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Democratic Incumbent Jake Wheatley Wins 19th State District

State Rep. Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) has won his seventh consecutive two-year term in the Pennsylvania House, defeating independent Mark Brentley by an 86 percent to 13 percent margin.

Wheatley says that he will focus on three things this term: education, jobs and redeveloping neighborhoods.

“I think we really want to focus on the education of our district," Wheatley said, "making sure that every child has access to quality education. We want to continue to provide economic opportunities for not only our business owners, but also individuals who are looking to develop their skills.”

He said his 12 years working in the district with his constituents is what won the seat for him.

But Wheatley hasn’t seen the last of independent Brentley. In 2016 he plans to run for the seat again.

“I still believe that I have all the important things that this district needs to move in a different direction,” Brentley said.

Jess was accepted as a WESA fellow in the news department in January 2014. The Erie, PA native attends Duquesne University where she has a double major--broadcast journalism and political science. Following her anticipated graduation in May 2015, she plans to enter law school or begin a career in broadcast journalism.