Share on WeChat
https://www.powervoter.us:443/office
Copy the link and open WeChat to share.
 Share on WeChat
Copy the link and open WeChat to share.
 Share on WeChat
Scan QRCode using WeChat,and then click the icon at the top-right corner of your screen.
 Share on WeChat
Scan QRCode using WeChat,and then click the icon at the top-right corner of your screen.

Pennsylvania, State House, District 144

Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144
Current incumbentF. Todd Polinchock Republican Party
Population68,397
Ethnicity1.9% Black, 2.8% Hispanic
Voting age75.1% age 18 and over

Pennsylvania's one hundred and forty-fourth state house district is represented by Republican Representative F. Todd Polinchock.

As of the 2010 census, a total of 68,397 civilians reside within Pennsylvania's one hundred and forty-fourth state house district. Pennsylvania state representatives represent an average of 62,573 residents. After the 2000 Census, each member represented 60,498 residents.

About the chamber

Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are not subject to term limits. Pennsylvania legislators' terms officially begin on December 1 the year of their election. However, legislators take the oath of office the first Tuesday in January.

Qualifications

Under Article II of the Pennsylvania Constitution, senators shall be at least twenty-five years of age and representatives twenty-one years of age. They shall have been citizens and inhabitants of their respective districts one year before their election (unless absent on the public business of the United States or of this State) and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms of service.

Salaries

State legislators
SalaryPer diem
$87,180/year$183/day

Pension

Legislators in Pennsylvania are able to retire at age 50, while other state workers cannot retire until they turn 60. In 2011, the average legislative pension was $35,221 annually, while the average state employee pension was $23,491. According to former legislator David Mayernik, who began collecting a pension of $29,583 a year when he retired at age 50, the lowered retirement age was intended as compensation for small legislative salaries as well as the uncertainty of serving in office.

Vacancies

If there is a vacancy in the house, a special election must be held to fill the vacant seat. The Speaker of the House is responsible for calling an election. There are no deadlines set in the state constitution on when a special election can be held.

Elections

2020

Elections for the office of Pennsylvania House of Representatives will take place in 2020. The general election will be held on November 3, 2020. A primary is scheduled for April 28, 2020. The filing deadline is February 18, 2020.

2018

General election
General election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144

F. Todd Polinchock (R) defeated Meredith Buck (D) in the general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes

F. Todd Polinchock (R)
51.0
15,457

Silhouette Placeholder Image.png

Meredith Buck (D)
49.0
14,867

Total votes: 30,324
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144

Meredith Buck advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144 on May 15, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes

Silhouette Placeholder Image.png

Meredith Buck (D)
100
3,647

Total votes: 3,647
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144

F. Todd Polinchock advanced from the Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144 on May 15, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes

F. Todd Polinchock (R)
100
3,839

Total votes: 3,839

2016

Elections for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on April 26, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was February 16, 2016.

Incumbent Katharine Watson ran unopposed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144 general election.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144, General Election, 2016

Party Candidate
Republican Green check mark transparent.png Katharine Watson Incumbent (unopposed)
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State


Incumbent Katharine Watson ran unopposed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144 Republican primary.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 144 Republican Primary, 2016

Party Candidate
Republican Green check mark transparent.png Katharine Watson Incumbent (unopposed)


2014

Elections for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 11, 2014. Incumbent Katharine Watson was unopposed in the Republican primary. Watson was unchallenged in the general election.

2012

Elections for the office of Pennsylvania House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on April 24, 2012, and a general election on November 6, 2012. The signature-filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was February 16, 2012. Incumbent Katherine Watson (R) was unopposed in both the general election and Republican primary.

Campaign contributions

From 2002 to 2016, candidates for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144 raised a total of $1,107,308. Candidates who raised money in contributions earned $69,207 on average. All figures come from Follow the Money.

Campaign contributions, Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 144

Year Amount Candidates Average
2016 $37,275 1 $37,275
2014 $50,761 1 $50,761
2012 $39,160 1 $39,160
2010 $48,057 1 $48,057
2008 $106,416 2 $53,208
2006 $76,694 2 $38,347
2004 $41,451 2 $20,726
2002 $43,887 2 $21,944
2000 $663,607 4 $165,902
Total $1,107,308 16 $69,207