Election 2024: Democrat Ben Sanchez For State Representative

Candidates running in the Nov. 5 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Democratic incumbent Ben Sanchez is seeking re-election for state representative in the 153rd Legislative District against Republican challenger Joseph Rooney.

Biographical Information

Name: Ben Sanchez

Age: 49

Town of residence: Jenkintown

Position sought: State Representative, District 153

Are you an incumbent? Yes

What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Rockledge, most of Abington Township, and half of Upper Dublin Township.

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Married to Karen Sanchez, with three children: ages 16, 13, and 6.

Education: Abington Senior High School 1993; Villanova University 1997; Temple Law 2004

Occupation: Legislator / Attorney

Candidate Questions

1. What can you do to curb crime that is seeping into the suburbs in Eastern Montgomery County?

Much like when I was an Abington Township Commissioner, I would continue to robustly fund our local law enforcement agencies to ensure they have the best training, tools, and approaches (for example, de-escalation training, technology, and community policing programs) for dealing with any crime in the district. We already have some of the very best police in our district with the Abington, Upper Dublin, and Rockledge Police Departments, all of which I am extremely proud to help maintain.

2. How can you work to get more money for your district in terms of school funding and grants?

During my tenure of service so far, I am proud that we have been able to obtain record school funding and grant awards. This will continue to be one of my primary areas of focused efforts. My credentials as a CPA and attorney have allowed me to serve on the House Appropriations Committee and maximize the efficient use of our precious tax dollars that we get returned for the benefit of our district.

3. Where can improvements still be made to reduce traffic that continues to clog key roads in your district?

I have been able to help achieve so many transformative projects throughout the district (and beyond) that improved walkability, bicycling, and traffic signalization, many of which furthered efforts that began during my tenure as Abington Township Commissioner. I believe the key to the management of traffic will be continued investment in infrastructure, especially technology.

4. What do you bring to the district as a change agent in helping your constituents have a better life after years of inflation and rising costs for families?

I am so honored to serve my lifelong hometown and I am particularly proud of my district office and the work we do there on behalf of the community and our many constituents. Not only do my team and I have a proven track record of impeccable constituent service in our district office, we will continue to press for all of the things that can be done in Harrisburg to help here at home such as better jobs through improving our workforce development, worker protections and business climate.