John Zangari

From staff reports

LEWISTOWN — John Zangari announced his candidacy for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 171st District, saying he plans to focus on affordability, state spending and government transparency if elected.

Zangari said in a news release he is running because many working families and seniors in the district are struggling with rising costs.

“Too many working families and seniors in our district are one emergency away from financial disaster,” Zangari said. “People are doing everything right, but wages haven’t kept up with rising costs for housing, health care, utilities and groceries.”

According to his announcement, Zangari’s said his campaign will focus on affordability, what he describes as responsible use of public funds, and making state government services easier to navigate.

His stated priorities include targeted tax relief for working and middle class families; lowering costs for housing, prescription drugs and utilities; and reducing Pennsylvania’s gas tax while maintaining funding for road and bridge repairs in Centre and Mifflin counties.

Zangari also said he supports cutting what he considers wasteful state spending, including phasing out subsidies such as the Race Horse Development Fund and redirecting that funding to schools, rural infrastructure and property tax relief. He called for plain-language state budgets and greater public justification for tax breaks and subsidies.

In addition, Zangari said he would seek to modernize state services through expanded online tools and clearer forms and to hold regular “Help Days” throughout the district to assist residents with state programs.

Zangari works as an academic and facilities support specialist at Penn State University in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. He previously worked in marketing for a small religious goods company and as a corrections officer.

The 171st District includes communities in Centre and Mifflin counties. Zangari said his campaign plans to hold listening sessions, town halls and community events in the coming months.