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Meet the Candidate

Rich Forsman

Running For:
SENATOR IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
District:
34

Political Affiliation:
Democrat
Age:
49
Occupation:
Borough Councilman
Biographical Info: (click to expand)
Why are you running for office? (click to expand)

Note: We only surveyed the candidates in contested primaries in state legislative races. For the majority of candidates on your ballot, we have simply provided their campaign information for your research and education.

Survey

Response Legend

  • YYes
  • NNo
  • UUndecided
  • −Declined to Respond / Position Unknown / Unclear
  • *Comment
  • †Declined to respond, Position based on citation

Question Response Comments/Notes
1. Should elective abortions be paid for by taxpayer dollars? Y* I believe healthcare decisions should be made by patients and their doctors. Access to care shouldn’t depend on income, and we should ensure that all women can receive the care they need. More broadly, I support moving toward a universal healthcare system, like Medicare for All, so that everyone has access to comprehensive care—including reproductive healthcare—without financial barriers.
2. Should all voters be required to show identification before voting? U* I support secure elections, but we must ensure that any requirements don’t create barriers for eligible voters. We should be especially mindful of policies that could function like a modern-day poll tax, where the cost or difficulty of obtaining identification keeps people from voting. Any approach must balance accessibility with security and ensure every eligible voter can participate
3. Should public schools allow males who identify as females to compete in girls’ sports? U* This is a complex issue that should be addressed thoughtfully, with input from educators, families, and medical professionals, to ensure fairness and inclusion
4. Should marijuana be legalized and sold commercially for recreational use? Y* Legalization can create economic opportunity, generate tax revenue, and allow for better regulation, while also addressing inequities in enforcement. We’re also seeing surrounding states successfully implement legalization, capturing revenue and jobs that could be staying here in Pennsylvania. It’s time for us to take a responsible, regulated approach.
5. Should Pennsylvania increase the minimum wage? Y* Full-time work should pay enough to live on. Raising the minimum wage will help working families and strengthen local economies.
6. Should schools post curriculum online for review by parents and taxpayers? Y* Transparency is important. Parents should have access to curriculum information, while also ensuring educators have the flexibility to do their jobs effectively.
7. Should the state gas tax be repealed? N* The gas tax funds critical infrastructure like roads and bridges, but it is a regressive tax that disproportionately impacts working people—especially in areas where driving is a necessity. Rather than repealing it outright, we should look at ways to make our tax system fairer and ensure the burden isn’t falling hardest on those who can least afford it.
8. Should Pennsylvania taxpayers pay for surgical procedures, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers for minors wishing to present as the opposite sex? U* These are deeply personal medical decisions. I believe care decisions should be made by families and medical professionals, with careful consideration of both access and oversight.
9. Should increases in state government spending be limited to the rate of inflation plus population growth? N* While fiscal responsibility is important, strict limits can prevent us from responding to economic challenges, emergencies, or critical investments in education and infrastructure.
10. Should Pennsylvania opt in to the federal tax credit program under the Educational Choice for Children Act? U* I support expanding opportunity for students, but we must ensure public schools are fully funded and not undermined by any new programs.