Election 2022: Democrat Steve Santarsiero For State Senator

Candidates running in the Nov. 8 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.

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —Steve Santarsiero is running as the Democratic incumbent for state senator in the 10th Legislative District against Republican Matt McCullough in the Nov. 8 general election.

Name: Steve Santarsiero

Age: 57

Town of residence: Lower Makefield Township

Position sought: State Senate

Are you an incumbent?: Yes

What Towns Does Your District Cover? Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont Borough, Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, Falls Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville Borough, New Britain Borough, New Britain Township, New Hope Borough, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Plumstead Township, Solebury Township, Tullytown Borough, Upper Makefield Township, Yardley Borough

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Father of Nancy, Bill, and John, Husband of Ronni

Education: Bachelor’s from Tufts, J.D. from University of Pennsylvania, M. Ed. from Holy Family University

Occupation: State Senator

1. What are the top issues currently facing your district and how do you plan to address them?

We have to protect our rights in Pennsylvania. Following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Republicans in the legislature introduced a constitutional amendment to take away the right to an abortion. After nearly 50 years free of this fear, women are at risk of not having control to make health decisions about their own bodies. The right to an abortion is private and personal.

We have to take steps to protect our children, which is why I authored Kayden’s Law–a bill that passed through the Senate with bipartisan support ensuring the protection of children during custody battles. The majority of Pennsylvanians support common-sense gun reforms, such as universal background checks and high-capacity magazine bans.

Our children’s education is one of the most important things to focus on in the legislature. As a former teacher, I know exactly what challenges the education system faces; which is why I have voted for record funding for our public schools, fought against using tax money to fund private schools, and will continue to be a voice for them in Harrisburg.

2. Identify specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your district:

As the economy recovers from the effects of the pandemic, I am continuing to work to bring investments and jobs to the 10th district, including amending state law, and bringing about 10,000 permanent jobs to the old US Steel Site in Falls Township.

I also introduced a bill to ban the future sale of military-style assault weapons, limit the capacity of magazines, and require universal background checks on all firearm purchases. Keeping our communities, and most importantly the children, safe is always on my mind.

3. What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office?

I have 8 years of experience as a State Representative in the 31st district, and 4 years as State Senator in the 10th district. I am a lawyer, former teacher, father, and husband. I have seen firsthand the problems that our education system faces, and I know what it will take to educate and prepare the next generation of workers.