Matzie Defeats Coder, Retains PA House Seat

Democrat incumbent state Rep. Robert Matzie fended off a challenge from Republican Kathleen Coder Tuesday in his bid for re-election to the 16th District seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Coder was in high spirits earlier in the night whle surrounded by supporters at her election party at the Pizza Roma in Sewickley, where she awaited the results. 

In the end, Matzie, of Ambridge, won 15,160 votes, or 57.3 percent of those cast. Coder, of Bellevue, garnered 11,298 votes, or 42.7 percent, according to unofficial results. Matzie was first elected to the House in 2008.

In the weeks leading up to the election, his campaign clashed with Coder's over election finance matters that included a $42,500 tax lien that was placed on Coder's home. Coder told Patch the matter was settled and she and her husband are paying off the tax.

Matzie said his top priorities would be to continue support for community and economic development within the district, increase funding for education, and continue working to solve transportation challenges including adequate funding for mass transit. 

The 16th District includes Bell Acres, Bellevue, Crescent, Leet and Leetsdale and parts of Franklin Park and Ross. In Beaver County, the district includes Ambridge, Aliquippa, Baden, Conway, Harmony and a portion of Economy.