There’s a new candidate in the 26th Senatorial District race in Delaware County.

Following the withdrawal of Alfe Goodwin, the Delaware County GOP announced that activist Gail Scott will run under the Republican banner for the seat.

“I am honored to have been selected by my peers to be the Republican nominee in the 26th Senate district. The people of Delaware County are struggling with crushing taxes, unsafe streets, failing schools, and a broken healthcare system,” Scott stated.

A resident of Drexel Hill, she has worked as a lead support analyst for PNC Bank and is an elected Judge of Elections in Upper Darby.

“Neighbors across the district from Ridley to Upper Darby can’t make ends meet because of the high costs that we are facing,” she said. “Whether they come from our county government raising taxes 47% or increased electricity costs from our own State Government, it’s clear that change is needed. As your State Senator, I will be putting your interests first and the needs of Harrisburg lobbyists last.”

Delco GOP Committee chair Frank Agovino said the choice will be simple once voters get to know Scott.

“A woman of faith and unmeasurable compassion, Gail Scott will represent her neighbors with a focus on making their lives better and representing everyone on challenges that matter most such as fixing an imploding county healthcare system, fighting against abnormally high tax increases, providing law enforcement with modern day tools to lower crime, and providing fair school funding for all districts while lowering the property tax burden for senior citizens,” he said.

Scott will challenge incumbent Tim Kearney for the Delaware County seat. Kearney, the former mayor of Swarthmore, won his second term in Harrisburg in 2022, defeating Agovino by 20 points.

The Pennsylvania Senate Republican Campaign Committee says that Kearney is out of touch with Delco.

“Gail Scott sees the challenges facing residents in Drexel Hill, Springfield, Broomall, and other surrounding communities,” PA SRCC Communications Director Michael Straw said. “She sees that the lack of affordable health care opportunities in the district are putting lives at risk and that increasing electricity and tax bills are putting further strain on residents. She understands this because she feels it as an everyday person.

“Senator Tim Kearney on the other hand is out of touch with Delco. He’s voted against legislation to lower electricity costs, he’s supported tax increases and hasn’t done nearly enough to help deliver results with the ongoing hospital crisis in Delco.”

Goodwin announced her intention to withdraw prior to the May primary but not in time to remove her name from the ballot. Her official withdraw followed on June 29.