Mackenzie To Run for State Representative

Republican Ryan Mackenzie of South Whitehall announced Wednesday that he is entering the race for the state House seat for the 134th District, which covers a portion of South Whitehall.

The seat, now vacant, was held by Doug Reichley, in November. 

Mackenzie, 29, is former director of policy at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. He is on the board of directors for a senior living apartment complex in Allentown, and he is secretary for an education-focused philanthropic organization in Lehigh County.

A graduate, he received a dual degree in finance and international business from New York University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, according to a prepared release. He worked for 's department of parks and recreation during summers while he was in high school and college.

He said in the release that he would focus on creating jobs, lowering taxes and reducing government spending.

"To create jobs, Pennsylvania must lower its taxes, reduce the amount of unnecessary regulation, decrease litigation costs and provide effective job training programs," he said in the release.

Mackenzie has worked on a number of political campaigns, including for Pat Toomey's U.S. Senate campaign in 2004 and Republican efforts for Toomey and Gov. Tom Corbett in 2010.

Also running for the 134th District seat are Republican Jim Smith of Richmond Township, Berks County, and Democrat Patrick Slattery of Lower Macungie Township, according to Morning Call reports. 

The 134th district is one of three districts that covers South Whitehall, along with other municipalities in Lehigh and Berks counties. 

South Whitehall is also covered by the 132nd state House seat, currently held by who is not seeking re-election, and the 183rd, represented by Republican Julie Harhart.