Luzerne Times

State Representative Aaron Kaufer has announced that he will not seek reelection to the state House, bringing an end to his tenure serving the residents of the 120th District since 2015. In a statement, Kaufer expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and highlighted the results he achieved during his time in office.

"I am truly grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve our community over the past 10 years," said Kaufer. "I'm proud of the work I've been able to get done and the relationships I have built with community members and elected officials throughout our area to achieve tangible and meaningful results for our community."

During his time in the state House, Kaufer prioritized improving the quality of life for families in his district. He focused on constituent services, including advocacy for veterans and small businesses, as well as implementing the first-ever district office-based disability advocacy program in the state. Kaufer also collaborated with local elected officials to secure hundreds of millions of state tax dollars for important community projects.

Among the achievements Kaufer highlighted during his tenure were the removal of the Swoyersville Culm Bank, the formation of the Wyoming Area Regional Police Department, and the rehabilitation efforts in several parks. He also fought to protect working families and seniors by voting against broad-based tax increases and sponsoring legislation to lower property taxes and utility rates.

Kaufer's leadership was recognized through his various roles in the state House, including chairman of the powerful Northeast Republican Delegation and chairman of the Government Oversight Committee. He also founded and co-chaired the Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education Caucus, addressing critical issues related to behavioral health and the opioid epidemic.

"I always strived to provide reform-focused leadership that would restore the public's trust in state government," said Kaufer. "Although I was not always successful, I refused to back down because my top priority was always the families I served."

Kaufer's reputation as a problem solver and coalition builder was respected on both sides of the aisle. He worked in a bipartisan manner to bring different groups together to serve the public interest. Kaufer also played a significant role in changing state tax policy for the benefit of families in northeast Pennsylvania, sparking economic growth and creating local jobs.

"I ran for office to put people over politics and to lead by example," Kaufer said. "I have fought to honor that pledge by holding the line on taxes, bringing meaningful reforms to Pennsylvania's Legislature, and returning the focus of state government back to serving the residents of our great Commonwealth."

Kaufer will serve the remainder of his term, which expires on November 30, 2024. He reassured his constituents that he and his staff will continue to provide the same level of service they have relied on.

"My focus over the next year will remain on providing the best representation possible until my final day," Kaufer stated. "I will continue to work hard advocating for my constituents and the communities I serve."

While Kaufer is stepping away from public service for now to focus on his family, he emphasized that this is not the end of his involvement in politics. "Public service is my calling, so I'm not saying this is it for me forever, but this is all for now," he concluded.

As Kaufer prepares to leave office, he expressed his gratitude to his staff, family, and the community for their support throughout his tenure. His decision not to seek reelection marks the end of an era in the 120th District, and his accomplishments will be remembered as a testament to his dedication to serving the people of Pennsylvania.