GLENN THOMPSON

HOWARD — Incumbent Republican Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson announced Thursday that he would seek a 10th term in Congress.

The longest-serving member of Pennsylvania’s House delegation, Thompson, 66, represents Pennsylvania’s 15th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is the state’s largest Congressional district geographically.

“Serving you in the House of Representatives has been the honor of a lifetime, and every challenge along the way has been met with great optimism,” Thompson, a long-time resident of Howard, said in a video announcing his reelection campaign. “I believe that through collaboration, hard work and the right temperament, we will continue to do great things for our communities, Pennsylvania and this great county.”

First elected to Congress in 2008, representing what was then Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District, Thompson was redistricted to the 15th Congressional District in 2018 after the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled that the state’s previous districts were unconstitutionally gerrymandered to favor the Republican Party.

In his announcement, Thompson said he was encouraged by his faith, family, friends and supporters to pursue yet another term of office.

Before serving in Congress, Thompson spent 28 years as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager and licensed nursing home administrator.

A graduate of Penn State and Temple University, where he earned a B.S. and a Master of Education, Thompson brings his background in education to his role as a senior member of the House Education & Labor Committee.

Spotlighting his accomplishments in the House, Thompson said, “We’ve delivered on services for our veterans, empowered local economic development and provided career and technical education opportunities nationwide, so young people have options to be job ready or college bound.”

In Congress, Thompson has been a steadfast ally of Donald Trump’s second-term agenda, casting votes that reflect the president’s priorities 100 percent of the time, according to Congressional records.

His most recent legislative accomplishment, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which allows schools in the National School Lunch Program to serve whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk, was signed into law by the president in January.

As the first chairman for the House Committee on Agriculture from Pennsylvania in more than 150 years, Thompson has positioned himself as an advocate for farmers in the state and across the country.

“We have come a long way in advocating for the Commonwealth’s number one industry by supporting family farms and the men and women who work hard to put food on our tables every day,” Thompson said.

In his announcement, Thompson dismissed the political chatter and criticism that he said can distract from serving constituents.

“There’s a lot of noise out there. Everyday we’re faced with someone telling you how it is, or how your life is supposed to be. That’s just not me,” Thompson said in his campaign video. “I learned early on working in healthcare and serving my community as a volunteer firefighter, school board member and scout master that it is better to listen to your neighbors, learn their needs and work together towards a practical solution.”

Though no Republican challengers have announced plans to contest Thompson in the May 19 primary, a Bellefonte veteran and Democrat, Ray Bilger, declared his campaign for the seat earlier this week.

Thompson wrapped up his announcement by appealing directly to voters.

“I’m asking for your continued support and vote for Congress,” he said, before directing viewers to his campaign website, gtthompson.com.