SOMERSET — For young Carl Walker Metzgar, it’s been a meteoric rise from a farm outside of Berlin to the state Capitol.
The 27-year-old Republican on Tuesday became one of the two youngest members of the state House, easily outdistancing Democratic challenger Ken Warnick in the race to succeed retiring state Rep. Bob Bastian in the 69th Legislative District.
With all 68 precincts reporting in GOP-controlled Somerset County, Metzgar doubled Warnick’s vote total, 14,589 to 7,078.
He did even better in part of western Bedford County, winning 2,205 votes to 835 for Warnick.
“Harrisburg is not operating the way it should,” said Metzgar, 27, a Somerset lawyer raised on a farm in Allegheny Township.
“There is going to be reform in Harrisburg, whether Harrisburg likes it or not. I’m hoping we’ll be instrumental in that.”
Metzgar joins Tony John Payton Jr. of Philadelphia as the youngest state representatives.
Although a political newcomer, Metzgar survived a crowded field in the primary and beat Warnick by doing what he’s always done: Working hard. Metzgar pounded on doors, was a fixture at political events and organized a strong campaign team.
He promised to do the same at the Capitol.
“I think we’re going to have to stay true to the values that brought us here, and bring new ideas and fresh thinking to Harrisburg,” Metzgar said.
“We knew, with a lot of hard work, that this was possible.”
Metzgar and Warnick remained respectful to the end, touting their own abilities throughout the race and never resorting to mudslinging.
“His spirited campaign challenged and invigorated our campaign,” Metzgar said. “He ran a noble and commendable race, and I couldn’t have asked for a better opponent.”
Warnick, 65, of Meyersdale, director of student services at Allegany College of Maryland’s campuses in Somerset and Bedford, took the defeat gracefully.
“I don’t make excuses,” he said. “That’s the way it is. You put your name out there, you’ve got to be ready to win or lose.
“I talked to Carl this afternoon, and I said, ‘Regardless of how this turns out, the two of us ran an honorable campaign.”
Warnick said he’s willing to help Metzgar, particularly with some of Warnick’s own ideas.
“He’s a good man,” Warnick said. “He worked very, very hard.”
Local News
Related Photos
-
File Photo
Discussion
Metzgar defeats Warnick in 69th
- Local News
-
-
Local events commemorate Memorial Day
Throughout Greater Johnstown, the military was honored on Memorial Day for its sacrifices with marching bands, military hardware, beauty queens and flag raisings.
-
Digital mammography available in the region
Digital mammography is now available at locations throughout the Conemaugh Health System.
-
State may take over financially distressed school districts
Pennsylvania’s four most financially distressed school districts could be facing a state takeover, and more districts may be on the way.
-
Trial in cross-burning case set for July
The trial of a Centre County man in a cross-burning case – originally slated for this month – now is scheduled for July 23 in U.S. District Court in Johnstown.
-
Pedals for Progress: Rotarians collecting used bikes for third-world countries
The Richland Rotary Club is collecting used bicycles June 16 that will be refurbished for use by the working poor and children in developing countries.
-
PennDOT lauds outstanding workers
PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch has recognized 31 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, the department’s highest recognition.
-
Critical ‘Victim 2’ decision awaits Sandusky judge
A judge will soon decide the most significant pretrial issue in former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky’s child sexual-abuse case: Whether to dismiss charges.
-
In brief: Several hurt in Northern Cambria crash
Several people were injured early Monday in a one-vehicle wreck on Plattsville Hill Road, authorities said.
-
Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.
-
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Raw Video: Earthquake Shakes Evacuees in Italy
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
