Previewing the Thompson-Womer race for U.S. House

Democrat Zach Womer has a significant voter registration gap to overcome if he's going to test U.S. Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Pa.

Womer, a political newcomer, has placed his Methodist Christian faith at the center of his campaign. The incumbent Thompson is a longtime congressman who serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce and is spearheading the creation of a new Farm Bill as a member of the Committee on Agriculture.

Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R)

Thompson, 64, has won his two most recent reelections by about 40 percentage points.

Issues:

• Noting his district's largely rural nature, Thompson has characterized the expansion of broadband internet access one of his top priorities.

• He's called for the additional use of domestic coal and natural gas until alternative energy resources are able to meet America's needs.

Zach Womer (D)

Womer is seeking the upset win in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, which covers a large swath of the state's northcentral region.

Issues:

• Citing the district's economic distress, Womer has pledged to help fully fund programs such as SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

• He touts an endorsement from the United Mine Workers of America union.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Rep. GT Thompson challenged by Womer in PA-15