With just six days until the election, it’s time to start doing some research on who is on the ballot, what they are running for and what they believe in. Depending on your exact address, the eligible candidates to vote for may differ. The Villanovan has compiled a summarized list of the eligible candidates and positions to make this process a bit easier.
Starting at the top of the ticket, Villanovans will be able to vote for the President of the United States. With a two party system, we mostly hear about the main candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties. However, there are more than two people running.
The Democratic candidate running is current Vice President, Kamala Harris. Vice President Harris started out as a District Attorney for San Francisco City, then ran for Attorney General of California. She then became a United States Senator for California, and now she serves as the Vice President of the United States. Harris cites her legislative priorities as cutting taxes, protecting reproductive freedoms, making communities safer from gun violence and supporting American workers. Her campaign website also notes her wishes to protect and strengthen Social security and Medicare programs, make rent more affordable, lower energy costs and tackle the climate crisis. Vice President Harris chose current Minnesota governor, Tim Walz as her Vice Presidential candidate.
The Republican candidate running is former United States President, Donald Trump. Former President Trump has served as the President of the Trump Organization since 2017, and in 2021, became the owner. He then served as the President of the United States from 2017- 2021 alongside his former VP, Mike Pence. Trump cites his legislative priorities as sealing the border, ending inflation, large tax cuts, defending the constitution and preventing World War III. His campaign website also notes carrying out the largest deportation operation in American history and making America the dominant energy producer in the world. Former President Trump chose current Ohio Senator, JD Vance as his Vice Presidential candidate.
Libertarian candidate, Chase Oliver, Green Party candidate, Jill Stein, and Independent candidate, Cornel West are also running for President of the United States.
For the Pennsylvania Senate race, incumbent Bob Casey is running against Republican candidate Dave McCormick. Senators are responsible for writing and passing legislation, approving presidential appointments and ratifying treaties with foreign countries. Other third party candidates are Erik Mesina, Bernard Selker and John Thomas. Senator Casey cites his legislative priorities as protecting our rights and freedoms, supporting veterans, fighting greedflation, standing up for rural communities and expanding affordable healthcare. Republican candidate Dave McCormick cites his legislative priorities as securing the border, stopping violent crime, growing Pennsylvania’s energy sector, educating Pennsylvania’s children, ending China’s free rein, and standing up for American values.
Majority of Villanova is seated in Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District who is currently represented by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. Congressional representatives begin the legislation process, offer amendments, and serve on committees. Democratic candidate, Congresswoman Scanlon’s legislative priorities include voting rights, access to justice, education, supporting economic growth for her region, common sense gun safety, women’s rights, and ending hunger.
Republican candidate, a former Philadelphia Police officer, Alfie Goodwin aims to focus on removing politics from policing, protecting Constitutional rights, ensuring Social Security stability, and keeping neighborhoods and kids safe, according to her campaign website.
For the Pennsylvania Auditor General Race, Republican incumbent Timothy DeFoor is running against Democratic Candidate Malcom Kenyatta. Third party candidates include Eric Anton, Alan Goodrich and Reece Smith. As the chief accountant for the state, auditors check the financial records of a state and make certain its accounts are being managed correctly.
For the Pennsylvania Attorney General Race, Democrat incumbent, Eugene DePasquale is running against Republican candidate Dave Sunday. Third party candidates include Robert Cowburn, Justin Magill, Eric Settle and Richard Weiss. The Attorney General is the chief legal advisor and chief law enforcement officer of the state.
For the Pennsylvania Treasurer race, Republican incumbent, Stacy Garrity is running against Democratic candidate, Erin McClleland. The PA State treasurer is responsible for tracking budgets, managing investments and receiving money deposits for the state.
Incumbent State Senator Amanda Cappelletti is running unopposed for State Senate District 17. State Senator Cappalleti has served as Pennsylvania’s State Senator for District 17 from 2019 to now.
Majority of Villanova is seated in the 168th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, which is currently represented by Democratic incumbent, Lisa Borowski. State Representatives are members of the state’s lower chamber, as part of the state’s bicameral legislature. State representatives are responsible for voting on: bills related to public policy matters, levels for state spending, raises or decreases in taxes, and whether to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.
Rep. Borowski has served as State Representative for the 168th district for one year and is running for re-election. She cites her legislative priorities as public education, common sense gun reform, workers rights, the right to choose, public safety and protecting the environment. She is running against Republican candidate Kathryn Buckley. Buckley supports protecting taxpayers, restoring election integrity, job creation, protecting senior citizens, and supporting law enforcement.
Election Resources:
A Villanovan’s Guide to Voting
