The race for the 65th House district pits longtime incumbent Rep. Kathy Rapp against Erin Willman, a local business owner and advocate for the blind.

Currently the Republican chair of the House Health Committee, Rapp will be seeking her 11th two-year term representing the 65th District, which includes all of Warren and Forest counties as well as part of Crawford County.

Rapp was an outsized presence in the state House of Representatives on health care matters before the Democrats took control of the chamber after last year’s election. Democrat control of the chamber reduced Rapp’s voice somewhat, though Rapp still carries with her years of experience and seniority. That could prove valuable if Republicans are successful in retaking the state House this year.

Willman, meanwhile, is well known in the area as the founder of White Cane Coffee. She quickly organized a write-in campaign this spring to secure a spot on the Nov. 5 election ballot while gaining a boost from U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, who asked Willman to testify before the U.S. Senate earlier this year and then followed that testimony with a visit to the Warren-based business. Willman has found success in business and in advocacy.

The question for voters is whether Willman could find the type of success in government that Rapp has achieved during her 20 years representing the area in Harrisburg. This is the strongest challenge the longtime incumbent Republican has faced in years, and while we are intrigued by the possibilities Willman presents, we value Rapp’s experience and seniority in Harrisburg while hoping that helps bring additional state resources into Warren County.