Democrat James Malone did the unthinkable last year when he won a state Senate seat in a bright red district against an established Republican candidate.
Now, Pennsylvania Democrats are funneling money and resources into Lancaster County’s 36th Senate District race to maintain the seat as part of a larger effort to flip control of the Senate for the first time since 1993.
Republicans have put up state Rep. Tom Jones, of East Donegal Township, as their best shot at taking the district back. Like the Democrats, the GOP is spending heavily on the race to motivate Republican voters to turn out on Election Day.
The race is among the most competitive in Lancaster County and across Pennsylvania. Malone has the incumbent advantage, but Republicans make up 52% of registered voters in the district.
Jones and Malone were asked to respond to a short list of questions ahead of the general election. Below are their responses.
Tom Jones, Chair of East Donegal Township Board of Supervisors and owner of Tom Jones Landscape and Lawn Care, is running in the May 17 Republican primary to represent the 98th Pennsylvania House District, which covers parts of northwestern Lancaster County and a handful of municipalities in Lebanon County.
Courtesy Jones for House
TOM JONES
Age: 52.
Residence: East Donegal Township.
Education: Lancaster Catholic High School.
Occupation: State representative in the 98th House District and small-business owner.
Family: Wife Rochelle and four children.
Website: tomjonesforpa.com
What do you see as the most important issues to address in the 36th District if elected?
Affordability is the issue I hear about most from families, seniors and small businesses across Lancaster County. People are paying more for everyday expenses, while government continues to spend more. We also need to protect Lancaster County’s farmland and quality of life, strengthen public safety, support our schools and career and technical education, and make sure local communities have a meaningful voice in development decisions. As a small-business owner, father and lifelong Lancaster County resident, I understand that government decisions have real consequences for family budgets and our local economy. In the Senate, my focus will remain on making Lancaster County an affordable and desirable place to live, work, raise a family and retire.
How do you plan to address affordability concerns in Lancaster County and across Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania needs to control government spending and pursue tax and regulatory policies that allow families and businesses to keep more of what they earn. I have never voted for a tax increase during my time in office. In addition, I have supported legislation aimed at reducing utility costs, including HB 2224, which included provisions to hold the line on utility rates while eliminating the state’s gross receipts tax on electric bills. I am also a co-sponsor of HB 2371, which proposes tax holidays on residential electricity and cellphone service. As a small-business owner, I know that energy costs and government mandates ultimately increase costs to consumers. In the Senate, I will continue working to reduce taxes and energy costs while demanding greater responsibility in state spending.
What is your position on data center development and regulation in Pennsylvania?
I believe local municipalities and the people who live there must have a meaningful role in determining whether and where these facilities are developed. Data centers present legitimate concerns for Lancaster County involving farmland, water, electricity, infrastructure and the character of our communities. That is why I co-sponsored HB 2496, legislation allowing municipalities to temporarily pause new data center applications while considering appropriate zoning regulations; the bill passed the House. I also supported the House’s effort to end Pennsylvania’s existing sales-tax exemption for data center equipment. Pennsylvania should not pursue data center development at the expense of local taxpayers, our electric grid, productive farmland or the ability of communities to determine their own future.
Senate Republicans have advocated for the adoption of the Save Women’s Sports Act and have pressured the House to hold a vote on the issue. Where do you stand on this bill?
I support the Save Women’s Sports Act. I believe female athletes should have the opportunity to compete in athletic programs designated for women and girls. The Senate passed SB 9 in May 2025, and it remains in the House. I am also a co-sponsor of HB 158, the House version of legislation addressing participation in male, female and coed scholastic and collegiate sports. My position has been consistent: Pennsylvania should preserve and protect separate female athletic competition in our schools and colleges.
Will you agree to debate your general election opponent in a mutually agreeable forum?
Yes. Voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent them. I have already participated in a forum with my opponent and welcome the opportunity to participate in future debates in a mutually agreeable forum.
James Malone, Democratic incumbent 36th Senate District 2026
SUBMITTED
JAMES MALONE
Age: 52.
Residence: East Petersburg Borough.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling and Bible, Lee University.
Occupation: State senator, former IT specialist.
Family: Wife Beverly, two children and two stepchildren.
Website: friendsofjamesmalone.org
What do you see as the most important issues to address in the 36th District if elected?
Things have become too expensive for everyday Pennsylvanians. When I’m reelected, I’ll continue working to bring down utility costs, increase the minimum wage, and address housing costs. I’ll also remain steadfast in protecting our farm and gamelands, fully and fairly funding our public schools, and protecting Lancaster from the detrimental effects of data centers and AI deepfakes.
How do you plan to address affordability concerns in Lancaster County and across Pennsylvania?
In my time in office, I’ve supported historic tax breaks for working families and seniors, limited predatory fees, and brought down energy costs. As long as I’m your Senator, I’ll continue to prioritize tax relief, affordable housing and raising the minimum wage.
What is your position on data center development and regulation in Pennsylvania?
I believe strongly that local residents and municipalities should have a say in whether or how data centers come in to their neighborhoods. Our communities should have the tools to protect their residents and farmlands, and ensure data centers don’t pass on costs to ratepayers. That’s why I called upon Senate leadership to bring common-sense regulations to the Senate floor immediately.
Senate Republicans have advocated for the adoption of the Save Women’s Sports Act and have pressured the House to hold a vote on the issue. Where do you stand on this bill?
I voted for this bill the first time it came to the Senate floor.
Will you agree to debate your general election opponent in a mutually agreeable forum?
I will be participating in two public debates with my opponent: One sponsored by the Lancaster League of Women Voters, and one televised on WGAL.
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