SD22: Flynn Announces Bid for Dem Nomination

The race for the state Senate’s 22nd District has begun. 

State Rep. Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna) announced his intentions to seek the Democratic Party nomination for the soon-to-be open seat that will be vacated when incumbent state Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna) joins Rep. Matt Cartwright’s office on March 8 to lead economic development initiatives across the 8th Congressional District. 

In Flynn’s announcement post on social media, he points to his record serving in the state House, plus advocating for “fair funding for our schools, to making sure the economic comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic does not leave northeastern Pennsylvania behind.”

“I have learned, through my time in Harrisburg, that our community needs a loud voice,” Flynn wrote on Twitter. “A voice that will never back down.” 

“Someone willing to fight for our area as we make sure northeastern Pennsylvania is a premier destination to start a business and to raise a family,” Flynn continued.

“I have proven through the past eight years that I am capable and willing to be that voice for our community,” Flynn wrote. “I have done it as one of two hundred and three in the House and I look forward to continuing that as one of fifty in the Senate.” 

Flynn was first elected to serve the 113th state House District in 2012 by defeating incumbent state Rep. Kevin Murphy in the Democratic primary by 3 points then running unopposed in the general election. Flynn most recently won reelection by just under 37 points in 2020

Although Flynn is the first to formally announce his entrance into the race, there are multiple people reportedly mulling a run to succeed Blake. According to the Scranton Times-Tribune, state Rep. Kyle Mullins (D-Lackawanna), Frank McHale, a Scranton Democrat, and Republican Mike Giannetta are also considering seeking their party’s nominations.

Blake was first elected to represent the state Senate’s 22nd District in 2010 and won by 22 points over Republican Frank Scavo in his most recent reelection bid in 2018. 

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman will select a special election date to fill the seat. 

Each party’s committee will choose their candidate to run in the special election.

4 Responses

  1. Isn’t this the guy that wanted to change the law in PA so that he could marry his cousin? I’m…I’m pretty sure it is.

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