Gene Yaw [R, Lycoming] announced his candidacy in November before a crowd of several hundred supporters. Ever since then, Gene’s campaign has gained momentum throughout Pennsylvania’s 23rd Senatorial District.

"I am not a career politician. I am truly interested in the job that I am seeking: representing the taxpayers in the Pennsylvania State Senate," he said. Yaw is seeking to fill the seat held since 1984 by a fellow Republican, Sen. Roger Madigan, who is retiring.

"Now is not the time for politics as usual, and certainly not the time for politicians to further their political career at the taxpayers’ expense. I believe that it is time for real change in the way Harrisburg conducts itself and in the way it spends our tax money." Gene Yaw is a Northern Tier native who grew up on a Lycoming County farm and was first in his family to graduate from college. Yaw believes he has the background and experience necessary to represent the people of this district.

"The district is very diverse, part is urban and large parts are very rural. My background reflects the make-up of the district. Voters can trust that I will use my background, experience, good judgment and integrity to represent their interests in the state legislature."

His campaign will focus on the future and building opportunities in Pennsylvania.

"I believe we must address the inequities in the tax structure." "In Pennsylvania, we are faced with the same dilemma that affects the Social Security system. We have a declining population to pay increasing costs. To offset that problem, we desperately need to increase our tax base. We can do that by increasing jobs. We need people to come to Pennsylvania, not leave Pennsylvania. We need to make Pennsylvania a location where businesses want to locate."