Pennsylvania State Representative, Parke Wentling announced on Thursday that he is running for re-election for the State House of Representatives.

Wentling says he wants to continue his efforts to make state government more accountable with residents' hard-earned tax dollars and to "protect our Northwestern Pennsylvania values."

Wentling was first elected in 2014 and has served the residents of the 17th legislative district for the last seven years.

However, after the Pennsylvania Legislative Reappointment Commission passed their final maps on February 4, Wentling now resides in the newly-created 7th legislative district.

The newly-created 7th district includes part of Mercer County including the cities of Farrell, Hermitage and Sharon and the townships of Greene, Hempfield, Lackawannock, Pymatuning, Shenango, South Pymatuning and West Salem and the boroughs of Clark, Greenville, Jamestown, Sharpsville, West Middlesex and Wheatland.

Wentling promises to continue to be a trusted conservative voice that stands up for the working class and its values.

"Pennsylvania taxpayers work hard for their money and we need a proven fiscal conservative like me to protect those interests," Wentling said.

"The commonwealth needs reform in order to curb the loss of population and business. We need to prevent seniors from being taxed out of their homes and need a workforce that is prepared for the jobs of the future," he continued.