Republican Gary Lotz takes on Democrat Mandy Steele for 33rd House seat

Republican newcomer Gary Lotz will take on Democrat incumbent Mandy Steele for the state House seat representing the 33rd District, which runs from Aspinwall to Harrison.

Both candidates have long made their homes in the Alle-Kiski Valley. Lotz, the vice president of Dick Building Co., lives in Harmar. Steele grew up in O’Hara and now lives in Fox Chapel, where she previously served on council.

Lotz, 73, is a career businessman with degrees in economics and foreign affairs. Among his top priorities, if elected, will be lowering the tax burden on families and businesses, he said.

“Pa.’s tax on businesses is among the highest in the country, and the tax situation for families is only going to get worse,” he said. “There is a proposed Allegheny County tax increase that leaders say doesn’t seem like a lot of money, but for people on fixed incomes or those trying to buy a house, it’s a lot.

“If you look at things like the extra 1% county sales tax, it’s higher than most states. Our gas tax is among the highest in the country, and we have some of the worst infrastructure. Truck drivers are avoiding the PA Turnpike and using back roads because of the high fees.”

Lotz said he will fight what he considers the state’s spending problem and work toward a sustainably balanced budget to spur economic and job growth for the Allegheny Valley.

Steele, 47, is a first-term representative who defeated Republican Ted Tomson in 2022 to represent the newly drawn district.

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

The seat was open in 2022 after new boundaries excluded its former representative, Republican Carrie DelRosso, from the district.

Steele said she has worked to build bridges across the aisle in Harrisburg because “we desperately need to bring people together.”

“Never has it been more important to focus on our core American value of country before party,” she said.

A co-founder of the Fox Chapel Parks Conservancy, Steele said she helped to garner $22 million in state money for her district her first term.

“I see this as a major component of my job, finding the local leaders who are getting things done and bringing back the funding they need to help their communities thrive,” Steele said.

She believes the county’s best opportunity for growth lies within the Allegheny Valley.

“I’ve worked hard to call the attention of every high-ranking official in Pa. to our region,” she said.

“We have an excellent story to tell and good people that live here, and we make an ideal place to invest dollars into our communities. With continued focus on our area, we will see this region become a vibrant economic hub.”

Both candidates said they will fight to protect women’s health care options.

Lotz, raised in the Mon Valley, said he will work to rebuild the district with 21st century jobs.

After parlaying his college job at Koppers into a full-time position and later transitioning to the Dick Building Co., he believes the energy industry is a cornerstone to job creation here.

Lotz said he will fight what he called out-of-control spending in Harrisburg because increased taxes drive away employers.

When on the campaign trail, Lotz said he heard from senior citizens, young families and everyone in between, “emphasizing the cost of everything, especially groceries, gas and utilities.

“Many are concerned about job security and businesses leaving the area. People are concerned about health care costs, availability and options, especially for women and young children. Voters are tired of negativity.”

Steele said that during her discussions with district voters, she fielded concerns “that are the same things we worry about in my own family of six — cost of living, safe and funded schools, well-resourced police, clean water, opportunity and strong communities.

“I hear a whole lot lately about people’s fears that politics has taken a dark turn,” Steele said. “That worries me, too.”

She said the way forward is to elect people who will listen.

“I’ve authored or co-authored legislation in every area I mentioned because these are the things the people that I represent care about, and I’m listening,” Steele said.

Steele believes voters should reelect her because she takes their trust seriously.

“I have worked hard in my first term, and I enjoy having open and honest talks with the people I represent,” she said.

“A legislator’s work should be informed by the people at home. That’s why I’ve earned the trust of so many people of all political persuasions. And, I hope I keep their trust.”

Lotz believes he should earn the people’s vote because he’s not a career politician.

“I am a husband, father and dedicated community volunteer,” he said. “I am a business person who spent my career working to create jobs and foster economic growth and opportunity and to improve our community,” he said. “I will put people over politics and prioritize practical solutions rather than divisive cultural debates.”