Background
Jeremy Shaffer earned a B.S. in engineering from Tulane University in 1999, a master's degree and Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 2006, and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina.[1][2] His work experience includes co-founding a software company that provides inspection management services for bridges and roads and working as an executive at Bentley Systems, an infrastructure engineering software company.[2][3] Shaffer has been associated with both the Northland Library Foundation and the Northern Tier Library.[4]
- Ph.D:
- Carnegie Mellon University, 2006
- Graduate:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2016
- Bachelor's:
- Tulane University, 1999
Campaign themes
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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
Jeremy Shaffer is a proven leader in business, our community, and government. Shaffer’s record exhibits his ability to bridge divides and focus on the well-being of our community, showcasing a leadership style that is both effective and inclusive. Running for the State House, his mission is to unite the community and help steer us toward a brighter future.
Shaffer holds a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon and co-founded a small business headquartered in Western Pennsylvania that specializes in highway and bridge construction and safety. A problem-solver and entrepreneur at heart, Jeremy understands the importance and challenges of opening and running a business and working with government agencies, all while growing revenue and managing personnel.
Jeremy has served his community in numerous ways as a former Township Commissioner and Board President, Northland Library Foundation Board member, Northern Tier Library Board member, and coach of numerous youth sports teams. Jeremy is also active in local churches, having served as both an elder and a deacon.
Jeremy and his wife, Stacey, a physician, are raising their five children in District 28, and their goal in serving these communities is to ensure freedom and prosperity for current and future generations.
- 47 year-old Husband of 21 years
- Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
- Successful Entrepreneur and Job Creator
- National Park Service Volunteer
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Western PA continues to lose population. Our biggest export shouldn't be our people. I am proud to call Western PA home and be raising my family here. I want my kids and others to be able to get good paying jobs here and not have to move to Texas, Tennessee, or other growing states. We have all the ingredients to be one of the fastest growing areas in the country with an amazing work force, terrific schools and universities, world class health care, abundant natural resources, and so much more. Our government policies drive jobs and people away and we need to change that.Representing the 28th District, I will be a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, which means not raising your taxes and rooting out wasteful spending. In addition to these fiscal priorities, I will also focus on supporting our first responders, maintaining quality infrastructure, and standing behind students and teachers in our great local schools.Pennsylvania has the largest, most expensive full-time state legislature in the country. We need to:
- Downsize our legislature
- Enact term limits
- Eliminate the perks lawmakers get (lifetime pension, per diems, paid cars or gas/tolls)
Our state government continually ranks as one of the worst performing in the country. I will be a passionate reformer working with people in both parties for good government policies.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
-Effective education policy that delivers results
-Investing in our infrastructure including our transportation network of roads and bridges
- Keeping our communities safe
- Providing police, fire fighters, EMS, and other first responders the resources needed
-Balancing our budget and not increasing the tax burden
-Reforming state government to root out corruption and deliver better results
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
From the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
I will put people over politics. I will always put the best interests of the people I serve first. It is key to be accessible and listen to the residents from all parties. Elected officials should always be willing to work across party lines to deliver tangible results to their communities -- something I have done as a township commissioner.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To work passionately and intelligently to better our district and our state. It is also key to be honest and always act with the highest integrity.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
Mowing many yards from 11 years old through college with a push mower.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?
The governor and state legislature should work as a team to make Pennsylvania a better place. This should be about one vs the other, but how we can work together to move Pennsylvania forward.
What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?
Unbalanced Budget and Loss of Population/Stagnant Growth
Pennsylvania’s financial situation is approaching what is commonly called a “fiscal cliff.” The governor’s current budget proposes massive spending increases in various programs, relying in large part on the state’s fiscal reserves, known as its “Rainy Day Fund.” Placing one-time revenues into budget lines that require recurring funds every year is irresponsible. It is what created a $4.2 billion structural deficit in 2011 and led to massive cuts across the board. The only other option would be to burden Pennsylvania citizens with increased taxes and the economic decline that comes with reduced competitiveness.
The Pittsburgh region continues to be one of the only metropolitan areas in the country to lose population. This is despite our amazing work force, quality education institutions, top cultural amenities, outdoor activities, and overall excellent quality of life. Government is strangling our businesses and forcing them to leave taking jobs with them. We need to reform our government and hold the line on taxes and fees.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
I think that the state legislature should be made up of a wide variety of individuals who have various backgrounds and experiences. Taken together these can help spur innovative ideas and best practices to make Pennsylvania better. Having some members with experience can be beneficial.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Yes, with 203 state house members it is critical to build relationship across parties and across regions to get things done.
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
I have knocked on over 10,000 doors and talked with so many wonderful individuals. I have heard stories from those with terminal illness that are heartbreaking. I have also spoken several people struggling to pay high property taxes including one woman wondering if she would have to sell the house she lived in for 50+ years due to ever increasing property tax bills.
What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?
Term Limits
What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?
Rob Mercuri (State Rep 28th District); Former Speaker of the PA House Mike Turzai; Former Congressman Keith Rothfus; Sheriff Tony Guy (Beaver County); Sheriff Mike Slupe (Butler County); National Federation of Independent Business (The Voice of Small Business); PA Chamber of Business and Industry; PA Realtors Association; PA Manufacturers Association. Over 20 local officials including: Pine Supervisors: Audrey Mackie, Ryan Colombo, Pat Avolio; Richland Supervisor: John Marshall.
What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?
I am a strong supporter of having the highest level of transparency and accountability in government. For far too long many actions in PA have been taken in the dead of night or decided in back rooms.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
Jeremy is a father of five, an experienced business owner, and a community leader. A problem-solver and entrepreneur at heart, he has a passion for improving our community. While earning his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon, Jeremy started a company dedicated to improving our crumbling roads and bridges. During his service as a Ross Township Commissioner, Jeremy was a proven voice that fought for taxpayers, led the fight for reforms, and opposed big-government policies.
In Congress, Jeremy will stand up for the voters of the 17th District. Jeremy says: "My commitment to you is to work tirelessly for our region and our great country. I will fight for common-sense reforms, protect our freedoms, and advance opportunities for all."
For more information go to: www.jeremyshaffer.com
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Putting Pennsylvania Families First: For too long, politicians in both parties have squandered far too much of your hard-earned money. We are saddling future generations with trillions of dollars of debt. I will put Pennsylvania families first by voting to end out-of-control spending and inflation. The massive Federal debt Congress has created is both immoral and a major threat to America’s long-term prosperity and national security.Fixing a Broken Congress: Congress is broken and controlled by career politicians and special interests. My first action will be to introduce a Constitutional amendment for Term Limits. I will tirelessly work with like-minded people from both parties to advance real reforms in Congress. It is completely unacceptable that powerful members of Congress such as Nancy Pelosi can make millions trading individual stocks when they have inside knowledge and direct influence over key policies.Growing Jobs and the Economy: Politicians don’t create jobs, businesses do. As a small business owner, I know that firsthand. A competitive free-market economy is the best way to drive down prices and provide opportunities. The federal government needs to get out of the way and enable businesses to thrive by cutting red tape and streamlining our burdensome and complex tax system. Socialism and the trend toward big company monopolies are major threats to America’s prosperity.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Keeping our Communities Safe
Defending our Freedoms
Educational Opportunities
World-Class Health Care
Securing the Border
Ensuring Election Integrity
Energy Independence
An Effective Foreign Policy
Investing in our Infrastructure
Creating Economic Opportunities
What are your thoughts on term limits?
Strongly in favor of term limits.
On the 2026 ballot
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Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.
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