2 Republicans look to unseat state Rep. Dan Deasy

Two Republicans are seeking their party’s nomination in a primary race to challenge incumbent state Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Westwood, in the November election.

Deasy represents the 27th State House District, which includes neighborhoods in the city’s West End and South Hills, along with the suburban communities of Crafton, Green Tree, Ingram, McKees Rocks and Thornburg.

Republican candidates Tim Walker and Ed Brosky are looking to unseat him, but first face each other in the May 17 primary. Deasy is unopposed in the primary.

Walker, 43, of Ingram, said he was motivated to run for office after seeing the impacts of covid-19 shutdowns.

“It really inspired me to take that leap and try to make a difference,” Walker said. “I’m a small-government guy. I want to rein in government. I don’t think it was right the way covid was handled in Pennsylvania.”

As a small-business owner with a landscaping company, Walker said he would work to control spending and bring accountability to how tax dollars are spent if elected. He said he thinks there is a disconnect between the state’s high gas tax and lack of infrastructure funding.

“I want that to be more transparent,” he said. “Why do we have some of the worst roads in the country and the highest gas tax that’s supposed to go towards maintaining those roads?”

Walker called for policies that would emphasize using Pennsylvania’s natural resources, like coal, natural gas and oil. He said he believes some regulations on industry could be rolled back, while still ensuring the industries are safe and clean.

Walker said he supports school choice, fewer regulations on the free market and individual freedoms.

He said he is pro-life, but supports abortion in instances when it is necessary for the safety of the mother or in cases of rape or incest.

Repeated attempts to reach Brosky were unsuccessful.

Deasy, a seventh-term state representative who serves as Democratic chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee, said he thinks his experience matters.

“I’ve certainly had an open door in my office for years. I’ve been around for a long time. I think that’s important — stability, experience,” he said.

Since taking office, Deasy said he has increasingly come to understand “the great needs our residents have.” He said he’s proud of his constituent services programs, which he said have helped address those needs.

Deasy said he is currently working to ensure American Rescue Plan dollars are used responsibly.

“It’s important that we invest those dollars, because they can make a difference for the next generation,” he said.

Deasy said he’d like to see the funding used to improve infrastructure and help small businesses and restaurants that were hurt during the pandemic. He said he also would like to see Harrisburg better invest in trade schools, which could help avoid local tax hikes.