BELLEFONTE — State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff announced he will be seeking

re-election to represent the 171st District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

In a news release from Benninghoff’s office, it was noted that during his time in the House of Representatives, Benninghoff has advocated to control state spending, opposing broad-based tax increases, investing in students, voting to advance pro-life legislation, fighting for Second

Amendment rights, empowering families, and ensuring constituents receive the state services

they need and deserve.

“It is an honor of my lifetime to serve the people of Centre and Mifflin counties in the

Pennsylvania House of Representatives,” Benninghoff said. “I want to continue to be an

advocate for our community and the values we hold dear.”

Benninghoff has been elected to several significant leadership positions by his peers and is

known for his level-headed, voice of reason approach. Currently serving as the Republican chair

of the Transportation Committee, he has guided several consumer friendly and safety

transportation bills into law.

He also serves on the Gaming Oversight Committee and continues to chair the bi-partisan Cancer Caucus he originated 15 years ago.

Benninghoff, an adoptee, was the author of landmark legislation that gives children born in

Pennsylvania and subsequently placed for adoption the ability to obtain a copy of their original

birth certificate. Benninghoff also authored legislation that did away with an arcane area of

state law that essentially re-victimized rape victims by requiring them to find a surrogate family

for a subsequent child before they could sever the parental rights of the rapist.

Benninghoff said he advocates for smaller government and controlling government spending to lower taxes on Pennsylvanians. He also believes Pennsylvania should be leading the country in lowering energy costs through the smart and safe utilization of the tremendous abundance of natural gas and petroleum under our feet. Not only will it help lower energy costs, it will also create thousands of great family-sustaining jobs for our current and future workers.

Benninghoff will continue his efforts to oversee the completion of the Route 322 road construction project and the impact the two prison closures will have on local communities.

On the prison closures, he believes that there is no rush to make haste decisions and is advocating for smart, thoughtfully planned land use, balanced with considerations to our agricultural and sportsmen communities.

“The foundation of our form of government requires us to put people first, to truly listen to and

respond to the needs of those we represent. I have been honored to carry the voice of our

unique community to the halls of government in Harrisburg and would be honored to be able to

continue to serve my friends, neighbors, and colleagues.”

Benninghoff is active in the Bellefonte Borough community, which is always dear to his heart.

He is the founding member and active participant in a number of local non-profit and charity

organizations, including Leadership Centre County. He is an active member of the Bellefonte

Kiwanis Club and supports law enforcement through membership in the Fraternal Order of

Police, Bald Eagle Lodge No. 51. As a man of faith, Benninghoff is a long-time member of Faith

United Methodist Church in Bellefonte.

Benninghoff graduated from State College Area High School, later attending Pennsylvania State

University. He received advanced training in the Certified Coroners Training Program conducted

in Hershey by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Benninghoff resides in Bellefonte and is the father of five children – Michael, Heather, Amy,

Kelley and Ryleigh as well as a growing brood of grandchildren.