Q&A with Ryan Bizzarro: What to know about Democrat incumbent for 3rd Dist., state house

Ryan Bizzarro is the incumbent Democrat seeking re-election to the 3rd District state House seat he has held since 2013.

The district includes Millcreek and Fairview townships.

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Bizzarro, 38, is being challenged by Republican Micah Goring in the Nov. 5 general election.

He is single and a lifelong Democrat who graduated from Edinboro University with degrees in political science and criminal justice, and from Gannon University with a master’s degree in public administration.

Bizzarro previously worked as a behavioral health specialist for Erie’s public schools. He unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for state treasurer in April's primary election.

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

Bizzarro's reason for seeking re-election, priorities, and future plans

Question: Why did you decide to run for this office?

Answer: Because I'm not done. We haven't raised worker pay or delivered paid family leave for working parents. We haven't made it easier for young people to afford their piece of the American Dream with my home ownership bill that passed the House. There are more jobs to create, kids to fight for, and people to help.

If elected, what would be your priorities?

Bringing home your money! Making sure we get more than our fair share of state funding and support. Erie takes a back seat to nobody, but when Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are so much bigger, you need an experienced, strong, respected voice fighting for us in Harrisburg. I also do not support cashless bail as my opponent has claimed.

We need to make sure every kid in every school has a chance to succeed through their hard work by fairly funding our schools — which gives our tax paying homeowners a break, too.

What unique perspective would you bring to the office?

I come from a family of boxers, so I know if you don't think strategically and just wade in you're going to find yourself on your back counting the lights. As a survivor of childhood cancer I know you can never surrender. As a lawmaker with a lot of experience, while still being young enough to understand the challenges we all face, I can get the governor on the phone and make him understand why what we need is so vital, and I can face off against the billionaire special interests who only care about power, not about helping people.

How would you help the region on the state level in Harrisburg?

I'm part of the House Majority Leadership — the only one on that team from northwestern Pennsylvania — and I always make sure Erie is "in the room where it happens." We will always be at the top of the discussion for state support for jobs, schools, roads, health care and much more. Not since Gov. Tom Ridge has someone from Erie had more of a say in the way the state operates, and I'm going to always fight for us.

Contact Kevin Flowers at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @ETNflowers.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Q&A: 3rd Dist. State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro talks experience, goals