State Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, said she is seeking a third term in office to continue the work she started to improve the local economy and restore faith in the election process.

Mustello, 51, of Butler Township, was first elected in a special election in May 2019 and reelected in November 2020. She serves on the agriculture and rural affairs, human services, liquor control and transportation committees.

The primary election is May 17.

“I’m running to continue what I started to serve our region, and focus on issues we need to focus on, revitalize our economy and fixing the election process,” Mustello said. “I advocate for the people of Butler County. I’m easily accessible.”

Restoring voters’ confidence in the results of elections is among her primary goals.

“We want to give confidence to people that their votes are being counted. Believe me, every vote counts,” she said.

She said she backs the Voting Rights Protection Act, which has been updated and reintroduced since Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the bill last year. The bill is package of proposed reforms that grew from a series of 13 hearings held by the state government committee after the 2020 election.

“Pennsylvanians must be able to trust the election process and results of our elections. I support the Voting Rights Protection Act, which includes, among many other things, provisions to tighten security by expanding voter identification requirements, requiring regular election audits, banning ballot harvesting and allowing public access to review ballots after an election,” Mustello said.

She said she supports legislation that helps the economy and ensures residents have the opportunity to get workforce training at the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School, Butler County Community College and Slippery Rock University.

“I have consistently voted for legislation that will revitalize our economy and make it easier for employers to do business in Pennsylvania. In order for our region to continue to recover from the pandemic, we must keep our businesses open keeping workers healthy. This means less government interference,” Mustello said.

She said she and her staff help residents and organizations find answers to questions and resolve issues they have with state and federal government.

“You can frequently find me answering the phone in my district office when I am not out collaborating with municipal and community leaders. Representing this district is a full-time job and I remain committed to putting the needs and concerns of Butler County first,” she said.

Before she was elected, Mustello worked as a staff member for U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th. Before that, she was the executive director of the Butler County Humane Society.