Republican Sen. Chris Gebhard seeks third term representing Lebanon County

State Senator Chris Gebhard (R-48) has announced his campaign for re-election.

The incumbent Republican was first elected in a May 2021 special election to replace the late state Senator David Arnold. In that first election, Gebhard took 63% of the vote districtwide, and 66% of the vote in Lebanon County.

Gebhard was elected to his first full four-year term in November 2022 with 70% of the vote, again besting Democratic challenger Calvin “Doc” Clements, who ran against him in both races.

The 48th Senatorial District covers all of Lebanon County, as well as parts of Berks and Lancaster counties.

In a press release, Gebhard said that serving the people of the 48th district is an honor and a responsibility he takes to heart.

“I remain committed to protecting our constitutional liberties, putting Pennsylvania and America first, supporting small businesses, strengthening our economy, and crafting fiscally responsible budgets that prioritize families and taxpayers,” he said.

In the state Senate, Gebhard chairs the Banking & Insurance committee and serves as vice chair for the Community, Economic, & Recreational Development committee. In the 2025-26 session, Gebhard was prime sponsor of 11 bills and co-sponsor of another 44 bills.

Among the career legislative achievements highlighted in the press release were Act 141 of 2022, which improved enforcement of the construction industry’s use of the federal E-Verify system; Act 35 of 2023, which requires personal finance to be taught in high schools; and Act 7 of 2025, which protects cryptocurrency users under the state’s preexisting Money Transmission Act.

Gebhard also mentioned several legislative initiatives that have passed the Senate, and others that have been proposed but not yet been voted upon, including a constitutional amendment to abolish school property taxes and a bill that would enhance penalties for anyone attacking federal officers.

Read More: Constitutional amendment on the table in Harrisburg would abolish property taxes

Gebhard touted local impact in the press release, such as helping secure state funds for community projects like the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center and the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail and increasing accessibility to constituent services for district residents through office hours and satellite locations.

Locally, Gebhard’s district director Dan Bost has been recognized by LebTown sources for his role bringing state attention to issues ranging from repair of a drainage issue on Hammer Creek in Schaefferstown to delayed electrical infrastructure holding up economic development in North Cornwall and South Annville townships.

This year, Gebhard also sponsored legislation, SB 756, to establish regulatory oversight and a tax on so-called skill games, which are currently under review by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to determine whether, as the industry contends, these machines should continue to not be considered gambling devices because they require an element of skill to win and can theoretically be beaten every time they are played.

That legislation is among the major storylines in an ongoing titanic struggle over the future of skill games regulation, described earlier this year by Spotlight PA as “an all-out political war,” and is likely to be an ongoing debate into next year, as well as a focus of any potential primary challenger Gebhard may face for re-election, although none have been announced at this time.

“As communities across Pennsylvania face economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and a complex regulatory environment, now is the time for leadership grounded in conservative values, fiscal responsibility, and a genuine love for our towns and people,” said Gebhard. “I’m running for re-election to continue delivering results for Lebanon County, Berks County, Lancaster County, and all of Pennsylvania’s hardworking families.”

His re-election campaign will be chaired by Glenn Wenger of Myerstown, owner of Wenger’s Farm Machinery. Daniel Siegel of Lebanon, a partner at Stanilla, Siegel, and Maser CPAs, will serve as campaign treasurer.

Gebhard is a lifelong resident of Lebanon County and a graduate of Vanderbilt University. He is owner of the Lebanon insurance and risk-management firm Hoaster Gebhard & Co., and he lives in North Cornwall Township with his wife Sarah and their two sons, Davis and Drew.