Jess King is hoping to overtake Lloyd Smucker in the 2018 midterms for the 16th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.
Julia Walters
Staff Writer
With midterm elections approaching next fall and the Congressional campaigns in full swing, it can be difficult to discern through all the political complexities and where each candidate stands on different issues.
Currently, the Lancaster area is in the 16th Congressional district and is served in the House of Representatives by Lloyd Smucker, a Republican. However, due to recent redistricting legislation, the Lancaster area will soon officially become the 11th Congressional district. Representative Smucker will be running for reelection for the upcoming 11th district and his major opponent running against him will be Democrat Jess King, a newcomer to politics.
Since Mr. Smucker and Ms. King are from opposing political parties that have seemingly become more polarized, their stances on issues greatly vary. Young voters who are confused and even conflicted about these politicians should know exactly who they’re voting for.
Perhaps one of the biggest problems this country is focused on is gun reform. Generally, Representative Smucker advocates for the 2nd Amendment and the protection it gives
to gun owners. He is quoted on his official website as saying, “law-abiding gun owners deserve the full protection of the U.S. Constitution when exercising their right to carry a concealed weapon.”
Ms. King is on the other side of the issue and supports more active legislation that would require more background checks as well as the banning of semi automatic assault weapons. She does not support politicians receiving financial support from the NRA and believes that “Rep. Smucker should be ashamed” for accepting their support, especially in the wake of this country’s recent gun violence.
