Inglis and Sobieralski face off for open South Hills state House seat
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — In most state House and Senate districts in the Pittsburgh area, incumbents are running for reelection often without an opponent, but voters in the 38th District of Baldwin, Dravosburg, Glassport, West Mifflin and Whitehall are electing a brand new representative.
The race is between two council members: Democrat John Inglis from West Mifflin and Republican Stone Sobieralski from Whitehall.
"I'm a proud Baldwin-Whitehall graduate. I'm a current member of Whitehall Borough Council. I work for my family business. We do stone and concrete work," said Republican Stone Sobieralski.
"Born and raised in West Mifflin. I've been an educator at West Mifflin Area School District for 13-plus years. I've also been a member of West Mifflin Borough Council for six years," Democrat John Inglis said.
KDKA-TV's Jon Delano asked both candidates why they wanted to switch jobs at this point in their careers.
"Possible larger positive impact on more people. That really propelled me to make this choice and pull the trigger on running in this race," Inglis said.
"I am running because I think we need a change in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is in the top three states of outbound migration. People are leaving and I hate to see that," Sobieralski said.
As for differences with his opponent, Inglis stresses experience while Sobieralski says, "I'm more of an outsider. He's a cousin to the current state representative, Nick Pisciottano."
"Makes me stand as a candidate worth consideration over my opponent is my experience, not just in local government but in public education as well," Inglis said.
Inglis, who supports Kamala Harris, says he hopes to attract Trump voters too, while Sobieralski, who backs Donald Trump, thinks Democrats who vote for Trump will also vote for him.
"I think a lot of people are just going to vote straight down party lines. The country unfortunately has become so divided. It may work to my advantage," Sobieralski said.
"I have some yards with a John Inglis sign next to a Trump sign," Inglis said.
This seat is open with no incumbent because the current state representative, Nick Pisciottano, is now running for state Senate.
