By John Chambless

Staff Writer

Republican Cuyler Walker topped conservative Republican challenger Roger Howard to win the 158th state house district race on May 20.

Walker, who is the chairman of the East Marlborough board of supervisors and works as an attorney in West Chester, posted the following on his Facebook page: "I'm pleased to tell everyone that our campaign was successful yesterday in the Republican Primary! With all precincts reporting, the results were 61.59 percent to 38.04 percent for a victory of just under 24 points. I would like to thank my entire campaign team, all our volunteers and contributors, and every person who came to the polls in order to cast their vote for me. Thank you all so much for believing in our vision for the 158th District and for Pennsylvania."

Walker had the endorsement of the Republican committee and benefited from the visibility of his position on the board of supervisors. He will face Democrat Susan Rzucidlo in November to replace Republican Rep. Chris Ross, who is retiring. Rzucidlo, who ran unopposed in the primary, got 2,057 votes.

There were seven Republican committee districts in the county up for grabs in the primary. The 158th District includes East Bradford, East Marlborough, London Britain, New Garden, Newlin, West Bradford, West Goshen’s middle and south districts, West Marlborough township and Avondale Borough.

On his Facebook page, Walker wrote, "I am running for State Representative to pursue an agenda that will sustain and improve the quality of life that has made our community one of the most appealing places to live and raise a family anywhere in this country."

Walker lives with his wife and two children in Kennett Square. He is a partner at the law firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP, where he counsels clients in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities law matters. He is also been a small business leader as president of a family-owned manufacturing business.

He has been a supervisor in East Marlborough Township for 17 years, and for the last nine years, he has served as board chairman.

If elected as a State Representative, Walker said he will focus on policies designed to reduce government spending and waste, keep taxes low, and improve the climate for small business to promote job creation. 

Walker has represented Chester County on the board of SEPTA since 2012, has served on the board of Thomas Jefferson University since 1995, and serves on the advisory board of La Comunidad Hispana in Kennett Square. Previously, he was appointed chairman of the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission by Gov. Tom Ridge, and served on the boards of Lincoln University, the Penn Vet School, the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, and the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.

Walker served as an assistant to Gov. Dick Thornburgh in Harrisburg and in the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. during the administrations of  Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.