In front of Republican officials and supporters, State Senator Dan Laughlin talked about his record on issues such as the Erie School District, Presque Isle, CRIZ, LECOM and taxes while also saying he is one of the voices of reason in the Senate.

"There is not another senator in Pennsylvania that does not know exactly the region that I represent and the issues that we are having up here because I am very vocal about it," Laughlin said.

Former Erie County Democratic Party Chairman Jim Wertz is running to secure the Democratic nomination to run against Laughlin and he said that the senator's words and actions do not always line up.

"I think the incumbent likes to talk about sensible solutions and then operate very differently in Harrisburg and we are happy to talk about that," Wertz said.

In 2022, Senator Laughlin filed a defamation lawsuit against the Erie Reader and Wertz

While they disagree on the matter both believe the lawsuit will not be a distraction during their campaigns.

"We plan to run on my record and run a fact-based campaign, I see one of the potential opponents is already spreading misinformation and we are going to address that, if that person is fortunate enough to be on the ballot," Laughlin said.

"I think the voters of the 49th district are looking for a candidate who does not sue his critics, is that thin-skinned and does not want the press to talk about something they actually did, I think it is beyond the pale," Wertz said.

Selena King, like Wertz, is seeking the Democratic nomination, released a comment to Erie News Now that read, "We're focused on the April primary and ensuring the voters of the 49th senatorial district have the opportunity to hear about my candidacy and experience for this office to represent the well-being and prosperity of every family in Erie. We're ready and willing to face any opponent."