Deely/Simmons Race 'One to Watch' Says Politics PA

The race for the 131st state House seat is a "race to watch" according to political website Politics PA, which ranked the top 10 state representative races by likeliness to switch party control. 

The race for state Rep. Justin Simmons' 131st seat was eighth out of the 10 races. 

In a recent phone interview, state Rep. Simmons (R-131) seemed unphased by the list: "It's just the Harrisburg chattering heads talking," said Rep. Simmons. "What I care about is here, I care about helping people and we will win with the voters in the end. It's a completely different thing to be on the ground talking to the voters than it is to be in Harrisburg."

Challenger Kevin Deely felt the list was confirmation that the race for the 131st district seat is far from over. 

"I am not surprised to hear that this race is one of the 10 most competitive in the state. The reality is that voters are unhappy," said Deely in an email statement. "My race is competitive because voters in this district have made it clear that they disagree with the Corbett-Simmons agenda, which has hurt middle class jobs, weakened public schools, and suppressed the vote of senior citizens and minorities in our community. We can do better."