The Bucks County Republican Committee has officially launched its re-election campaign for five key county row offices.
With the goal of maintaining their hold on the offices of District Attorney, Sheriff, Controller, Recorder of Deeds, and Prothonotary, the GOP is looking to continue its presence in county government while Democrats prepare their challenge.
At the forefront of the campaign is District Attorney Jennifer Schorn, a prosecutor from Warwick Township who took office in January 2024.
Schorn, who previously served as first deputy to former District Attorney Matt Weintraub, has built a career specializing in serious cases, including homicide, child abuse, and human trafficking.
Her tenure has also included leadership roles within the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Institute and its Education and Training Committee.
With over 25 years in law, her campaign emphasizes her record of tackling high-profile cases and seeking justice for victims.
Sheriff Fred Harran, another long-serving public official, is seeking re-election after first being elected in 2021.
With nearly four decades in law enforcement, Harran has focused on modernizing policing techniques in Bucks County.
Before becoming sheriff, he spent 16 years as the director of public safety in Bensalem Township, the county’s largest municipality.
Under his leadership, the sheriff’s office has implemented rapid DNA testing and improved its ability to process and clear outstanding warrants.
Meanwhile, Controller Pamela Van Blunk of Doylestown Township is also seeking another term.
During her tenure, Van Blunk established a Fraud, Waste, and Abuse program that saved over $1 million in taxpayer funds and an Unclaimed Funds initiative that has returned more than $700,000 to residents and organizations.
Her campaign is focused on continuing her efforts to safeguard taxpayer dollars and promote efficiency in county finances.
Recorder of Deeds Dan McPhillips, a lifelong Bucks County resident from Warminster Township, is running for a second term as well.
His office is responsible for maintaining real estate records, an essential function in a county where homeownership is a major investment for many residents.
McPhillips has promoted a free Fraud Alert Program to protect property owners from potential scams and fraudulent transactions.
Rounding out the GOP’s slate of row office candidates is Prothonotary Coleen Christian, an entrepreneur and former Upper Makefield Township Supervisor.
Christian’s office manages civil court records and legal filings.
During her first term, she re-opened satellite offices to improve accessibility for residents and streamline the passport application process.
She is running on a platform of modernization and efficiency, seeking to continue her efforts to enhance public service operations within the Prothonotary’s office.
The Bucks County Republican Committee, led by Chair Pat Poprik, is fully supporting these incumbents and highlighting their solid track record in public service.
Poprik emphasized their work in safeguarding the community, supporting families, and maintaining fiscal discipline in county government.
However, the candidates may still face primary challengers within their own party before the general election.
Currently, no Democratic candidates have formally announced their bids for the row offices. The winners of the Republican primary will go on to face their Democratic counterparts in the general election in November.
The county’s voter registration has tilted slightly in favor of Republicans, and President Donald Trump managed to carry the county in 2024 after losing it in both 2016 and 2020.
With local and national political stakes high, both parties are expected to invest heavily in their campaigns.
Bucks County political campaigns will likely be intense as each side works to secure votes and mobilize their bases.
The upcoming election dates are set: the primary is scheduled for May 20, and the general election is on November 4.
Voter registration deadlines are May 5 for the primary and October 20 for the general election.
The Bucks County GOP remains confident in its strategy to maintain its hold on these key positions.
