An Adams County Democrat is joining the race for the state 193rd legislative district.
Matt Nelson of East Berlin kicked off his campaign Sunday and has begun collecting petition signatures so his name will appear on the ballot in the May 15 primary.
The 193rd district includes mostly Adams County, as well as South Middleton Township, Cooke Township, North Newton and South Newton townships, Penn Township and Mount Holly Springs Borough. Rep. Will Tallman currently holds the seat, but he previously announced he will retire.
“I look forward to representing Pennsylvania’s 193rd district with integrity and an open mind,” Nelson said in a campaign announcement. “I’m frustrated by the increasing political polarization in our country and believe more moderates need to step up and run for office. By entering the race, I’m turning my words into action. I’m not a career politician. We need everyday citizens to step up and represent the interests of our residents and not big business or those with strong lobbyists.”
Of those who have announced campaigns to The Sentinel, Nelson is the first Democrat in a race that consists mostly of Adams County residents.
Adams County Republicans Torren Ecker and Barry Cockley have previously announced their campaigns, and Penn Township Republican John Wardle has also announced his intentions for the seat.
Nelson is a chemist employed by AquaPhoenix Scientific in Hanover, which manufactures water testing kits. He is also a graduate of Hanover High School and Gettysburg College.
Nelson is married to a Bermudian Springs teacher, Dana, and has two daughters.