Jessica McClay Wilkes-Barre raised. Ready for Harrisburg.

McClay attended the public hearing on Monday, August 31, where she listened to more than thirty community members testify against the ordinance that would have increased the size of Bear Creek’s industrial zone to accommodate data center construction.

“Hearing the voices of this community come together in such a powerful way was inspiring, but it should also be a serious wake-up call for our legislators,” said Jessica McClay. “As State Representative I will always stand with the people of the 121st, and I will vote to rein in the data center expansion that hurts our environment and puts financial strain on families already struggling to get by.”

All five Bear Creek Township Supervisors claimed they would not consider the ordinance during the August 31 meeting. On Thursday, September 3, the motion to expand the industrial zone died before it was brought for a vote.

“As a lifelong resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania, I’ve seen the damage that reckless development can inflict on our communities firsthand,” said McClay. “Growth here has to be responsible and beneficial to more than a corporation’s bottom line, and these big companies coming in must be made to answer to the people first.

“I’m glad to see Bear Creek’s Supervisors listening to their constituents, and when I’m elected in November, I’ll be a Representative that makes sure that listening and smart leadership continues all the way in Harrisburg.”

She’s spent the summer connecting on front porches across Luzerne County and speaking with voters on the phone, reaching over 8,000 voters so far, and she says the message from them has been consistent.

“Having the opportunity to talk to so many of my neighbors here in the 121st has been an honor, and it’s been revealing,” said Jessica McClay. “People are struggling here. They’re worried about the potholes in our roads, they’re worried about the costs of groceries and utilities rising every day, and they’re worried about the funding for our public schools. I’m ready to take those issues to Harrisburg and bring home results for our working families.”

McClay currently serves as Chairwoman of Wilkes-Barre City Council, where she’s delivered on getting first responders new vehicles and safer equipment and worked with the city to address road and bridge repairs that are critically needed. She’s endorsed by outgoing Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, who has represented the 121st since 2006. McClay has also garnered support from the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, the Pennsylvania State Education Association PAC, and the Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania.

“I want voters to know that when they elect me, I’ll be looking out for them and their families,” said McClay. “There’s so much important work to do here, and I know how to bring colleagues together, across the aisle when I need to, to get our community the funding, attention, and support it deserves.”

McClay will face Republican opponent Michael Harostock in November. With 100 days left in the race, McClay’s campaign plans to hold multiple meet-and-greets at local community hubs and other events between now and November in addition to continuing to canvass the community.

“I am incredibly grateful for every voter I have spoken to and those who gave their support in this election,” said Jessica McClay. “Earning your votes has been an honor, and as we head into a competitive general election, your support has only strengthened my belief that we can win.”

“Ahead of November, I plan on connecting with as many voters as possible to understand what they need from their representative and to make the case that the Wilkes-Barre community deserves lower costs, a higher quality of life, and investments in our education and infrastructure across the district.”

“As a life-long Wilkes-Barre resident and local advocate, I’ve seen firsthand what this community is capable of. I will work hard to earn each and every one of your votes between now and Election Day, because protecting and expanding our Democratic House majority means investing in progress for working families here and across Pennsylvania.”