Nicholas running for 12th district in state House
A lifelong Butler County resident announced his bid Tuesday, Feb. 17, for the Republican nomination for the 12th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after Rep. Stephenie Scialabba announced she would not seek reelection.
Ethan Nicholas, a Cranberry Township resident since 2009, said he has been strengthening the business ecosystem in the township as president for 13 years of the Pittsburgh Business Exchange. Nicholas led the 35,000-member networking organization in organizing annual events that connect business leaders with government, education and nonprofit executives.
“I saw an opportunity here where I can bring those talents to my own backyard,” Nicholas said in an interview Tuesday.
As a former board member of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Nicholas said he is running on fiscal responsibility and controlled growth.
“Controlled growth means 2.5 to 3 percent year-over-year — growth that’s sustainable,” he said. “We don’t need reactive planning or unnecessary infrastructure decisions. We need thoughtful leadership that protects what makes this community great while positioning it for longterm success.”
Nicholas added growth means planning infrastructure, zoning laws and economic policy that enhances the quality of life in the district and eliminate the potential for “reactive” decisions. He also advocated for smart land use.
“I don’t know if Route 19 needs another vape shop of storage facility,” Nicholas said.
Nicholas also discussed the Seneca Valley School District’s seven-figure renovation of its Intermediate High School. He said education should be a priority, but he also wants to see more financial oversight when it comes to taxpayer dollars.
“Budgeting for a school district like Seneca Valley has a lot of moving parts,” Nicholas said. “The last thing I want to do is ask families to pay more and raise taxes.”
Nicholas said he’s lived in the area of North Boundary Park since 2009 with his wife, Kimberly, and two children, Annie and Maverick. The family attends Victory Family Church.
Nicholas has also been affiliated with the Eagle Scouts, Rotary International and the Paul Harris Society. He was recognized as a distinguished alumnus of Slippery Rock University in 2018.
Elected in 2022, Scialabba announced her decision to not seek reelection Monday. She is entering the final year of her second two-year term.
