Election guide: What Republican Jake Banta will do if re-elected to Pa.'s 4th state House seat

State Rep. Jake Banta is running for a second term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Banta, a Republican, was first elected to the 4th legislative district, which represents nearly all of Erie County, in 2022. He’s facing Democratic challenger Joe Cancilla in the Nov. 5 general election.

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Banta serves on the following House committees in Harrisburg: Game & Fisheries, Local Government, State Government and Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness.

Born and raised in Waterford, Banta graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 1983 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, eventually becoming a Navy SEAL. After being honorably discharged, he returned to the farm he grew up on and worked in the oil and natural gas industry. With his own company, Banta Security LLC, he served as a maritime security officer, according to his House biography.

Banta is married with three sons and two grandchildren.

His answers to Erie Times-News questions were edited for length and clarity.

Banta’s reasons for seeking reelection, top priorities

Question: Why did you decide to seek another term for this office?

Answer: I am enjoying the opportunity to serve. I've got some things accomplished this term and I am eager to do more. I also have much more to learn.

If re-elected, what would you consider your top priorities?

Our economy is the No.1 issue for me as I seek re-election. I think better decision-making by the General Assembly with focus on small business and de-regulation will boost job growth. Pennsylvania also has an abundance of resources in natural gas and oil that we are neglecting to harvest for the prosperity of the people. I suggest making clean energy self-sustainable, put the windmills on non-usable wetland, put solar panels on roofs and leave the farmland for farming.

What unique perspective do you bring to the office?

I spent 18 years travelling, working abroad and visiting over 15 countries. I studied their culture very closely. Cleanliness is directly related to prosperity. Poor nations dump trash in the ocean and in the street while trying to survive with no income. Here on the other hand, environmental regulations are costly and sometimes kill small businesses under the guise of climate fear and conservation. This creates poverty and survival mode. My perception in traveling makes me keenly aware of why nations fail. I believe the more prosperity in a nation, the better stewards of the land they become.

How do you plan to help Erie on a state level in Harrisburg?

I plan to help Erie while serving in Harrisburg by fending off more regulations and promoting deregulation for the growth of small business and jobs. Also, by stopping the loss of farmlands to corporations planning wind and solar farms. Creating jobs will help our homeless get on their feet and closing our southern border will stop the influx of illegal immigration that subsidized poor policies have created.

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A.J. Rao can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Q&A: State Rep. Jake Banta outlines goals for 4th Dist., state House