Tarah Probst

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Tarah Probst
Image of Tarah Probst
Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189
Tenure

2022 - Present

Term ends

2024

Years in position

1

Predecessor

Compensation

Base salary

$106,422.33/year

Per diem

$185/day

Elections and appointments
Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

King's College, 1992

Law

Widener University, 2003

Contact

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Tarah Probst (Democratic Party) is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing District 189. She assumed office on December 1, 2022. Her current term ends on November 30, 2024.

Probst (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to represent District 189. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Biography

Tarah Probst graduated from East Stroudsburg High School in 1988. Probst earned a B.A. in communications from King's College in 1992 and a J.D. from Widener University in 2003. She served as the mayor of Stroudsburg Borough, Pennsylvania.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189

Incumbent Tarah Probst defeated Lisa Vanwhy in the general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Tarah Probst
Tarah Probst (D)
 
57.4
 
16,706
Image of Lisa Vanwhy
Lisa Vanwhy (R) Candidate Connection
 
42.6
 
12,401

Total votes: 29,107
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189

Incumbent Tarah Probst advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189 on April 23, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Tarah Probst
Tarah Probst
 
98.8
 
3,452
 Other/Write-in votes
 
1.2
 
41

Total votes: 3,493
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189

Lisa Vanwhy advanced from the Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189 on April 23, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Lisa Vanwhy
Lisa Vanwhy Candidate Connection
 
98.2
 
2,341
 Other/Write-in votes
 
1.8
 
42

Total votes: 2,383
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Campaign finance

Endorsements

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Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Probst in this election.

2022

See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2022

General election

General election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189

Tarah Probst defeated Stephen Ertle in the general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Tarah Probst
Tarah Probst (D)
 
55.9
 
11,346
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Stephen Ertle (R)
 
44.1
 
8,967

Total votes: 20,313
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189

Tarah Probst advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189 on May 17, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Tarah Probst
Tarah Probst
 
100.0
 
4,152

Total votes: 4,152
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189

Stephen Ertle defeated John Petrizzo in the Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189 on May 17, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Stephen Ertle
 
57.9
 
2,114
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
John Petrizzo
 
42.1
 
1,539

Total votes: 3,653
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Campaign finance


2018

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2018

General election

General election for Pennsylvania State Senate District 40

Incumbent Mario Scavello defeated Tarah Probst and Adam Reinhardt in the general election for Pennsylvania State Senate District 40 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mario Scavello
Mario Scavello (R)
 
55.7
 
54,783
Image of Tarah Probst
Tarah Probst (D) Candidate Connection
 
43.1
 
42,396
Image of Adam Reinhardt
Adam Reinhardt (L)
 
1.3
 
1,251

Total votes: 98,430
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 40

Tarah Probst advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 40 on May 15, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Tarah Probst
Tarah Probst Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
10,760

Total votes: 10,760
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 40

Incumbent Mario Scavello advanced from the Republican primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 40 on May 15, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mario Scavello
Mario Scavello
 
100.0
 
11,328

Total votes: 11,328
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Tarah Probst did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

Tarah Probst did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Candidate Connection

Tarah Probst participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on April 16, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Tarah Probst's responses follow below.[2]

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1. Quality public education with help paying for it through a severance tax towards education from the natural gas drillers.

2. Living wages. Cutting the Delaware loophole to fund the money back to PA.

3. Equal rights for all.[3][4]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

All 3 of my top priorities I am passionate about. PA is the 3 largest resource for natural gas in the world and we are the only state in the United States out of 14 who does not charge a severance tax from our drillers towards education. This will take a huge burden off of our constituents and help the local economy, housing and public education. Our minimum wage is one of the lowest in the country. We lose hundreds of millions of dollars because of big corporations not paying their fair share to our state and we need to close the Delaware loop hole and cut corporate taxes to 5% instead of 9.9%. This will keep money in PA and give small to medium size businesses a break and be able to pay more to their employees. Equal rights for all, women's rights, freedom of religion, equal rights to the LBGTQ community.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]

Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Tarah Probst answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

There are too many. However, FDR and his leadership in peace and creating social security for the elderly is one. Bobby Kennedy and his fight for civil rights and equality for minorities. Every woman that sacrificed their life for our right to vote and women's rights in general. Most recently, I admired Hillary Clinton for her civil rights work and women's issues work throughout her life and the demeanor and class of Barack Obama.[4]
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that best describes your political philosophy?
My political philosophy is taking better care of the public at large. The separation of wealth today is gross. There is NO middle class and the poor have even less of a chance to get ahead. People who work 40 hours a week should not have to apply for assistance to feed their family. Families should not have to choose between paying their bills or health insurance. Our country is full of greed and corruption and we are headed down a path of disaster. We need to think of the public at large again, we need to stand up for the disenfranchised and we need to stop the corporate greed. I am all for capitalism, but not at our countries and our citizens expense.[4]
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
To care about ALL of their constituents and separate church and state.[4]
What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?
I was recently re-elected Mayor of my borough by a wide margin. I work hard for EVERYONE and understand all of their needs. I solve problems, I am hands on and I am accessible. I speak the truth and serve on many committees. I am determined to make my town better while working with regional and state officials for our region. I know what went wrong and know our problems can be solved.[4]
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To keep my promises. To help ALL of your constituents, not just the select few. To promote our region for all it's greatness while fighting for our region and what we can do to make it a better place to live, work and raise a family. To treat people with respect and kindness, which we all deserve.[4]
What legacy would you like to leave?
I am known as the mayor of my town for getting things done. Being an advocate for our town and our region. I want to continue that legacy and fight for all concerns and help people get answers and results.[4]
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at that time?
I remember the bicentennial in 1976. I was almost 5 years old. I remember the hostages being released in 1981, the gas crisis. I was raised by a single mom who worked hard and my grandmother and aunt. They were always talking about current events and women's rights, so after the age of 5, I just about heard it all.[4]
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
It was the summer of 1984 (I was almost 13) and I cleaned villas at Shawnee Resort. I worked my whole life.[4]
What happened on your most awkward date?
Never had an awkward date.[4]
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Thanksgiving. Always. Family, friends and sharing a great meal. The time of year, the traditions mean the world to me.[4]
What is your favorite book? Why?
To Kill A Mockingbird. Atticus Finch is to this day my favorite character. He was a great father / parent. He fought for the poor and wrongly accused. He had morals and values. He was a class act and I could watch that movie over and over again.[4]
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
No answer.[4]
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My family.[4]
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Hey Bulldog by the Beatles.[4]
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Watching my loved ones get older and pass away. Losing a brother when I was 16. I grew up poor, but always was taken care of and loved. I had a successful life, so I feel extremely fortunate.[4]
(For Nebraska candidates) What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?
The benefits are more efficiency in passing legislation and the drawbacks are that it removes the governmental checks and balances and doesn't necessarily give the best representation for the people.[4]
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
I believe you need some type of background on how government works and local issues.[4]
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Tax reform and economic stimulus.[4]
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
To work together. To pass good legislation that comes across the table from all parties, not just the majority.[4]
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Absolutely. Most people want the best for their constituents, but party dividing lines have driven bipartisan relationships and blocking conversation to compromise and do what is right.[4]
What process do you favor for redistricting?
An independent, non partisan commission.[4]
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
Education, tourism, appropriations and economic development.[4]
If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?
N/A[4]
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
Yes. I would pursue a leadership role.[4]
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
There are many, however, PA Senator John Blake is at the top.[4]
Are you interested in running for a different political office in the future?
Not at this time.[4]
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
As stated before, I grew up with a single mother and we struggled monetarily. We did it, her children (myself and my 3 brothers) were all educated and worked hard. Today, people who work full time jobs simply can not feed their family without help. Colleges and Universities are so expensive that some families can not afford to send their children to a higher education and truly, the jobs are not here. We need better paying jobs, affordable education and healthcare.[4]

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Tarah Probst campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189Won general$51,844 $51,441
2022Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189Won general$302,572 $218,681
2018Pennsylvania State Senate District 40Lost general$146,422 N/A**
Grand total$500,838 $270,122
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Pennsylvania

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of Pennsylvania scorecards, email suggestions to [email protected].


2023









See also


External links

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Footnotes

  1. PA House of Representatives, "Tarah Probst," accessed February 3, 2023
  2. Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
  3. Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Tarah Probst's responses," April 16, 2018
  4. 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 4.27 4.28 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Political offices
Preceded by
Rosemary Brown (R)
Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 189
2022-Present
Succeeded by
-


Leadership
Speaker of the House:Joanna McClinton
Majority Leader:Kerry Benninghoff
Minority Leader:Bryan Cutler
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