Christian Rieger says he has seen what it is like for average families in Pennsylvania.

As a lawyer, he works with families on consumer debt protection, bankruptcy and estate planning.

As a volunteer for the past several years with Just Harvest in Pittsburgh, he has helped low-income people prepare their tax returns, an experience that he said was influential in his decision to pursue public office. There are a lot of people who struggle to make ends meet, whether it is because of taxes, lack of opportunities or low wages.

“They were hard working individuals and families who often had multiple jobs but still had difficulties raising a family, sustaining a family, or even keeping themselves afloat,” he said about the people he helped.

“They were always incredibly grateful for those services we were providing for them. They weren’t expecting anything. It’s not like they were expecting a handout, it’s not like they were demanding or felt entitled.”

Rieger, 32, is the Democratic Party challenger for the 12th District state house seat that has been held by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe since 1999.

He was unopposed in the primary election, while Metcalfe defeated Mars School Board member Gordon Marburger in the Republican primary.

Rieger and his wife Tracy Travaglio, who is a teacher in the Butler School District, married earlier this year. They have lived in Cranberry Township since 2014 and previously lived in Seven Fields for about one year.

Originally from Altoona, he attended law school in Pittsburgh and has been working at Paul N. Daniels and Associates in Pittsburgh since 2007, and since 2009 as a licensed attorney.

Rieger said that if elected one of his top goals would be to help restore funding to schools. He noted that many districts around the state have been forced to either raise property taxes or make difficult cuts to balance their budgets.

“I think Harrisburg has a moral obligation to provide adequate resources for students, teachers and parents,” he said.

This could be done through pension reform, property tax reform or by allocating money to schools from additional sources such as sales taxes, he said.

Rieger said he believes that both the Legislature and Gov. Tom Wolf were to blame for the lengthy budget impasse of 2015. This year, the two sides compromised and passed a budget that had measures that he supports, including increased funding to schools and $15 million for fighting the opioid crisis.

He also supports legalization of medical marijuana and privatization of the liquor industry, both of which were supported by recent legislation.

He said he believes there is bipartisan support to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, which would create a more productive work force and help the economy.

“It’s not just a wage that is earned by high school kids at their first job. I’ve seen firsthand a lot of individuals who are trying to raise a family on minimum wage,” he said.

Rieger said he thinks it is commendable that Metcalfe has stood by his convictions and beliefs, however Rieger’s view of the role of a legislator differs from that of the incumbent.

“A representative in Harrisburg has to be an active participant, not just a bystander,” he said.

He said the communities in the 12th District have seen a lot of growth and could use state money to help with continued infrastructure improvements along the Route 228 corridor.

Rieger also thinks there could be state funding for public transportation for Cranberry Township and surrounding areas. Public transit is needed there to help service industry employees get to work and to help people who need transportation for doctors appointments or medical care.

Since he started his campaign earlier this year, he has been attending numerous township and school board meetings to hear what residents and officials are talking about.

“What every public servant should do to the best of his ability, is to keep your finger on the pulse of what is important to people right around you. If you don’t stay informed that way then, in my view, you’re not going to be able to represent them adequately,” he said.