Building Bridges: Democrats Join Mike Harostock to Put People Before Party Politics in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Mike Harostock, Republican candidate for State Representative in Pennsylvania’s 121st Legislative District, recently joined Democratic candidates Michael Stadulis, Denise Thomas, and Ann Marie Kochuba-Mantione life-long Democrat, transitioned officially to Republican affiliation to collaborate across party lines in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The unified gathering brought together candidates with different political affiliations around a shared focus on the betterment of the 121st District communities they have sought to represent.
The gathering carries added significance in the 121st District, where Democrats have held the state House seat since 1969—a span of 57 years. Against that backdrop, those standing alongside Harostock emphasized the qualities they believe he would bring to office, rather than party affiliation alone.
Thomas said Harostock’s willingness to work with people regardless of political affiliation is one of the qualities she sees in his candidacy.
Harostock is running as a Republican but has said that, if elected, his responsibility would be to the entire 121st District.
Michael Stadulis said his interactions with Harostock have reinforced that belief.
“Since the moment I met you at Friendly Sons, I have gained more and more respect and trust for you, regardless of views and partisan lines,” Stadulis said. “You’ve treated me like a human being more than my own party affiliated candidate since day number one.”
Stadulis added that those interactions are why he believes Harostock “would take care of all people in the best interest as much as possible.”
Harostock is a scientist, inventor and business leader whose career has included work in medical research, technology, information services, logistics and product development. He has also been involved locally through charitable organizations, community boards and coaching.
Those roles have required Harostock to work with people from different professional backgrounds and areas of expertise, often bringing multiple perspectives together around a common objective. He has identified listening, problem-solving and collaboration as skills he intends to bring to public office.
Ann Marie Kochuba-Mantione said she believes that experience will translate to Harostock’s approach to representing the district.
Harostock’s campaign priorities include affordability, education, public safety, healthcare and economic opportunity. While voters and candidates may have different views about how those issues should be addressed, Harostock has emphasized listening to residents across the district as part of the job he is seeking.
Thomas specifically cited education, public safety and seniors when discussing her support for that approach.
“He will do what is necessary to be sure that our local public schools are safe and fairly funded, and at the same time be tough on crime while supporting our seniors,” Thomas said.
The collaboration of Harostock, Stadulis, Kochuba-Mantione and Thomas comes during a campaign in which the candidates involved have represented different political perspectives. Their appearance together does not erase those differences, but demonstrates a shared recognition that addressing the concerns of Northeastern Pennsylvania often requires collaboration and the willingness to see the needs of people before parties.
For Harostock, that approach is part of the responsibility he would assume if elected. Harostock has repeatedly expressed his commitment to the entire 121st District.
His professional career has required him to work across disciplines, negotiate among different priorities and bring people with different perspectives to the same table. Those are skills he says he intends to bring to state government.
If elected, his stated goal is to bring the concerns and perspectives of Northeastern Pennsylvania to Harrisburg and use his experience to address the needs of the entire district.
