Republican Scott Timko emerged victorious Tuesday night in a closely watched primary race for Pennsylvania’s 12th House District and is expected to face Democrat Brandon Dukes in the upcoming special election in August.
According to unofficial results, Timko defeated fellow Republican Ethan Nicholas by a margin of 2,640 votes to 2,422 votes.
Speaking with The 228 Times shortly after the race was called, Timko credited a grassroots campaign focused on conservative values, direct voter engagement and personal outreach.
“You know, a lot of issues, but I think what it really came down to is this is a very conservative community, and I think the voters respected the fact that I was fiscally conservative,” Timko said.
Timko said he relied heavily on door knocking and phone calls throughout the campaign rather than an overwhelming advertising strategy.
“I did a lot of door knocking every day, 50 doors every day, 50 phone calls every day, and listened to what they had to say about issues that were important to them,” he said.
The longtime pilot also described himself as an “experienced, humble, self-funded pilot” and said voters responded to his life of service and leadership background.
Timko acknowledged the race was highly competitive and said he was proud his campaign remained focused on issues rather than attacks.
“I think the fact that we ran a clean, civil, message-oriented campaign,” Timko said. “We defeated a huge influx of outside PAC money with a lot of sweat equity, a lot of hard work and a simple message.”
Earlier in the evening, before final results were known, Nicholas reflected on his first political campaign and said he was proud of how his team conducted itself.
“I’m really excited that we ran a clean, honest, fun campaign,” Nicholas said. “I didn’t compromise my values. I didn’t say anything negative. I didn’t tell any lies.”
Nicholas also praised Timko’s campaign effort.
“I’ve got to hand it to Scott,” Nicholas said. “He ran a very, very hardworking campaign, and he was a tougher opponent than I would have guessed.”
Meanwhile, Dukes, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and received 4,624 unofficial votes, said Tuesday’s primary was only the beginning of the race ahead.
“Tonight’s result is humbling, and I’m grateful to every voter in House District 12 who came out and showed their support,” Dukes said in a statement provided to The 228 Times. “I’m ready to fight for this district, and I’m confident we’re going to win in August.”
Timko said the focus now shifts toward unifying Republicans ahead of the special election.
“We need Republican voters to be excited about August,” Timko said. “It’s time to all pull on the same side of the rope.”
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