Camp Hill Borough Councilwoman Mercedes Evans says two can play at this game.

Evans announced her candidacy for the Pennsylvania State House in the 103rd Legislative District, joining healthcare executive Tricia Nixon in the race to replace Rep. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin).

Kim will not seek re-election to the Harrisburg-area seat as she seeks a State Senate position in the 15th District.

Evans, who would become the first Latino from Central Pennsylvania elected to the State House, spoke about her upbringing and values in her announcement statement.

“From the time I was a child, my parents taught me that I could be of service to others regardless of what my circumstances were,”  Evans said. “I didn’t grow up with a lot, but with what we had, we fostered community and served one another – that lesson stuck with me and that’s what inspired me to run for Camp Hill Borough Council; it’s what’s inspiring me to run for the House of Representatives.

“This is a unique district, newly drawn just a few years ago and I’m running to represent both sides of the river that have historically been so divided. I’m running to fight for the issues that unite us, and champion the causes that can improve all our lives – things like addressing the affordable housing shortage, ensuring all of our public schools are fully and fairly funded, and bolstering economic development in the district.”

Evans, a graduate of the University of San Diego, was elected to Camp Hill Borough Council in 2021 and currently chairs the Public Safety and Parks and Recreation committees. According to her campaign, during her tenure, she has advocated and voted for initiatives that protect the long-term sustainability of the community. This included pursuing legal action relating to the tolling of the I-83 South Bridge, which would have negatively impacted residents and small business in the region.

The 103rd District includes parts of both Cumberland (East Pennsboro, Camp Hill, Lemoyne and Wormleysburg) and Dauphin (Harrisburg) counties, setting up a West Shore versus East Shore matchup.

corrected to reflect job situation