BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Both the Democratic and Republican hopefuls for the 131st House District seat want Pennsylvania families to remain at the forefront of policy coming out of the Capitol.
Democratic newcomer Meriam Sabih claimed her side of the nomination back in the April primary, while Republican incumbent state Rep. Milou Mackenzie ran unopposed.
The 131st District is made up of parts of Lehigh, Northampton and Montgomery counties. Here are the district’s boundaries.
Meriam Sabih, Democrat
Sabih, a mother of three boys and community organizer, said she’s vying for the seat as “a moderate, sensible voice that will serve and shun extremism” in the current political landscape.
The district and state as a whole need “better and more compassionate” decision-making in Harrisburg, she said.
“I believe in showing up for my neighbors, being there, genuinely listening and working together,” Sabih said in an emailed statement.
And that all starts with knocking on doors and shaking hands, she said.
“The best part of the campaign by far has been meeting so many supportive, kind people at their doors and genuinely listening to their concerns,” Sabih said. “We have knocked on over 12,000 doors and are also meeting with many independent voters and moderate Republicans.”
“The best part of the campaign by far has been meeting so many supportive, kind people at their doors and genuinely listening to their concerns. We have knocked on over 12,000 doors and are also meeting with many independent voters and moderate Republicans.”House D-131 Democrat potential Meriam Sabih
Some of those people who usually vote across the aisle, Sabih said, included a teacher, a senior citizen, a mother with five daughters and a young family.
“If elected, I will work tirelessly to lower the costs of living for our families and seniors, ensure we are prioritizing public education and making sure our children and teachers have the resources they need to succeed,” Sabih said. “I would work to protect our reproductive freedoms and make sure government is not intruding into private and personal matters which belong between families and doctors.”
And it’s no mystery a dollar doesn’t go quite as far as it used to, Sabih said, adding she’s heard many a concern about the country’s economy.
“I grew up in a one-bedroom apartment and watched my parents struggle, so I know what our families are going through and share in the concern we have for our children to be able to afford homes in the same neighborhoods we live in,” she said. “ … It is also important to ensure smart economic growth so we grow our local economy while protecting our greenspaces and quality of life.”
Sabih earned her master’s degree in political science at Lehigh University.
She’s a journalist, writing about both stateside and international happenings in education and democracy, she said.
Sabih beat Jay Santos for the Democratic nomination in the April primary election.
Republican incumbent Milou Mackenzie
Mackenzie has lived in the Lehigh Valley her whole life, and is in her second term serving the 131st District. Here’s a look at her sponsored legislation and voting history.
She didn’t respond to requests for an interview.
During her tenure, Mackenzie has served with the following House committees: Children and Youth; Education; Housing and Community Development; and Human Services.
Her work with the House Education Committee addresses issues within both public and private educational institutions, as well as the needs of K-12 students and those pursuing higher education.
“In addition to her concerns about education and holding the line on wasteful spending, Mackenzie also focuses on how she can help her fellow small business owners and bring support to our veterans. These two groups remain very important to her.”State House Republican incumbent Milou Mackenzie's website
Mackenzie graduated from Nazareth Area Senior High School, got a degree in English from Cedar Crest College and went on to teach locally.
Her website touts her efforts in protecting child heath care coverage as part of the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
“In addition to her concerns about education and holding the line on wasteful spending, Mackenzie also focuses on how she can help her fellow small business owners and bring support to our veterans,” her website reads. “These two groups remain very important to her.”
She runs an interior design business alongside her duties in Harrisburg.
Mackenzie lives in Lower Saucon Township with her husband, who is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and veteran.
She has two sons — son Ryan is a state representative and is running for Congress — and four grandchildren.
