Fresh off the heels of Rep. Dawn Keefer’s (R-York) announcement that she will vacate her State House seat in her quest to join the State Senate, a youthful voice has stepped up to try and replace her in Harrisburg.

Matthew Davis, a recent graduate of Lebanon Valley College, announced Friday that he will seek the Republican nomination for the 92nd Legislative District seat.

Davis, 22, is a York County native who graduated from Dover Area High School in 2019. Following his graduation from LVC, he began working for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the Republican Caucus Communications department.

“I believe in the founding principles of our nation and Commonwealth,” Davis said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “The principle of a small government by, for and of the people is quintessential to the American way of life. I strongly believe our government has lost sight of that principle – and I am running to change that.

“First, I want to establish term limits for the General Assembly. Second, I want to reduce the salary of all elected state officials. Public office is about serving the public, not serving the financial interests of politicians. The tax dollars that go into our elected officials’ salaries could be rerouted into education, business, community revitalization, or any other number of programs which could bring Pennsylvania to the forefront of good governance.”

“I will also prioritize election integrity, a quality and family-focused education for all students, supporting our emergency first responders, standing for our second amendment rights, protecting our farmers and trade workers, and most especially, defending the interests of the people of the 92nd House District and York County.”

Davis is the first Republican to toss his hat into the field, while Dan Almoney, who ran an unsuccessful campaign against Keefer in 2022, has announced another run for the Democratic nomination.

The 92nd House District represents Carroll, Dover, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Newberry, Warrington and Washington townships, including the boroughs of Dillsburg, Franklintown, Goldsboro, Lewisberry, Wellsville and York Haven.