The exterior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg.
Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA
Democrat Brad Chambers announces early second bid at Pa. House
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Jaxon White/WITF
Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA
The exterior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg.
Democrat Brad Chambers on Wednesday announced that he’ll mount a second bid for the state House next year, likely setting up a rematch against GOP state Rep. Brett Miller for the 41st District.
Chambers, a 34-year-old Columbia resident, ran unsuccessfully against Miller last year in what was the most competitive state House campaign in Lancaster County.
“I want to show people that things are moving in a different direction in Lancaster County,” Chambers said. “And if you want to be part of that, you should get involved with my campaign and support me for the 41st.”
Chambers, a labor administrator, said if he wins the seat, he’d use the position to advocate for improved access to affordable housing, increasing education funding and implementing universal health care coverage.
Last year, Chambers leaned heavily into canvassing efforts to spread the word about his candidacy. According to Chambers, he knocked on more than 26,000 doors.
He also had the backing of the state’s top Democrats, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, state House Speaker Joanna McClinton and House Majority Leader Matt Bradford.
But come November — in an election where Republicans down the ballot nationwide benefited from President Donald Trump’s name at the top of the ticket — Miller won with 56% of the vote, while Chambers obtained 44%.
The 41st District covers East and West Hempfield townships, Columbia and Mountville boroughs and a portion of northeast Manor Township.
Chambers on Wednesday echoed what many observers have predicted about 2026 – the political climate will be different, likely favoring Democrats after two years of a GOP majority in Washington, D.C.
Chambers said Democrats will be more energized to show up on Election Day, as they did in the March 25 special election that saw Democrat James Malone win a Republican-majority Senate district that overlaps with much of the 41st.
According to Chambers, Malone is supporting his campaign, as well as state Reps. Izzy Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, Lancaster County Commissioner Alice Yoder, and several local government officials from within the 41st.
“I’ve seen Brad’s dedication to progress and working people first hand,” Malone said. “I can think of no one better to join me in representing Columbia and Hempfield in the state (Legislature).”
First in
Chambers is the first Democrat to announce his candidacy in the 41st District. His early entrance into the race and name recognition from last year may dissuade other candidates from contesting the party’s nomination.
The Lancaster County Democratic Committee will likely host its endorsement convention in February next year, according to Vice-Chair Stella Sexton. She said committee organizers do not know of another candidate who has expressed interest in seeking the nomination in the 41st.
Last year, the House Democrats’ campaign arm declared the 41st to be among the “most competitive races” in the state. Chambers’ latest campaign could be pivotal for the party as it looks to maintain or improve its slim majority in the House.
Still, the voter registration makeup in the district will work against Chambers.
Republicans hold a 46% plurality of registered voters there, while 35% are affiliated with the Democratic Party. The remaining 19% are independent or unaffiliated voters.
And Miller, 64, of East Hempfield, proved last year that he’s no slouch when it comes to fundraising. He out-raised Chambers before Election Day.
It’s possible Miller could seek the GOP nomination for the 36th Senate seat, rather than run for reelection in 2026. Miller sought the county Republican committee’s endorsement in the special election called earlier this year for the 36th. But he lost that nod to county Commissioner Josh Parsons, who went on to lose to Malone by about 500 votes.
Miller did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
Like Democrats, county Republicans will meet early in the new year to decide on primary election endorsements for state legislative seats.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
