BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren announced Wednesday he'll run in next year's race for Pennsylvania's 137th House District — one of the most competitive in the battleground state.
The first-term Democrat said in a news release that he will challenge seven-term incumbent state Rep. Joe Emrick in next year's race.
In a prepared statement, Warren accused Emrick of buddying up with warehouse developers and voting against the interests of his constituents.
"Northampton County deserves a better advocate for working folks, families, children and our local communities. I look forward to earning the support of voters in the 137th District," Warren said.
"I look forward to earning the support of voters in the 137th District."Jeff Warren, candidate for state representative
Warren, of Bethlehem Township, has been active in local government for more than two decades. Before getting elected to county council in 2023, he served on Easton City Council and the Hanover Township Board of Supervisors.
He works for CASA SHaW, a New Jersey nonprofit that advocates on behalf of children in foster care. He previously worked as an aide for state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton/Lehigh.
Emrick was not immediately available for comment.
Last year, Emrick introduced legislation that would require any large warehouse development to pass a voter referendum in order to be approved. The bill did not come up for a vote in committee, and he has not reintroduced the bill this year.
Battleground area
The district includes all of Nazareth and Tatamy and Bethlehem, Lower Nazareth and Upper Nazareth townships. It also includes portions of Palmer Township and Northampton County's Hanover Township.
When the district map was redrawn following the 2020 Census, the 137th District was evenly divided between registered Democrats and Republicans.
On paper, it was the most competitive in the state, and the past two elections have lived up to the billing. In 2022 and 2024, Emrick edged out Democratic challenger Anna Thomas by 2.3 and 3.3 percentage points, respectively.
With the General Assembly so evenly divided — Democrats hold a one-vote majority in the House — the district has become a critical battleground to controlling the political agenda. The two candidates' campaigns spent a total of $2.2 million on the past two races, according to state documents. It was not immediately clear how much their political allies may have spent directly on the race.
Much of Northampton County government is now running for higher office. Along with Warren, Controller Tara Zrinski and Commissioner Tom Giovanni are campaigning in this year's county executive race. Incumbent Executive Lamont McClure launched his bid for next year's 7th Congressional District race in February.
