Neuman plans to seek nomination

State Rep. Brandon Neuman of North Strabane Township announced his plans to seek the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in May’s statewide primary election
Neuman said his Western Pennsylvania roots and work as a two-term legislator would provide a boost for the eventual Democratic nominee for governor in the general election race against Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.
“I know how to navigate through the Legislature,” Neuman said. “It’s important that I know how to govern. Being from Western Pennsylvania, I’ll bring our local values and make sure the area won’t be forgotten.”
Neuman was thinking about running for more than a year, he said, but officially announced his candidacy on Twitter and launched a new campaign website. He joins a crowded field that includes former U.S. Congressman Mark Critz of Johnstown and several other candidates from across the state.
“It’s really about me being able to be the best candidate to the help the (Democratic nominee) win in November,” Neuman said. “I know the right policies to win the race, but we also have to govern. I think I’m the best choice to help the governor govern after November because we have a lot of issues in Pennsylvania.”
The winner in the May 20 primary would join the ticket with the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. They would then face the presumptive Republican nominees, incumbents Corbett and Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, in the November general election.
Neuman said he is concerned about Corbett’s policies and wants to scuttle his re-election hopes.
“We want to move Pennsylvania in a new direction,” Neuman said. “If we don’t beat Corbett, we will, for the next four years, be moving Pennsylvania in the wrong direction.”
Neuman’s entry into the race won’t deter him from running for re-election for his state House seat in the 48th District. However, he is planning an “aggressive schedule” to crisscross the state while continuing to attend community and campaign events in his home district.
“I refuse to miss anything or ignore anything in my district,” Neuman said. “We do a lot of trips where we’re driving back and forth from Harrisburg. It becomes very challenging, but I’m up for the challenge.”
Neuman’s new state House district includes Canonsburg, Chartiers, Houston, North Strabane, South Strabane Township and Washington.
Neuman graduated from University of Richmond, received a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh Law School and a juris doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law. He and his wife, Carrie, reside in North Strabane.