Glenn 'GT' Thompson announces 10th run for congress seat

Howard, Pa. — Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson today announced his candidacy for reelection to Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District for a 10th time.

Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Thompson is currently the senior of Pennsylvania's Congress members, both in time spent in office, 17 years, and age, 66. 

"Serving you in the House of Representatives has been the honor of a lifetime and every challenge along the way has been met with great optimism,” said Thompson. “I am encouraged by my faith, family, friends, and the supporters who have helped make such a difference.” 

Thompson also suggested the amount of “noise” in today’s politics can be overcome by, “collaboration, hard work, and the right temperament.” 

On Saturday, Feb. 21, Thompson will join supporters and the Centre County Republican Party at Sunset West Restaurant, 521 E. College Ave., Pleasant Gap, for a petition signing event from 8 to 10:30 a.m. 

Thompson and Trump through thick and thin

In January, Thompson achieved a long-standing goal when President Donald Trump signed his Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.

“I have worked for over a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today, thanks to President Trump signing this into law,” said Thompson.

Thompson was a Trump fan even before his victory in 2016. When Trump was first elected, he shared with the Centre County Gazette that he and then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence had attended the same Bible study sessions back in the days when they were both in Congress. 

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In 2020 — even after the ousting of his Bible study buddy — Thompson was one of seven Pa. Congress members to support preventing Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin from certifying their 2020 election results in Texas v. Pennsylvania, following Trump's apparent loss.

In his second presidency, Thompson has remained loyal to Trump and advocated for the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill, calling it "a victory for rural America."

Some of Thompson's other more recent actions include supporting access to breast cancer care for veterans, establishing a Scouting America Day in the House, and calling for passport services to remain available in libraries. 

Opponent announced candidacy days ago

Six days ago, State College Democrat Ray Bilger announced his candidacy for Thompson's current seat.

Bilger, a Bellfonte resident, was a force behind "Thompson Tuesdays," a recurring protest event that began last year in front of Thompson's Bellefonte office. There, he voiced his disdain for the congressman and the president, holding a sign that stated, "Trump Thompson Traitors."

The Air Force veteran held a "launch party" for his campaign earlier today at the Bellefonte Art Museum. Next week, he will be hosting several petition-signing events to get his name on the ballot this November.

"I wake up every day seeing more and more bad news for our nation and local communities," Bilger said Tuesday while announcing his candidacy. "I simply can't walk away from this. I am just hard-wired to care."