After a long road of campaigning, Glenn Thompson, R-Centre, will continue representing the fifth district of Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives after winning against Democrat Charles Dumas Tuesday.
Thompson will now be sworn into his third term of being the representative of the fifth congressional district of Pennsylvania, which includes Centre County. Geographically, this district is the largest in the state, containing 16 counties.
“I’m so appreciative to so many people who have provided me support in this election,” Thompson said.
Thompson won with 62.9 percent of the vote, while Dumas, a Penn State professor, had 37.1 percent, as of 12:30 a.m Wednesday. This is based off of 96.92 percent of reporting statewide precincts.
The two candidates squared off in a debate in late October that considered issues like job creation, alternative energy and health care, as previously reported, in order to voice their opinions before voters headed to the polls yesterday. After presenting their issues, the fifth district of Pennsylvania said that Thompson would be the best fit for Pennsylvania.
Centre County Chairman Greg Stewart said that Dumas had a tough battle against Thompson because the fifth district is a tough one. He also said that Thompson needs to improve in his next term.
“I hope Thompson does a better job in the future representing this district,” Stewart said.
Thompson was inaugurated into office on Nov. 4, 2008 in Pennsylvania's fifth district in the U.S. House of Representatives and then sworn into his second term in 2011, according to his website.
In his next term, Thompson said that he wants to complete a farm bill and that he wants to make sure America has the safest and most affordable food supply. He also said he wants to revamp No Child Left Behind and that he wants to do additional work on healthcare.
“I’ve got ideas that really could bring down the cost of health of every American,” he said.
In addition to these, Thompson said he wants to have affordable higher education, a wounded warriors bill and that he wants to continue to monitor needs for the district.
Chairman of the Centre County Republicans Daryl Schafer said that Thompson worked hard campaigning and that his communication with constituents helped him with reelection. He also said that Thompson developed good working relationships with other congressmen, which he said is essential for cooperation.
Schafer said that as Thompson gains more experience, he’d develop more leadership and become more effective.
Thompson also said he wanted to thank his opponent, Dumas, for the race that he ran because they were able to address and have a race based on the issues.
Dumas traveled to all 16 counties in the fifth district Tuesday for final campaigning.
Dumas said the campaign was “an honorable fight with lots of integrity” and that he thanks and congratulates Thompson for a well-run campaign.
As for the future, Dumas said he does not have current plans to run again, but will stay involved politically, which he said is important.
Thompson said he would provide leadership during this next term.
“I base my reelection on a proven record as a lawmaker, public servant and as a leader,” he said. “I look forward to providing bold leadership and effective solutions for the problems this country is facing.”
Collegian staff writer Sarah Peters contributed to this report.
