HARRISBURG — A Republican who has held several elected offices is to be Pennsylvania's newest state representative. Republican Jerry Knowles defeated Democrat Bill Mackey in Tuesday's special election for the 124th Legislative District, which includes parts of Schuylkill and Berks counties. With 84 percent of precincts reporting, Knowles had more than 70 percent of the vote.

Knowles is a former Schuylkill County commissioner and mayor in Tamaqua. Mackey is a pipefitter who was twice before been an unsuccessful candidate for the seat.