ALLENTOWN, Pa. - After nearly three decades as a Lehigh Valley lawmaker, state Sen. Pat Browne has a short answer when asked, "What’s next?"
“I have no idea,” Browne said Tuesday in an interview with WLVR.
Browne, who represents the 16th Senate District, conceded the Republican nomination to political newcomer Jarrett Coleman, a Parkland school board member. Unofficial election results show Coleman's margin of victory as just 19 votes.
Browne, of Allentown, spent the past eight years as chairman of the state Senate Appropriations Committee.
He said he hopes to be remembered for his work with that committee, which controls much of the state's spending.
“I guess my legacy will be determined by those I've served," he said. "But, I think working to secure a solid financial position for the commonwealth will be part of that. As well as other things I’ve done locally to improve the quality of life of our citizens."
Browne noted his work isn’t done yet.
“Next for me is finishing the next six months strong," he said. "I’m very confident we’re going to close the budget this June. That will put the commonwealth in the strongest financial position it’s been in the last quarter century. I think that’s a good way - at least in regards to my primary responsibility - to close my service.”
Coleman, who declared victory last week, will face off against Democratic nominee Mark Pinsley, the Lehigh County controller, in the November general election.
Browne, 58, was first elected to the Senate in a special election in 2005. Before that he served 10 years in the state House, representing the 131st District.
