LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. —
Republican state Rep. Tom Jones is running for the 36th District seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election against Democratic incumbent James Malone.
Video above: Pennsylvania’s 36th Senate District candidates debate
Here’s where Jones stands on the issues, according to his campaign website.
Emphasizing fiscal responsibility
Jones’ campaign points to his support for state budgets that did not raise taxes or substantially increase debt. If elected to the Senate, Jones says restoring fiscal responsibility would remain one of his leading priorities.
His campaign also credits him with advocating for property, sales, and income tax relief. Jones argues that reducing those costs would make Pennsylvania more affordable for families, seniors, and businesses.
Jones has opposed new taxes on energy and efforts that he believes would increase utility bills, according to his campaign.
Seeking more health care options
Jones’ Senate agenda calls for expanding consumers’ health care options to increase competition, reduce costs, and improve the quality of care.
His campaign contends that residents should have greater control over their health care decisions. Jones favors policies intended to expand choices rather than create additional government programs or requirements.
Expanding economic opportunities
Jones says state government should encourage private-sector growth and reduce obstacles facing workers and businesses.
As a local business owner, Jones identifies regulations, taxes, and government bureaucracy as potential barriers to economic development. His campaign says he would support policies designed to attract employers, create jobs, and give businesses more opportunities to grow.
Pennsylvania State Representative
Directing education funding to students
Education is another central part of Jones’ platform. He argues that state education funding should prioritize students and classroom instruction rather than administrative systems.
Jones also supports giving parents a stronger voice in decisions affecting their children’s education. His campaign presents that position as part of a broader effort to increase accountability and ensure education funding produces measurable benefits for students.
Addressing data center development
Jones’ campaign says he has worked to protect Lancaster County’s farmland and open spaces from rapid data center development.
His platform calls for balancing economic growth with the preservation of agricultural land and the character of local communities. The campaign also links data center development to concerns about energy demand, utility costs, and land use.
Supporting term limits and government reform
Jones supports term limits as a way to discourage political careerism and bring new leadership into state government. He also wants to reduce what his campaign describes as an entrenched bureaucracy.
As part of his taxpayer-focused message, Jones voluntarily declined participation in Pennsylvania’s taxpayer-funded pension program for elected officials, according to his campaign.
Jones says that decision demonstrates his commitment to serving taxpayers rather than benefiting personally from public office.
Jones and Malone will compete for the 36th District seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Learn where Malone stands on the issues here.