Matthew Duval, a former high school teacher who currently works as an instructional designer for a service provider for adults and children with autism, announced that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for the open seat in the state’s 48th Senatorial District. 

State Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) resigned from office on Sept. 18 after Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced that Folmer was charged with possession of child pornography. Folmer represented the district since 2007. 

In a release announcing his intentions for the seat, he pointed to his experience in corporate software development, earning a PhD in educational leadership and learning technologies, and teaching as proof he’s ready to take on elected office. 

“It is time to give voters a choice and a voice in their government,” Duvall said.

He believes his previous careers can help improve equitable access to education, employment and healthcare for all, according to a release from his campaign. 

The issues central to Duvall’s campaign including supporting unions, raising the minimum wage, improving and increasing access to high quality public education and modern technology. 

Duvall is one of the few Democrats who has publicly announced his intentions for the party’s nomination. According to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, David Lloyd; West Cornwall township supervisor and CEO of Ephrata Area Rehab Services, and Michael Schroeder, an associate professor at Lebanon Valley College and environmental advocate, are hoping to represent the party in the upcoming special election. 

On the GOP side, PennLive reports that nine candidates have confirmed to Lebanon County GOP Chairman Casey Long about their interest in the seat. The nine people seeking the Republican nomination thus far are state Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon); Matthew J. Brouilette, president and CEO of Commonwealth Partners Chamber of Entrepreneurs; Lebanon County District Attorney Dave Arnold; real estate agent and auctioneer Bill Bering Jr.; insurance agent Randy Hoffman; nursing home administrator Paul Vranesic; Millersville University political science professor Charles Greenawalt; state House policy analyst Greg Moreland, and Tom Ryan, a retired businessman from York County. 

Folmer, who served as chair of the Senate’s State Government Committee, won his most recent reelection bid in 2018 by 25 points over Democrat Lois Herr. 

The 48th Senatorial District seat encompasses Lebanon and parts of Dauphin and York Counties. The special election date for the seat is Jan. 14. 

Democrats will convene on Oct. 20 to select their nominee, while Republicans will pick their candidate on Oct. 19.