After a decisive victory in the recent Republican primary election, Chad Reichard begins his general election campaign, running unopposed for the 90th district legislative seat in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives.
But Reichard won’t take local voters for granted. “As a candidate, you never stop working,” Reichard said. He plans to participate in community events and knock on doors during the next six months, leading up to the November 5, 2024 election. Reichard was present for recent events at Buttonwood Nature Center and Monterey Pass.
The 90th district includes the communities of Waynesboro, Greencastle, Mont Alto, Quincy, and Mercersburg. The current Representative is Paul Schemel. Schemel is retiring at the end of this term and will return to his law practice. He did not endorse a Republican candidate during the primary, choosing to let voters decide who would carry the conservative torch forward. But Schemel stated Chad Reichard and Janon Gray were both quality candidates.
“Chad has a great deal of experience. He brings a lot to the table,” Schemel said. “He reflects the conservative values of Franklin County.”
Schemel’s opinion is supported by Reichard’s resume, which highlights his continuing education and experience in government. A Waynesboro native, Reichard graduated from the area High School, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American University. In 2022, Reichard completed a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Penn State University with a Certificate in Public Budgeting and Financial Management.
During his career, Reichard has worked in government roles at local, state, and national levels. He was a Legislative Assistant, then later Legislative Director for PA State Senator Richard Alloway from 2014 to 2019. During his tenure with Alloway, Reichard worked to develop legislative priorities, tracked bills as they progressed through the General Assembly, coordinated grant applications, and responded to constituent inquires, among other duties.
Reichard worked at the national level of government as a District Legislative Representative for U.S. Representative John Joyce, who represents the 13th Pennsylvania District. While employed there, Reichard took the lead directing responses to constituent issues, interacted with business, municipal, and economic development stakeholders, and mentored staff members.
Here in the 90th district, Reichard served as a Washington Township Supervisor from 2015 to 2020 and was Chairman from 2019-2020. He is now employed as Zoning Officer in Washington Township where he reviews subdivision and land use plans and organizes and schedules Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board meetings. Reichard also issues land use, sign, roadway, and other permit applications.
In private life, Reichard is active in many civic organizations. He is a member of the Franklin County Farm Bureau, sits on the Board of Directors for Waynesboro Community and Health Services, is currently Chairman of the Franklin County Council of Governments, and serves a continuing role at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, among other local activities. “I enjoy connecting with people,” Reichard said.
As Reichard launches his campaign, he discussed priorities in a phone interview. One of the issues he mentioned was Farmland Preservation. “We need to make preservation competitive,” he said. Reichard also stressed his desire to build a Workforce Development Program, noting that currently only two skilled workers exist for every five job openings.
Reichard reiterated his conservative positions on the Second Amendment and rights of the unborn. “I am pro-gun, pro-life, and pro Franklin County.” The candidate opposes unnecessary government spending and oppressive state regulations. Reichard is a staunch advocate for public safety, tax reduction, medical freedom, and parental rights for children’s education.
If elected, Reichard expects a smooth transition with current Rep Schemel. “Paul has served the district very well,” Reichard said. Chad hopes Schemel will offer guidance when Reichard potentially represents the 90th District during the next term. “Paul understands the local nuances,” Reichard said.
Reichard enjoys enthusiastic support from local Republicans- that mandate was reflected in his large victory margin during the primary. “I will champion the strong, conservative values of our community in Harrisburg and make certain that the 90th district becomes an even better place to live, work, and raise a family,” Reichard stated on his website- chad4pa.com.
With solid conservative credentials, Reichard is poised to become the next State Representative in Franklin County.
