Two competitive state House races in May 19 primary
There are two competitive state House races in the upcoming May 19 primary election, with a Republican representative facing a GOP challenger for the 50th District and two Democrats running in their party’s primary in the 39th District.
State Rep. Bud Cook of West Pike Run is being challenged in the Republican primary by Benjamin Humble of Waynesburg for the 50th state House District. The winner of the Republican primary will face Democratic challenger Lois Bower-Bjornson of North Bethlehem Township in the Nov. 3 general election.
In the 39th state House District, Elizabeth Township residents Kellianne Frketic and Dylan Altemara face off in the Democratic Party’s primary. That winner will face Republican state Rep. Andrew Kuzma of Elizabeth Township, who is running unopposed in his party’s primary.
All other candidates are running unopposed in the remaining primary state House races in Southwestern Pennsylvania, although most will be competitive in the fall general election.
We asked two questions to the candidates in the competitive primaries and gave them a week to respond with their written answers.
Question 1: What qualities do you have to make an effective legislator, and why should voters choose you?
Question 2: What is the most important issue facing Pennsylvania and what would you do in the state Legislature to achieve your objectives?
Their responses, which we asked to keep under 100 words, are below.
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY: The 50th state House District includes all of Greene County and the southeastern Mon Valley communities in Washington County.
Name: Bud Cook
Age: 69
Residence: West Pike Run
Occupation: Businessman and state representative of 50th House District
1: I’m a proven conservative with a great record who stands up for the people, not the establishment. I’ve built honest relationships, delivered millions back to our district, supported job creation and energy production, and fought for hardworking families across southwestern Pennsylvania. As a member of key House committees including Energy, Agriculture, and Travel & Tourism, I’ve earned the experience and seniority needed to effectively represent our district. I have one of the strongest conservative voting records in the Pennsylvania House, and I answer to the people not political insiders or big PACs.
2: The biggest issue facing Pennsylvania is government overreach and policies that hurt working families, small businesses, and our energy industry. We need to lower costs, protect jobs, reduce regulations, and defend Pennsylvania energy. In Harrisburg, I will continue fighting for economic growth, constitutional freedoms, election integrity, support for law enforcement, and responsible government spending. My focus will always remain on protecting the values and livelihoods of the people I serve.
Name: Ben Humble
Age: 37
Residence: Waynesburg
Occupation: Project Manager at Humble Flooring and Decorating Center, and Waynesburg Borough Council President
1: Throughout my career I have had the privilege to work in every zip code in the 50th district. This opportunity has given me the insight needed to understand the similarities and differences in all our communities. I’m an active listener and communicator. As borough council president, lieutenant fireman and businessman, it is imperative to understand how to best serve my community and be effective. I make decisions every day that affect people’s lives. My background gives me a specialized advantage to focus on specific district needs to create effective legislation. I’ve been a public servant and problem solver for years.
2: Currently inflation is unstable and it is imperative there are permanent safeguards in place for times such as these. Federal Government market changes filter down to Pennsylvania resident’s increasing prices across the board. I will propose a “tax holiday” during specific periods of time or emergency. Several states have annual tax holidays, we do not, at the very least Pennsylvania desperately needs a financial break during hard times. I would collaborate with other legislators that recognize the need and have a shared interest, I will seek co-sponsors for this to become a bill. My plans do not stop there.
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY: The 39th state House District includes the mid-Mon Valley communities in Allegheny and Washington counties.
Name: Dylan Altemara
Age: 33
Residence: Elizabeth
Occupation: Educational Staffing Professional
1: My lived experience and professional background make me an effective legislator. Raised by a single mother and experiencing homelessness as a teenager, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate systems that often fall short. That drives my commitment to making government work for people. I’ve spent over a decade in education, nonprofits, and public service, working directly with families and communities, and I’m pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership. I am dedicated to accountability and real results because I want to make a tangible difference. Public service is a full-time job, and I’ll show up every day to serve and strengthen our community.
2: The most important issue facing Pennsylvania is the rising cost of living. Working families and seniors are paying more for housing, healthcare, utilities, and property taxes — and getting less in return. In the Legislature, I’ll focus on practical solutions to lower costs and improve stability: meaningful property tax relief for seniors and working families, policies to increase housing supply and affordability, and stronger oversight of utilities to ensure accountability. I’ll also prioritize investment in public education and workforce development, because long-term economic stability depends on opportunity. This isn’t about politics- it’s about making government work again in a way people can actually feel in their daily lives.
Name: Kellianne Frketic
Age: 48
Residence: Elizabeth Township
Occupation: Inventory Control Coordinator at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
1: What makes me an effective candidate for the Legislature is that I bring real-life experience and a deep connection to the community I want to serve. I’m a working mom, not a career politician, and I understand the challenges families are facing because I live them too. I listen, I show up, and I believe government should work for everyday people — not just those with money or influence. Voters should choose me because I’ll fight for strong public schools, safer communities, economic opportunity, and transparent leadership. I’m ready to bring new energy, accountability, and a voice that truly reflects the people of this district.
2: One of the biggest issues facing Pennsylvania is that working families are being left behind while costs continue to rise. Too many people are struggling to afford housing, childcare, healthcare, and everyday necessities, while our schools and communities remain underfunded. In the Legislature, I would fight for policies that invest in people — fully funding public schools, protecting workers, supporting small businesses, and expanding access to mental health care and community resources. I also support equitable adult-use cannabis legalization with expungement and reinvestment into impacted communities. Pennsylvania needs leadership focused on improving people’s daily lives, not politics as usual.