The race for Magisterial District Judge in western Schuylkill County is heating up after voters selected Tim Seip and Christian Lengel as the Democratic and Republican nominees, respectively, in Tuesday’s primary election.
Former State Representative Tim Seip secured the Democratic nomination with 821 votes, defeating opponent Marty Sowers, who received 449 votes.
On the Republican side, Christian Lengel, a Pine Grove Township resident and Bern Township police officer, emerged as the leading candidate with 1,471 votes, outpacing a crowded field. Marty Sowers garnered 1,295 votes, followed by Jennifer Foose (515), Tim Seip (305), and Guy W. Smith (157).
Both Seip and Lengel now advance to the November general election, vying to succeed retiring District Judge David Rossi of Tremont.
The court they hope to preside over serves 18 municipalities across western Schuylkill County, including Barry, Branch, Cass, Eldred, Foster, Frailey, Hegins, Hubley, Pine Grove, Porter, Reilly, Tremont, Upper Mahantongo, Washington, and Wayne townships, as well as the boroughs of Pine Grove, Tower City, and Tremont.
Christian Lengel: Law Enforcement Experience and Community Roots
Lengel brings a diverse background in law enforcement and public service to the race. He has served as a police officer, fire marshal, school resource officer, volunteer firefighter, Deputy Schuylkill County Sheriff, and part-time Hegins Township Police Officer.
“This seems like a natural progression to my current experience,” Lengel said. “More importantly, it’s an opportunity to serve the community in which I was born and raised.”
A graduate of Pine Grove Area High School and Alvernia University, Lengel emphasizes authenticity in his campaign. “Most candidates cross-file... I wanted my campaign to represent who I am and be authentic to my values, and those values are Republican.”
Lengel lives in Pine Grove Township with his wife, Karen, and their five children. He remains active in the community through organizations like the NRA, Pine Grove Fish & Game, and Rock Fish & Game, and spends his free time coaching youth sports.
Tim Seip: A Record of Public Service and Human Services
Seip, 55, brings a combination of legislative experience, education, and social services to the table. A former state representative, he has also worked as a therapist, teacher, and corrections officer. He currently serves as an instructor and director of field education at Kutztown University and is certified to take the bench, having completed the Pennsylvania Minor Judiciary Education Board course.
“My career has helped me to more fully understand the problems of society by working to improve and safeguard the lives of Pennsylvanians through front-line engagement,” Seip said.
In addition to his public service, Seip has been involved in youth coaching, nonprofit leadership, and rental property management. He lives in Washington Township with his wife of 31 years, Starr, and their daughter, Elisa.