Election 2024: Pennsylvania State House race for the 142nd District

This summer, the representative sponsored legislation that would protect older adults from fraud and other forms of financial exploitation. The bill passed the House of Representatives and is currently in the state Senate.

“I’m willing to work with anyone to do what I think is right,” Hogan told the Associated Press in July.

Hogan was endorsed by State Senator Frank Farry as well as the Pennsylvania State Education Association and unions such as SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, Local 668 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, IAF Local 22, Bucks County Fraternal Order of Police and the Pennsylvania UFCW.

Hogan did not respond to multiple interview requests from WHYY News.

Democrat Anna Payne

Payne, 37, was diagnosed at birth with cystic fibrosis, a disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Decades ago, someone diagnosed with the chronic illness had a life expectancy limited to the teenage years. Because of advances in treatment, that number has increased to 61 years for someone born with cystic fibrosis between 2019 and 2023.

For Payne, living with the disease and her experiences in healthcare and health insurance were key factors in her decision to run for public office.

She said she directly benefited from the Affordable Care Act of 2010.

“Seeing how politics really impacts our daily lives inspired me to become more involved,” she told WHYY News. “I learned firsthand that we need a seat at the table. We need a voice in the room. We need someone to tell our stories and humanize these issues so people can see the impact on the everyday lives of people with chronic illnesses.”

Payne received her associate’s degree in business administration and management from Bucks County Community College. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Council and founder of the Bucks County Cystic Fibrosis Alliance.

Payne’s first foray into electoral politics came in 2019 when she was elected to the Middletown Township Board of Supervisors. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in July 2021, an experience she said motivated her to remain in public service.

“My community really took care of me and supported me through the whole diagnosis, the whole process and everything,” she said. “And for me, this was the best way to give back, taking my life experience, my government experience, going to Harrisburg and working hard every day to make a difference in their lives.”

One of Payne’s priorities if elected is legislation that would require insurance companies to cover the cost of colon cancer screenings for people over 45. She also wants to push for more protections for abortion rights at the state level and codify stricter policies on paid family medical leave.