Reschenthaler maintains commanding lead to retain seat in 14th Congressional District

Republican incumbent Rep. Guy Reschenthaler of Peters defeated Democratic challenger Bill Marx in his bid to hold on for a second term representing the newly formed 14th Congressional District, which includes a large portion of western Westmoreland County, along with portions of Greene, Washington and Fayette.

Though some mail-in ballots are still being counted, Reschenthaler maintains a commanding lead. The Associated Press called the race for Reschenthaler Tuesday night.

Reschenthaler held a commanding lead over Democratic challenger Bill Marx of Delmont. According to early, unofficial returns, Reschenthaler received 65% of the vote to Marx’s 35%. In addition to completing tabulations for in-person voting, county elections workers are counting a record number of mail-in ballots.

More than 359,000 votes had been counted as of 9 a.m. Thursday.

Earlier Wednesday, Reschenthaler declared victory. In a Twitter post, Reschenthaler said: “Proud to be re-elected by the great people of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Thank you for your support and I will continue to fight for our great district.”

Reschenthaler, 37, a former state senator and district judge, first won the seat in 2018 with about 58% of the vote.

Republicans outnumber Democrats in the district by about 4,000 registered voters.

Reschenthaler proved to be a reliable vote for President Trump during his first two years in office.

He said he supports the elimination of the Affordable Care Act and was against gun control measures. Reschenthaler opposes the elimination of fracking, backs investing in the nation’s infrastructure and favors criminal justice reform.

A first-time candidate, Marx, 44, is a former military policeman and works as a high school history teacher. He is a member of Delmont council.

Marx, whose campaign was outspent by a more than 13-to-1 margin, said he supports the military, expanded background checks for gun owners and enhancing the Affordable Care Act.