The chair of the Pennsylvania State House Freedom Caucus – Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-York) – has announced her candidacy for State Senate in the 31st District.

Keefer, 51, hopes to succeed Sen. Mike Regan (R-Cumberland/ York), who has announced that he will not seek re-election to the seat.

“As State Representative, I have led the fight for commonsense policies that remove government as a barrier to economic growth in our Commonwealth,” said Keefer. “Pennsylvania is ripe with opportunity, but the state’s economic policies too often undermine those opportunities, driving away businesses and the talent they attract. That’s why I have championed policies to remove nuisance tax rules, lower the corporate net income tax, and stop licensing expansion. We want our children to choose Pennsylvania as their destination to work and live, and if we don’t secure businesses offering highly sought-after jobs, we’ll continue to decline in population as our youth flee to more competitive states. I am running for the State Senate because there is much more to be done, and I want to use my experience to ensure Pennsylvania becomes the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Keefer, a pro-life, a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, has been an outspoken advocate for limited government and personal freedom in her role with the House Freedom Caucus.

“When Government grows, freedoms shrink, and everyone loses,” Keefer said.

The northern York County resident also champions educational choice for Pennsylvania families as well as ensuring that the southern border of the country is secured.

“I grew up in a strong, working-class family where I was taught the importance of faith, family, and the value of hard work,” said Keefer. “As State Representative, I have pushed for an education system that allows parents to choose a path that meets the needs of their child and includes academic opportunities for all career paths, including our valuable trades and skills fields. If we’ve learned anything, it’s that education is not one-size-fits-all, and it’s imperative that students’ academic success is not predicated on their zip code. As State Senator, I will continue to advocate for our children and their parents.

“As America watches, many of us are frustrated and overwhelmed by the Biden administration’s complete lack of action and urgency in securing the border,” said Keefer. “This is not about politics, Republicans, Democrats and Independents around the country agree that the current policy is dangerous, unaffordable and destabilizing for many communities. As State Senator, I will continue to support efforts to secure our border and to end Sanctuary status in Pennsylvania.”

Keefer, her husband Tom, and their three children reside in Dillsburg.