Credit: Submitted
A Republican from Falls Township has announced she plans to run for State Rep. John Galloway’s now-vacant 140th Legislative District seat.
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Joan Graves confirmed to LevittownNow.com she will seek the seat in next year’s special election.
Galloway’s resignation this week will open up the 140th Legislative District seat that encompasses Falls Township, Morrisville Borough, Tullytown Borough, and a section of Middletown Township. Galloway will fill retiring District Judge Jan Vislosky’s seat early in the new year.
“If elected Graves would like to see the various programs initiated by the outgoing representative to continue and would pick up that mantle. Graves would like to see additional services provided to veterans, young adults at risk, encourage new business ventures thus increasing the job base among other initiatives,” her campaign said in a statement.
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Graves has served as the chair of the Falls Township Republican Committee and on the Bucks County Republican Committee Executive Board.
She worked in clinical research and traveled the country in that career. In the time since, she taught at Bucks County Community College.
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Over the years, Graves has run unsuccessful campaigns for the Falls Township Board of Supervisors.
Graves said her past campaigns have given her name recognition and door knocking experience throughout the township.
The candidate said she has volunteered with programs like Cops n’ Kids, Coats for Kids, ESL classes, church choir, and a fellowship program at her church.
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“Although achieving many accomplishments, Graves is proudest to be the single mother of three, grandmother of five,” her campaign announcement said.
On the Democratic side, Donna Petrecco, Melanie Bidlingmaier, and Jim Prokopiak are aiming to run for the seat.
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The special election is seen as important for both parties as they vie for the majority in the Pennsylvania House. Democrats held a one-person majority until Galloway resigned.
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