Election 2026: In 138th, educator Jared Bitting in rematch with incumbent Ann Flood
The 138th House District election includes debate over three proposed data center developments in Upper and Lower Mount Bethel townships. Democratic candidate Jared Bitting supports a moratorium and stronger energy, water and environmental rules, while incumbent Ann Flood’s voting record includes support for a six-month development pause and repeal of data center tax incentives but opposition to several reporting and regulatory measures.
The 138th Pennsylvania House District includes three proposed data center projects in the Slate Belt: two in Upper Mount Bethel Township totaling 29 buildings on more than 900 acres and another planned for Lower Mount Bethel Township. The Lower Mount Bethel proposal, which has not yet been formally submitted for township review, was reduced from 450 to 350 acres. Upper Mount Bethel proposals have faced widespread opposition, prompting township supervisors to reconsider their initial support, while developers have filed zoning validity challenges.
Republican incumbent Ann Flood voted against annual energy and water-use reporting, stricter standards for projects receiving tax incentives and a model data center zoning ordinance. She supported allowing municipalities to pause development for six months and voted to repeal state tax incentives. Democratic challenger Jared Bitting supports a one-year moratorium, stronger developer obligations involving energy, community engagement and environmental protections, and has joined residents opposing the Lower Mount Bethel proposal.