A former chief of staff to Republican state Rep. George Dunbar is seeking to succeed his former boss in the 56th District.

Brian Rasel, 37, of Penn Township, announced his candidacy last month for the Republican nomination in the wake of Dunbar’s announcement that he would not seek reelection for an eighth term.

Rasel served as Dunbar’s chief of staff for close to a decade, but was required to leave the position once he announced his candidacy. In that position, he aided constituents, evaluated legislation and helped local governments and nonprofit organizations seek grants, he said.

“Having had the opportunity to listen to citizens’ concerns on a daily basis, I know what is expected of a representative in Harrisburg, and can hit the floor running on day one,” said Rasel, a father of three.

Rasel had served as a member of Irwin Borough council and is active in Republican Party politics, having served as the chairperson of the county Republican committee in Penn Township and the chairperson of the Westmoreland County Young Republicans. Rasel, now an independent consultant, is a member of the Penn Area Library Board and also served on the Trafford Community Library Board.

The 56th District covers Penn Township, Jeannette, Irwin, Penn Borough, Manor, North Irwin, the Westmoreland County portion of Trafford and part of North Huntingdon.

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