“State House elections are vital to the future of our community” says Aizaz Gill, the President of the Burholme Townwatch & Civic Association and the Republican candidate running to represent Pennsylvania’s 172nd legislative district.
As the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump rages on, fewer eyes are on the ongoing battle for seats in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives.
Gill emphasizes the importance of these often overlooked races, stating that “While people focus on Washington, so much that happens in Harrisburg affects our daily lives just as much.” He highlights that big decisions on education, tax, and regulatory policy are decided by local governments, and that it’s the neighborhood that comprises the nation: not the other way around.
In April’s Republican Primary, Gill beat out Patrick Gushue by a wide margin, winning 65 percent of votes. Meanwhile, in the Democratic primary, Sean Dougherty ousted incumbent Kevin J. Boyle, who has served as the representative for district 172 since 2010.
Mirroring Pennsylvania’s other 202 districts, Northeast Philadelphians will cast their votes on November fifth to determine whether it will be Gill or Dougherty who sits in Pennsylvania's House of Representatives over the next two years. The race for Northeast Philadelphia could potentially tip the scales in Pennsylvania’s House, where Democrats currently lead by a razor-thin margin of 102 to 101.
Gill considers his plan to win “fairly simple.” With a focus on community and an emphasis on policies that spark change, he aims to spur economic growth, reduce crime, and revitalize the education system in Pennsylvania.
As an immigrant, much of Gill’s economic philosophy centers around revitalizing the American Dream. He posits that “everyone today knows the American Dream is harder to reach,” and blames decisions that promote big spending, inflation, and open border policies being made in Washington DC.
Nonetheless, Gill believes there is plenty that can be done to reduce everyday costs for Pennsylvanians. “When Harrisburg makes long-needed changes that put people first, and support workers, seniors and kids, the American Dream will be back in reach,” he states.
After immigrating to Philadelphia at nine years old, Gill attended St. Cecilia K-8 School and Father Judge High School. He subsequently earned his degree at Chestnut Hill College—the same school where his opponent Dougherty studied. Gill emphasizes that although he grew up Catholic, he attended St. Cecilia and Father Judge “not for religious reasons but for education.”
Although Gill reflects on his time in school fondly, he acknowledges issues within today’s education system, claiming that “Across our state, too many children are trapped in consistently failing schools who want to get out but can’t because the politicians play games instead of making real change.” To repair Pennsylvania schools, he recommends a focus on investment, accountability, innovation, and choice.
Further, Gill urges young voters to go out and research candidates instead of relying on the media. “And don’t look at the personalities,” he adds. “What policies are going to put America, Pennsylvania, and you in the best place to succeed in life?”
When asked about the ongoing race for the presidency, Gill notes that “I am focused on my race, not the Presidential Election.” Regardless of who wins the presidency, he plans to “go to Harrisburg and be the strongest and hardest working voice for Northeast Philadelphia.”
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“Northeast Philly has given me everything in life and I am deeply committed to giving back,” Gill concludes. “[That’s] why I’m running for State Representative: to help my neighbors.”
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