LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Rachel Cuevas appeared late Tuesday to have pulled out a victory in the Democratic primary for the 187th District state House seat.
Unofficial results on the Lehigh County website showed Cuevas leading the race 3,343 votes to opponent Geoffrey Whitcomb's 1,505 with all the county's 158 precincts reporting.
The district represents much of northern and western Lehigh County.
The race matched two first-time candidates who focused their campaigns on easing costs on local residents. Concerns about data centers took a prominent spot in the race, as well.187th District state House seat Democratic primary
The race matched two first-time candidates who focused their campaigns on easing costs on local residents. Concerns about data centers took a prominent spot in the race, as well.
Cuevas previously was employed in the health insurance industry and as a human resources professional for the Boston Beer company and Amazon.
She also volunteers for veterans programs run through the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Whitcomb, a Reading School District music teacher, originally considered running for Pennsylvania's 16th Senate District but dropped out following a straw poll. He described himself as a good soldier who would respect the wishes of his party.
Instead, he pivoted to the state representative race. He also is minister of music at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Allentown
Cuevas may have a tough climb ahead of her in the general election. Republicans hold an 11-percentage point advantage over Democrats in registered voters in the district, according to state data.
Incumbent Gary Day ran unopposed in the Republican primary as he seeks his second consecutive term and ninth term overall representing the region in Harrisburg.
