Primary election 2024 results: Pa. 11th Senatorial race in Berks [Update]

Apr. 24—It appears Lisha Rowe will advance to the general election in the race to represent the state's 11th Senatorial District after securing the Republican nomination in Tuesday's primary election.

According to incomplete and unofficial results, Rowe has a commanding lead in the contest with Miguel Vasquez for the nomination. She received 8,340 votes while he received 2,511.

The victory in the Republican primary sets up a race between Rowe and Democratic incumbent Judy Schwank in the November general election. Schwank, who ran unopposed in the primary, is seeking a fourth full term to represent the district in Harrisburg.

Schwank received 13,587 votes in the Democratic primary Tuesday.

The district includes 23 municipalities in Berks County, stretching from Spring Township in the southwest through Reading to Maxatawny Township in the northeast.

Rowe, who currently serves as a Cumru Township commissioner, said she was shocked by the strong support she received from Republican voters.

"I really didn't know what to expect so the results came as a bit of a surprise to me," she said. "I'm very thankful for that support because it's not easy being a candidate."

Rowe said she's relieved the primary is behind her but she knows there is a lot of work that still needs to be done to achieve her ultimate goal of unseating Schwank.

"There is some relief, but now I have to focus on the bigger picture," she said.

Rowe is a retired chemical researcher and environmental education specialist. She continues to teach agricultural sciences to high school students and environmental education to homeschool students.

In addition to serving as a township commissioner, she is a member of the Berks County Republican Committee and Reading Area Transportation Study.

State senators serve a four-year term and receive an annual salary of $102,844.