Add another name to the list of potential Republican candidates to succeed John Gordner in the 27th Senate District.

Todd Robatin, a former Snyder County GOP chairman, has indicated his interest in the seat vacated by Gordner, who will join Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) as legal counsel in the president pro tempore’s office.

A Penn Township resident, Robatin is an ordained minister and has served in elected and appointed positions within the Republican party at the local, state and national levels, serving in the last term as chairman of the Snyder County GOP, a PA GOP State Committee member for Snyder County and a regional deputy vice chair for the Pennsylvania Young Republicans.

“I’m jumping into this race because I’ve heard a lot of people say they want a fresh voice, a fresh perspective to represent them and who has the values that our party holds dear, but understands the rights we have that our given to us by God and not by government — and they need to be protected,” Robatin told the Daily Item on Wednesday.

State representative Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R-108) has also announced her candidacy for the seat.

“I’ve worked in the private sector and I am a fresh face for the people to represent our district,” Robatin said. “Lynda and I have been friends for a number of years. She had done a great job in the House, but with everything going on in our structure right now in Harrisburg, I think people are looking for someone who is just very open and transparent – someone who is going to do whatever it takes to stand up against the mandates and to stand up against the overreach and spending that is going on in Harrisburg.”

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman signed a writ declaring a special election on January 31 to replace Gordner, whose term was set to expire in 2024.

The last day for candidates to file nomination certificates and nomination papers is Monday, December 12. The voter registration deadline is January 17, 2023, with requests for absentee or mail-in ballots due no later than January 23.