Incumbent Jill Cooper retains seat in Westmoreland state House race

With 100% of precincts reporting, incumbent Republican Jill Cooper will retain her seat in the state House.

With more than 38,000 votes cast, Cooper beat out Democratic challenger Davon Magwood, 67% to 32%, in the 55th District race in northern Westmoreland County.

“I’m grateful for the trust that people have put in me,” said Cooper, who is completing her first term in Harrisburg. “It means the world. And even though I was elected as a Republican, I’m going to represent all my constituents regardless of their party affiliation.”

Magwood, 38, of New Kensington, earned a spot on the ballot through write-in votes and said state government needs to invest in local infrastructure.

“It’s my first time running, and I’m very happy with the race we’ve run and the people we’ve met,” he said. “I’d like to build off this. I’m optimistic, and there’s a lot of work the party needs to do in this area to reach out to voters and get our messaging out there. But I’m happy with where we’re at.”

Cooper, 62, of Murrysville, who won a contested Republican primary against Murrysville Councilwoman Jamie Lingg, said energy was among her top priorities.

“It impacts the cost of goods,” she said. “We have a wealth of energy in Pennsylvania and should be able to use that — open up pathways to make it more available and reduce the overall cost of energy. That can help not just the state but the nation when it comes to being energy-­independent.”

Cooper thanked 55th District voters as well as her staff.

“Without my staff’s hard work, I wouldn’t have been in a position to win,” she said.

The 55th District includes Arnold, Avonmore, Bell Township, Delmont, Export, Loyalhanna, Murrysville, New Alexandria, New Kensington, Oklahoma, Salem, Upper Burrell, Washington and portions of Derry Township and Lower Burrell.

All results are unofficial until certified by the county’s board of elections.