2026 Election Preview: 16th Legislative District

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We are closing in on the midterm elections and if Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to see his dream of the Democratic trifecta in Harrisburg come true, his party will have to hold onto its majority in the state House.

Democrats currently hold a 103-100 majority in the House and are hopeful that party enthusiasm and Republican apathy could enable Dems to take their largest advantage in the chamber since 1992 when they held 105 seats.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives election results: 1992-2024

Year’92’94’96’98’00’02’04’06’08’10’12’14’16’18’20’22’24
Democrats10510199100999493102104919384829392102102
Republicans9810210410310410911010199112110119121110111101101

source: Ballotpedia


PoliticsPA has identified 19 State House races throughout the Commonwealth to focus on during the run-up to the 2026 election, as part of our 31 Races in 31 Days series.

HD-16. Rob Matzie (D) vs. John Costanza (R)

The Key Numbers

  • Voter Registration. favors Democrats by 11 percentage points (as of 9/30)
  • 2024 Presidential. Donald Trump +7
  • 2024 District: Matzie d. Michael Perich, 52-48%
  • District has not been represented by a Republican since it was created in 1969
  • Beaver County leans Republican, 46-40%
IncumbentChallenger
Rob Matzie (D)John Costanza (R)
Harmony TownshipResidenceCenter Township
A.A., Community College of Beaver County
B.A., Point Park University
EducationB.A., University of Pittsburgh
Elected to State House in 2008

Chair, House Democratic Caucus

Former mayor of Ambridge

State Senate staff member for 14 years
ExperienceLocal business owner

Former sales manager and account executive for transportation companies.

Former Democrat who registered as a Republican just before entering the race
unopposedPrimary Resultunopposed
Put an end to the cost of living crisis

Bring back money to public schools and invest in educators

Fight for strong healthcare

Supporter of workplace safety protections

Priorities
Fight Harrisburg tax hikes and mandates that hurt small business and working families.

Keep our neighborhoods safe by supporting those who protect us and tackle drugs and crime and support community driven initiatives.

Support parental rights in education, school safety, and education that future proofs our economy.
has yet to respond to 411 voter guide requestMost Pressing Issue(s)
Facing Your District
has yet to respond to 411 voter guide request
Voter GuideGo DeeperVoter Guide
Raised: $77,152
Spent: $49,896
Cash on Hand (6/8): $76,293
2026 FundraisingRaised: $1,270
Spent: $1,426
Cash on Hand (6/8): $35
“I think I’m the most qualified candidate and the best person for the job, especially in my role now as a member of leadership and as someone who has been able to bring back a lot of dollars to the district. I represent everyone in my district. I don’t care if they’re Republican or if they ever voted for me. If they’ve got a problem or something is going on, we’re here to help. I think that resonates with people.”Quotable“I understand the challenges our community faces because I live them every day—worrying about taxes, jobs, and the future of our schools and community, just like you do. I’ve felt the same pressures and frustrations that Beaver Countians experience, and I know we deserve leadership that truly understands and represents us.“
RobMatzie.comCampaign WebsiteCostanzaForPA.com
Facebook | Instagram | TwitterCampaign SocialFacebook

Debates/Forums

none

In The News

  • Police Are Backing The Blue In Red Beaver County | Beaver Countian, Sept. 4
  • Western PA Democrats From Outside Allegheny County Losing Ground in Legislature | Tribune-Review, July 3

District Composition

Part of BEAVER County consisting of the CITY of Aliquippa and the TOWNSHIPS of Center, Harmony, Hopewell and Rochester and the BOROUGHS of Ambridge, Baden, Conway, East Rochester, Freedom, Monaca, Rochester and South Heights.

More Information

Beaver County Election Bureau


31 Races in 31 Days

Campaigns, News, politics, State House, 2026 Elections, 31 Races In 31 Days, Hd 16, John Costanza, PA State House, pennsylvania, Politics, PoliticsPA, Rob Matzie