Amid speculation that he is not running for re-election, Rep. Aaron Kaufer’s (R-Luzerne) silence about his political future is fueling possible runs to succeed him in Harrisburg.

Luzerne County councilwoman Lee Ann McDermott has announced that she plans to gather signatures on nominating petitions in her quest to get on the Republican primary ballot.

She opted to move forward, given Kaufer’s noncommittal on running, but told the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader that “if he files petitions to run, I have a chance to withdraw and probably would withdraw.”

McDermott won re-election to a second four-year term on the Luzerne County Council in November and was the top vote-getter in the race. While some may wonder why she ran again for Council if she had ulterior motives, the owner of McDermott Real Estate Appraisals claims she did not know that Kaufer was considering not running in 2024.

“I’ve been serving the public constituents on a part-time basis on county council and am ready to do it on a full-time basis,” McDermott said. “I enjoy being able to work for the people and trying to help get things done.”

Dallas School Board member Patrick Musto, co-owner of Tuf-Tex Flooring, has also tossed his hat in the ring, although his choice is not dependent on Kaufer.

“I don’t care who comes out of the woodwork,” he said.

Brenda Pugh, CEO of AMP Global Strategies in Shavertown and Luzerne County Fair chairwoman, has also expressed an interest in the seat, but is waiting to hear what Kaufer finally decides to do.

Candidates for the April 23 primary can start gathering signatures on nominating petitions on Jan. 23 and must file petitions by Feb. 13.

The 120th District includes Courtdale, Exeter, Forty Fort, Kingston, Luzerne, Pringle, Swoyersville, West Wyoming, Wyoming and townships of Dallas, Exeter, Franklin, Jackson and Kingston.