The three Democratic candidates seeking the nomination for Pennsylvania’s 91st House District shared their approaches to taxation, economic development, and social issues during a candidate forum hosted locally this week.
The event, organized with support from Gettysburg Rising and Community Media of South Central PA, featured candidates Tony Nunez Guzman, Kathleen Pratt, and Darian Sundberg, each making the case for why they should challenge longtime Republican incumbent Dan Moul in November.
Nunez Guzman, who works in agriculture management, framed his campaign around working-class concerns, citing rising costs for utilities, groceries, and transportation. “As a working class person… I will stand for you. I will fight for you. I will serve you,” he said, arguing Harrisburg has prioritized tax breaks and development projects that do not benefit local residents.
Pratt, a longtime resident and current GASD school board member, emphasized experience and pragmatic solutions. She pointed to Pennsylvania’s low ranking in state funding for public education—45th nationally—and called for new revenue strategies. “I identify problems, I seek out opportunities, and I build partnerships to make things happen,” she said, highlighting priorities including “common sense taxation, strong public schools, local economic growth, and the dignity of all people.”
Sundberg, a public school teacher, focused heavily on systemic reform, particularly in taxation and healthcare. He argued the state is failing to adequately tax corporations and wealthy residents, limiting funding for services. “There’s money in Pennsylvania—we aren’t taxing it properly,” he said, advocating for changes such as closing corporate tax loopholes and implementing a wealth tax.
Candidates also addressed local concerns, including funding for emergency services, tourism revenue, and infrastructure. Both Nunez Guzman and Sundberg suggested new ways for Gettysburg to capture more revenue from its roughly 1.5 million annual visitors, including potential changes to tax policy or transportation investments to increase access.
On controversial issues, the candidates largely aligned. All three expressed opposition to expanded cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities under programs like 287(g), with Nunez Guzman calling such practices harmful to immigrant communities.
Healthcare drew strong responses as well. Sundberg advocated for a state-level single-payer system, while Nunez Guzman called for criminal penalties against insurance companies that deny necessary care. Pratt said she would focus on gathering input and building partnerships to craft legislative solutions.
When asked how a Democrat could win in a heavily Republican district, the candidates pointed to shifting momentum. Sundberg noted increased competition this cycle, while Pratt highlighted her success winning crossover votes in past local races. Nunez Guzman stressed focusing on shared concerns rather than partisan divisions.
The Democratic primary will be held May 19.
Featured image caption: Nunez Guzman, Pratt, and Sundberg
All three would be DOA in the general election.