We are back with week three of Broad + Liberty’s Candidate Spotlight Series! Each week, we reach out to candidates all across the Commonwealth up for election to public office — an equal number of Democrats and Republicans; incumbents and challengers. We ask one question per week about public policy pressing to you. Those answers are shared on our website every Wednesday through Sunday.

Earlier this week, we featured responses from our nominees for Governor, U.S. Senator and Lieutenant Governor. Today, Pennsylvania’s nominees for U.S. Congress weigh in with our third question. Join us later in the week for the remainder of our responses from candidates for Pennsylvania State Assembly!

This week’s question: For at least the last century, Pennsylvania has been slowly losing population. Recently, while Southern and Western America offered examples of increased population during the Covid-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania experienced a population decline. What do you believe is causing this outward migration and how would you stop it?

Christian Nascimento (R), Running for U.S. House, District 4

All things being equal, Pennsylvania would rank high as a premier destination for migration within the United States: diverse geography, natural resources, some of the world’s premier universities and easy access to beaches, cities, etc. The 4th Congressional District serves as a great snapshot of this diversity, stretching from Montgomery County’s suburbs to the rolling hills and farms of Berks county.

However, things are not equal, and people have been abandoning the Keystone State for warmer pastures. And it is not only weather that drives people to Florida and Texas: it’s the decisions of state and local leaders to push policies that make our commonwealth less safe and less prosperous.

Failed liberal policies make city streets less safe, as District Attorneys like Krasner refuse to prosecute criminals. Headlines around murders and other crimes make it hard to attract and keep residents. And overbearing taxing and regulations drive businesses to more advantageous environments.

This trend of migration out of Pennsylvania can be reversed with a business-friendly environment (reduced energy costs, common sense regulations, and strategic workforce development), an improved education system that keeps kids in school and provides accountability to parents, and safer streets.

Christian Nascimento’s opponent, Madeleine Dean, did not respond.

David Galluch (R), Running for U.S. House, District 5

Pennsylvania has been in the midst of a population decline for at least the last century. Significant losses have occurred in the two largest metropolitan areas, Philadelphia and Allegheny counties. Residents are fleeing for many reasons, but the breakdown in essential public goods remains the primary reason. Spiraling violence has eroded public safety. An ever-climbing cost of living and limiting of economic opportunity have put families in impossible situations. The falling quality of education undermines opportunity for far too many children; during the Covid-19 pandemic, Philadelphia schools remained closed longer than most others in Pennsylvania. Ensuring that families stay in our commonwealth starts with revitalizing these public goods to give families a fair shot at standing and thriving on their own with dignity.

That’s why I will prioritize policies that will strengthen public safety, like ensuring violent offenders are held accountable and funding technologies like mobile crime labs that aid authorities in ensuring justice is done and offenders removed from the street. That’s why I will advocate for the revitalization of industry in PA-05, the creation of good-paying and productivity-enhancing jobs, and for pro-growth policies that offer opportunity for everyone, no matter where they stand on the socioeconomic ladder. That’s why I will stand for better education for our children, including optionality for students and parents so they can escape schools that either don’t fit their needs or fail to develop them.

If we in Pennsylvania can keep families safer, give them greater economic opportunity, and offer better education for the next generation, we will become a more attractive commonwealth to move to or remain in. I love this state. I want to see it thrive. I am prepared to do my part to make it a reality.

David Galluch’s opponent, Mary Gay Scanlon, did not respond.

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