Lansdale Area State Rep. Steve Malagari Announces Re-Election Bid

LANSDALE, PA — Former Lansdale councilman and current State Rep. Steve Malagari has announced he'll be seeking a second term in office.

Malagari, a Democrat who represents Pennsylvania's 53rd legislative district, was first elected in 2018, assuming the seat left vacant by the late Robert Godshall's retirement. Godshall, a Republican who held the seat for 36 years, died in late November. Malagari called him a "legend."

"We all knew that we had a big legacy to follow," Malagari said in his re-election announcement. "“Knowing Bob and learning from him was a pleasure and an honor, and I am proud to continue his legacy of service and working for the people of the 53rd Legislative District. In fact, I hope Bob would be proud that we have some of the highest constituent service numbers in the state."

Malagari defeated Republican Andy Szekely in 2018, 13,312 votes to 12,160. It's not yet clear who he'll be facing in his 2020 election bid.

A member of the Aging and Adult Services, Liquor Control, and Local Government Committees, Malagari noted healthcare and infrastructure as two key legislative priorities moving forward.

"We’re focusing on improving healthcare, both physical and mental health, and investing in education while also ensuring that we limit increases in property taxes,” he said in his statement. "We’re creating good jobs for Pennsylvanians, making sure families can prosper, and we have made progress in improving our infrastructure too."

Malagari is a graduate of Ursinus College and North Penn High School.

The 53rd district encompasses Lansdale, Hatfield, Franconia, Souderton, the Montgomery County portion of Telford, and Salford.