ALLENTOWN, Pa. – On Thursday night, candidates running for Pennsylvania’s 22nd District went head to head in a debate.

This comes ahead of the special election for the State House seat vacated by current Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel.

Republican Robert Smith will face Democrat Ana Tiburcio in a special election for Pennsylvania’s 22nd District, which covers parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township in Lehigh County.

Tiburcio is a longtime Allentown resident, and a three-year Allentown school board member.

“I’ve been living in District 22 and my issues are affordability, fair education, and affordable housing. I’m here to fight for our families and to be the voice,” said Tiburcio.

Smith is no stranger to public service himself, and has lived on the city’s east side for decades.

He served on Allentown’s school board for 16 years and is a former member of city council.

If he gets the seat, he wants to help working families, and improve the region’s roads and bridges.

“I’m not a career politician, I’m a healthcare professional and a public servant, who knows how to work with both sides to get results,” said Smith. 

On Thursday night, candidates were asked questions specific to the 22nd District.

U.S. Census data shows that the 22nd District is the poorest in the Lehigh Valley. Candidates were asked if they think the state is doing enough to provide resources in the community, and what they would do if elected.

“I would actually bring out more resources in both English and Spanish,” said Tiburcio.

“Too much money is going to Philly for programs like I’ve said, it’s gotta come to the Lehigh Valley, and I will fight for every penny,” said Smith.

They were also asked where they stand on statewide issues, like the proposal to legalize recreational marijuana, something both candidates would like to see for different reasons.

“They won’t be selling it illegally,” said Tiburcio.

“Why is all the money going to Jersey and Delaware and all of the states around us?” asked Smith.

Democrats have held the slimmest of margins in the Pennsylvania house where the balance of power has been razor thin.

Republicans are hoping to change that in this heavily Democratic district.

The special election will take place on Feb. 24 and only people who live within the 22nd District boundaries can vote.