Election 2026: Democrat Ben Sanchez For State Representative

Candidates running in the Nov. 3 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 Cory Toner.

Biographical Information

Name: Ben Sanchez

Age: 51

Town of residence: Abington

Position sought: State Representative, District 153

Are you an incumbent? Yes

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

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Married with three children

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

Occupation: Legislator / Attorney / Certified Public Accountant

Candidate Questions

1. What is your stance on data centers in your district?

Fortunately, I am not aware of any proposed or planned data centers or any desirable or suitable locations for them within my district. Frankly, I do not wish to have them in my district, while also recognizing that they appear to be a necessary and imminent part of life in a technology driven economy and lifestyle. No matter where they are located, however, the impacts on water and energy consumption are undeniable and must be managed in a way that provides a fair balance to all, especially those who would be impacted by a new use in a location where they live or otherwise have established interests. At the state level, I have supported strict regulations that would enable, support and empower reasonable protections and constitutional local land use regulations rather than undermine or interfere with local authorities.

2. What would be the best plan for the development of Abington and Upper Dublin townships in the future?

Having previously served as an Abington Township Commissioner and knowing my state house district well, I can tell you that both townships are very much fully developed. So any future development usually involves redevelopment or repurposing of existing properties within an already built environment. This must be done both creatively and carefully, with much deference to the residents and also to the many existing land use planning documents, including the zoning ordinance. Of course, in all of this, it is important at the same time to ensure that the township remains business friendly and provides an adequate supply of housing. I have a track record of passionately advocating for pedestrian (and bicycle) connection improvements within the community, especially where they increase all around safety and efficiency for motor vehicle traffic. I've secured millions of grant dollars for such improvements and will continue to do so to help fund infrastructure.

3. What are some of the top issues in your district?

Federal policies from the current presidential administration are creating the most pressing issues for our community right now. We have an affordability crisis where the prices of our basic needs (e.g., food, gasoline/energy, housing) are completely out of control. Federal cuts to healthcare and food assistance are hurting people, yet the president is content to spend billions to unjustly torment immigrants here at home and wage wars abroad without congressional approval. I work daily with PA House Democrats and Governor Shapiro to do everything in our state powers to keep prices lower, raise and make wages fair, supplement gaps in healthcare and battle food insecurity - while continuing to make historic investments in public education.