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In a close race, Parker takes PA House seat for 198th district

Darisha K. Parker is the democrat elect for the PA State 198th District seat.

The 198th district election was a close call.  In the June 2 primaries, Parker won with 3,591 votes.  Bernard Williams came in second, only 273 votes shy of the lead

Parker and Williams were guests on the Germantown Info Hub Radio Hour, a weekly radio show sponsored by the Germantown Info Hub and 92.9 FM G’town Radio. Parker elaborated on her desire to run for the 198th seat. 

“My decision to run for this office has come after years of public relations, public service and advocacy,” Parker said on the radio show. “I understand the issues that are important to this district.”

Parker will return to her position with the state until the Nov. 10 general election. She has worked in constituent services in Rosita C. Youngblood’s office for two years. Youngblood held the 198th district seat for 26 years. Due to her position with Youngblood, Parker cannot speak with the media until taking a second leave of absence for the general election. 

Although he lost the race, runner-up Williams said he will continue to provide community services like  toy-drives and events at senior centers.

“If you’ve seen the results, and you’ve seen how close it is,” Williams said, “I think that any common person would think that Bernard is definitely going to continue to fight for the 198.”

Parker will be running unopposed in November as there is no Republican candidate for the seat.