LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — A local pastor and music teacher has announced he will challenge state Rep. Gary Day in the upcoming race for Pennsylvania's 187th state House District.
Geoffrey Whitcomb, minister of music at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Allentown, will formally launch his campaign for the district Saturday at The Pub at Weis Market on Grandview Drive, according to a Tuesday news release.
Whitcomb also teaches music at Southwest Middle School in Reading.
“Pennsylvania can say that it wants to lead the way in business development. But if it keeps letting our water rights, open spaces and other natural resources get swallowed up while paying us less than $8 an hour, you don’t have to be a math whiz to know that that doesn’t add up."Geoffrey Whitcomb, minister of music at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Allentown, candidate for Pennsylvania's 187th state House District
The Democrat's campaign will focus on raising the minimum wage, protecting the environment for residents, hunters and fishing enthusiasts, and funding local EMS operations, according to the release.
“Pennsylvania can say that it wants to lead the way in business development," Whitcomb said in a prepared statement.
"But if it keeps letting our water rights, open spaces and other natural resources get swallowed up while paying us less than $8 an hour, you don’t have to be a math whiz to know that that doesn’t add up."
Republican-dominated seat
In the release, he also vowed to prioritize all people's civil rights — including those of women, immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The 187th District represents Alburtis and Macungie; Heidelberg, Lower Macungie, Lowhill, Lynn, Washington and Weisenberg townships and the western portion of Upper Macungie Township.Pennsylvania election data
The 187th District represents Alburtis and Macungie; Heidelberg, Lower Macungie, Lowhill, Lynn, Washington and Weisenberg townships and the western portion of Upper Macungie Township.
Republican Gary Day currently holds the seat.
Republicans make up 46% of registered Republicans in the 187th District, granting them an 11-point advantage over registered Democrats.
While the 187th's exact borders have changed over the decades through redistricting, Republicans have dominated the seat since it moved to Lehigh County in the 1980s.
In 2024, Day defeated Democrat Stephanie Rafes by an 11-point margin.
