauss had 38%. Cooper tallied 18,474 votes to Gauss’ 11,510 votes.

“I am humbled by the trust and confidence the voters placed in me. I look forward to working with both sides of the aisle to make Pennsylvania a better place,” Cooper said, noting she is ready to work with Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro. “It’s a new governor but hopefully everyone has the citizens of Pennsylvania best at heart.”

Cooper defeated three candidates in the May Republican primary, including incumbent state Rep. Jason Silvis.

Silvis for the last two years represented the 55th District, based in Derry Township, that this year was shifted north and east to Murrysville and New Kensington. Bob Brooks, the former Murrysville mayor who represented the 54th District, did not seek reelection as his district was relocated to Montgomery County in eastern Pennsylvania.

Gauss did not appear on the May Democratic primary ballot. He qualified for the general election through write-in votes in May.

Democrats account for about 39% of registered voters in the newly formed 55th District.

Cooper campaigned on a platform that focused on economic issues, saying that state lawmakers should work to lower inflation and improve conditions for small business owners.

Gauss said he jumped into the race to combat the growing influence of former President Donald Trump. He said he favors women’s rights, is opposed to an outright abortion ban and called himself a candidate with a moderate voice.

Vote totals are unofficial until certified by the Westmoreland County Board of Elections.