3 things to know about state Rep. Frank Burns

Voting in Cambria County was extended until 10 p.m. on Election Day due to a ballot printing issue, which ultimately slowed down the vote count and left Pennsylvania politicos urgently awaiting the results of one state legislative race that had the potential to determine control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 

That race, in Pennsylvania’s 72nd House District, saw Democrat Frank Burns fend off a challenge from Republican Amy Bradley, ensuring that Democrats will retain their one-seat majority in the General Assembly’s lower chamber. 

Below, City & State takes a look at the candidate and district that ultimately decided control of the Pennsylvania House this cycle.

Burns is a conservative Democrat

As a Democrat, Burns has staked out conservative positions on a variety of issues. He has backed measures that would implement universal voter ID requirements in the state, sponsored GOP legislation, known as the Taxpayer Protection Act, which would enact limits on state spending, and has voted for legislation that would ban abortions based on a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis. 

He is a supporter of the Second Amendment. He has also backed a measure that would end so-called sanctuary cities in Pennsylvania and has sponsored legislation that would “prohibit housing authorities from providing housing assistance to illegal migrants.”

His campaign website promotes his “conservative values.” It describes him as an “incumbent candidate endorsed by the PA Pro-life Federation, the Fraternal Order of Police, the NRA, as well as Firearm Owners Against Crime,” adding that he is the “only candidate who has proven time and time again that he is committed to the traditional values of Cambria County.”

Burns represents a district in Cambria County 

Burns’ district, the 72nd House District, covers a portion of Cambria County that includes the city of Johnstown, as well as Blacklick, Cambria, Conemaugh, Croyle, East Taylor, Jackson, Lower Yoder, Middle Taylor, Upper Yoder and West Taylor townships. 

The district, which Burns has represented since 2009, also includes several boroughs, including Brownstown, Daisytown, Dale, East Conemaugh, Ebensburg, Ehrenfeld, Franklin, Lorain, Nanty Glo, Southmont, Summerhill, Vintondale and Westmont.

Burns won his 2024 state House race by a little over 800 votes

According to unofficial results from the Pennsylvania Department of State, Burns secured his 2024 victory by just under 900 votes. Burns faced a challenge from Republican candidate Amy Bradley, who nearly unseated the incumbent Democrat. Burns finished the race with 16,809 votes, according to the department, while Bradley received 15,945 votes – a difference of 864 votes.

Burns’ narrow win ensures Democrats will remain in control of the chamber for the next two years, and House Democratic leaders celebrated the news following Burns’ victory.

“The people returned our caucus to the majority, which is an affirmation of our agenda and a credit to the pragmatic and moderate stewardship of House Democrats and Governor Josh Shapiro,” House Democratic leaders said in a statement on Friday. “We’re grateful for this opportunity and ready to continue to help our neighbors.”