Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Democrat Jordan Omlor will challenge Republican incumbent Leslie Rossi for Pennsylvania's 59th state House District seat in the November election. The district covers Latrobe, Ligonier, Derry, Unity and other Westmoreland County communities.

Rossi, 55, has held the seat since winning a 2021 special election after the death of Rep. Mike Reese. She points to her record of grants and projects across the district, her committee work, and fiscal restraint, including declining a pension and returning unused office funds, as reasons for reelection. Omlor, 35, an Army veteran and home renovator, was a registered Republican until last December before defeating Lisa Gephart in the Democratic primary. He describes himself as a moderate seeking to "reach across the aisle," citing priorities such as universal healthcare, tax reform, stricter AI data center regulations and environmental protections. He has pledged to donate half his salary to charitable causes if elected.

Michigan Republicans gathered in Mount Pleasant on Aug. 22 for their nominating convention, finalizing a statewide ticket ahead of a November midterm that will decide the governorship, a U.S. Senate seat and other key offices. The event ratified April's endorsement convention picks, confirming Anthony Forlini and Doug Lloyd as nominees for secretary of state and attorney general, and formally nominated state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as gubernatorial candidate John James' running mate. James and Senate nominee Mike Rogers used the stage to attack Democrats over antisemitism, socialism and economic issues, with Rogers casting Democratic Senate rival Abdul El-Sayed as untrustworthy. Party figures emphasized unity and a "positive" tone after past fractures within the state GOP.

James will face Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson, who recently named state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate. Despite the enthusiasm, Republicans trailed Democrats in primary turnout and face fundraising gaps down-ballot. Chairman Jim Runestad said Michigan remains competitive and must be "earned," while Democrats countered that voters will hold Republicans accountable for economic conditions. Democrats hold their own convention the following weekend to confirm their ticket.