As Andrew Wagner stood in front of a voting machine in 2024, he found himself disappointed.
On the screen in front of him was a list of candidates for various positions. In his opinion, there weren’t enough.
Take, for example, the race for the state House. It featured only one name, that of incumbent Republican Rep. Mark Gillen.
He began to think about what kind of message that sends to voters.
“Voters should have choices — that’s democracy,” Wanger said.
So, the history teacher decided to do something about it.
This time around, he’s making sure there’s more than one name on the ballot. He is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May primary, hoping to challenge Gillen for a seat in the 128th District. The district includes Birdsboro and New Morgan as well as Amity, Caernarvon, Cumru, Douglass, Exeter, Robeson and Union townships.
Andrew Wagner
“I feel like being a teacher and a coach have prepared me for this,” he said. “Both are roles where you help others reach their full potential to be successful. And I think that is what our district needs right now from their representative.”
Wagner brings more than 20 years of experience as a public school educator at the Chester County Intermediate Unit. In addition to his work in the classroom, he serves as head coach of the Daniel Boone High School boys lacrosse team where he mentors students and emphasizes teamwork, discipline and leadership.
“For over two decades, I have worked every day to support students, families and our community,” he said. “I am running because our district deserves a representative who listens, leads with integrity and fights for practical solutions.”
Wagner said his campaign is focused on the concerns of residents.
“Right now, politicians are too polarized and they are not working for the people ,” he said. “We need people who will compromise and focus on governing because that is not what we see happening today.”
Wagner said that if he should win he will focus on the issues that matter most to his neighbors. Those issues include investing in public schools; advocating for proportional taxation that eases the burden on working families and the elderly; and keeping water and electricity utility prices down.
He would also propose income tax reductions for first responders to reward and attract new people, support investment in roads and bridges, and champion sustainable development that respects rural character.
“As a community advocate, I see how state decisions affect our neighborhoods,” Wagner said. “It is time to bring real world experience to Harrisburg.”
Meet the candidate
Candidate: Andrew Wagner, 49, Birdsboro.
Position sought: State representative for the 128th District, which includes Birdsboro and New Morgan as well as Amity, Caernarvon, Cumru, Douglass, Exeter, Robeson and Union townships.
Current salary for position: $113,591.
Background: Wagner has been a public school educator at the Chester County Intermediate Unit for more than 20 years. In addition to his work in the classroom, he serves as head coach of the Daniel Boone High School boys lacrosse team.
Website: wagnerworks4pa.org