Cooper unseats incumbent Silvis; Dunbar wins in landslide

Former Westmoreland County Republican Committee Chairwoman Jill Cooper unseated first-term incumbent Rep. Jason Silvis in the GOP primary for the redrawn 55th state House district.

Two years ago, Silvis, 47, defeated Democratic incumbent Joe Petrarca in 2020 to win the legislative seat that was previously based in Derry. A redistricting consolidated the former 54th District, which was based in Murrysville. The combined district also includes Lower Burrell, New Kensington, Washington, Derry and parts of Salem township.

Silvis was challenged by Murrysville resident Cooper, 60, a political organizer; and Michelle Schmidt, 48, of Washington Township, who serves on the Kiski Area School Board.

With all 54 precincts in the district reporting, Cooper received nearly 49% of the vote. Silvis received 42% and Schmidt had just less 9%. All results are unofficial until certified by the county’s election bureau.

“It was really a new seat and about 75% of the district was open. I thought it was an open seat. I am humbled by the support and the trust of the voters,” Cooper said.

Silvis could not be reached for comment.

Throughout the spring campaign, Silvis outspent both his opponents. According to finance reports posted to the state’s website, Silvis raised and spent more than $38,000 since the end of March. Most of his funds were contributions from political action committees and other Republican state lawmakers. Through May 2, Cooper raised $22,000 primarily through private contributions and $6,500 in personal loans. Her campaign spent nearly $12,000.

Schmidt’s campaign spent just $1,667, according to finance reports.

Republican State Rep. Bob Brooks, who represents the 54th District, decided not to seek election to the lead the 55th District.

Meanwhile Rep. George Dunbar won a landslide victory against challenger Samuel Wright in the GOP primary for the 56th District, which includes Penn Township, Irwin, North Irwin, Trafford, Jeannette and parts of North Huntingdon and Hempfield. Dunbar, seeking a seventh term, received nearly 79% of the votes cast with all 53 precincts reporting.

Both candidates are from Penn Township.

Dunbar, who serves as the Republican caucus chairman in the state House, defended his legislative record during the campaign. Wright — who listed no fundraising or expenses during the race, according to campaign finance reports — claimed Dunbar’s voting record was not adequate for a conservative.

No Democrats appeared on the ballots in either district.