Democrat Anna Thomas to run again in 137th House District
Last year, she lost to incumbent Republican Joe Emrick by 703 votes
Democrat Anna Thomas announced she will again run for election in the State House of Representatives’ 137th District – a seat held by longtime incumbent Republican Joe Emrick.
“This is my home, this has always been my home, and we need someone in this seat working hard for the future of our home - that’s why I’m running to be your state representative,” she said in a campaign announcement.
In November 2022, Thomas of Bethlehem Township lost to Emrick of Upper Nazareth Township by 703 votes – a number that surprised political observers because the now 27-year-old had never sought office before whereas Emrick was seeking to add another two-year term to his 12 years in office.
Part of the reason for the unexpected finish was that the 137th, like many others in the state, had been altered because of mandated redistricting.
It had long been a Republican safe haven thanks to the inclusion of the Bangor Area School District. Under the new map, Bangor Area as well as Forks Township and Stockertown were removed.
The 137th now includes Bethlehem Township, Lower Nazareth and Upper Nazareth townships, most of Palmer Township, the fifth ward in Hanover Township as well as the boroughs of Nazareth and Tatamy.
The change meant 137th was pretty much split between the two political parties.
Before she can face Emrick in November 2024, Thomas must win the Democratic nomination in the spring primary, the date of which has yet to be settled by state lawmakers.
In announcing her campaign, Thomas said, “I was born and raised here in the 137th, so I’ve seen firsthand how our region has grown and changed over the last few decades. But I’ve also seen how too many of our elected leaders haven’t managed that growth with a vision for our communities.”
Thomas said she stands for defending personal freedoms, building a strong economy, quality public education and stronger financial management.
According to her campaign website, Thomas is a graduate of Freedom High School. She earned a chemistry degree from Wellesley College, where she was on the rowing team.
She later earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
Thomas is a member of the Bethlehem Township Planning Commission. She was a student representative on the Bethlehem Area School Board from 2011 to 2013.