Having served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2011, House Republican Caucus Chairman Rep. George Dunbar (R-Westmoreland) today announced he will not seek re-election to an eighth term.

“Far and away, serving residents of the 56th Legislative District has been the most rewarding experience in my professional life,” said Dunbar. “For the last 13 years, constituents have trusted me as their voice in Harrisburg and it was a responsibility I took with utmost care.”

A Certified Public Accountant by trade, Dunbar frequently pursued legislation that revises tax laws to enhance the Commonwealth’s business climate and create more job opportunities, as well as right-size government. This includes making certain local governments and school districts aren’t double taxing businesses, as well as eliminating fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars by closing the General Assistance Cash Benefit program.

“Not every piece of legislation is headline-grabbing, or single handedly changes Pennsylvania’s trajectory,” Dunbar said. “For some topics, such as economic development, you have to make smaller improvements that when all put together, allow both small and large businesses to do what they do best: grow their product lines and hire more Pennsylvanians.”

Dunbar is also credited with helping to architect legislation so that Pennsylvania casinos can create satellite venues in neighboring counties. As a result, earlier this year, municipal projects throughout Westmoreland County, including stormwater upgrades, bridge reconstructions, police and fire equipment purchases, and playground and park improvements received more than $20 million in funding awards.

Dunbar’s leadership on issues and reputation as a pragmatic and thoughtful legislator was recognized by his peers in 2021, when he was elected to serve as Republican Caucus chairman to fill a vacancy created by the death of his close friend and fellow lawmaker, Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset). He was re-elected to the same position for the 2023-24 Legislative Session.

Throughout his tenure, Dunbar’s work was heralded by various stakeholder groups and local organizations, including the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf, Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children and the National Federation of Independent Business.

“My wife and my children deserve much of my gratitude, as my attention is often diverted to Harrisburg,” said Dunbar. “But I also want to thank every resident in the district. It hasn’t always been easy, but serving in this capacity has been one of the highest honors I have experienced.”

The 56th legislative district comprises the city of Jeannette, North Huntingdon and Penn townships and the boroughs of Irwin, Manor, North Irwin, Penn and Trafford.