Three Republican candidates have officially announced their bids for Pennsylvania House District 12, setting up a competitive primary following the decision by incumbent Rep. Stephanie Scialabba not to seek reelection.
The open seat has drawn candidates from diverse professional backgrounds, including business, military service, and education.
Business Leader Ethan Nicholas
Ethan Nicholas, a Cranberry Township resident and president of the Pittsburgh Business Exchange (PBEX), announced his candidacy citing a focus on economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and government efficiency.
Nicholas has spent more than two decades building regional business networks and partnerships across Western Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, PBEX has grown to serve tens of thousands of members and hosts regular events connecting leaders from business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors.
Nicholas said his campaign will emphasize controlled, sustainable growth, transparency in government spending, and protecting the district’s quality of life.
“District 12 should not only be represented — it should be advantaged,” Nicholas said.
He lives in Cranberry Township with his wife and two children.
Air Force Veteran Scott Timko
Scott Timko, an Air Force veteran, commercial pilot, and former small business owner, also announced his run for the District 12 seat.
Timko is a graduate of Knoch High School and holds a degree in aeronautical engineering from Miami University. Commissioned through Air Force ROTC, he served 12 years on active duty, including roles as a flight instructor, aircraft commander, and Presidential Support Pilot, with overseas deployments during the Gulf War.
After leaving active duty, Timko built a civilian aviation career and later co-owned Vocelli Pizza and J. Gumbo’s Cajun Restaurant in Cranberry Township. He and his wife have lived in Cranberry since 2000.
Timko previously ran in a three-way race in 2022 and is campaigning on a conservative platform focused on constitutional rights, support for law enforcement, reducing taxes and regulations, responsible energy development, and fiscal accountability in Harrisburg.
“Our district deserves continuity of leadership and a representative who understands service, sacrifice, and the needs of working families,” Timko said.
Educator and Veteran Mark Gartner
Mark Gartner, a longtime Butler County resident, Army veteran, public school teacher, and small business owner, announced he is seeking the Republican nomination while launching what he described as a neighbor-led grassroots campaign.
Gartner previously lived in Cranberry Township and now resides in Jackson Township. He served on active duty with the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division and later in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, including a deployment to Kosovo, totaling nine years of honorable military service.
Gartner has worked for more than two decades as a health and physical education teacher and department chair in the Hampton Township School District. He earned a master’s degree from Slippery Rock University in 2008.
He said his campaign priorities include veterans’ services, responsible development, infrastructure improvements, and keeping taxes low.
“Our suburbs are growing fast — we need someone in Harrisburg who listens to the people living here and understands the daily struggle,” Gartner said.
Gartner is currently gathering petition signatures to qualify for the May 2026 primary ballot.
Looking Ahead
Pennsylvania House District 12 includes parts of Butler County and surrounding communities, including Cranberry, Adams, and Jackson townships, along with several boroughs.
With three Republicans now officially in the race, voters can expect an active primary season ahead. The 228 Times has reached out to all candidates and will continue coverage as the campaign develops.