Meet EDward

For 40 years, I was a typical middle-of-the-road York County Republican. I valued limited government, worked hard and expected others to do the same. I supported charitable giving through my church and United Way plus volunteer hours in causes that mattered to me: youth sports, Scouting, public libraries, amateur theatre, and food / hunger support. 

I watched the Republican Party drift further and further right, ignoring increasing federal budget deficits, and leaning strongly into extreme conservative beliefs that are consistent with Christian nationalism. I left the Republican Party and became Independent (non-affiliated) in 2014. I joined the Democratic Party in 2023 when I was considering a run for office. The plaid-themed campaign reflects my fiscal conservatism (red) with more liberal (blue) views regarding social programs – especially in the areas of housing, healthcare, and food security. 

Core Platform Value

Through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the federal government has reduced funding for multiple programs: FEMA, SNAP, NPR, Head Start, ACA subsidies and Medicaid. As your legislator, I will work to restore or deliver these benefits through state funding.

Ethics Pledge

No Budget, No Pay - I will waive my state salary each day that the state budget is late. 

Gift Ban – I will not accept gifts and will support Gift Ban legislation.

Limited Stock Trading – All my personal investments are in mutual funds, no single stocks.

Term Limits – Our founding fathers believed in citizen legislators, not professional politicians. I will not serve more than 3 terms.

Charity - I will donate 50% of my state representative salary to local charities. 

Edward Ritter kneeling on grass with small white flowers, holding a campaign sign. Edward is wearing a beige hat, sunglasses, a aplaid shirt, and gray pants. In the background, there is a street, houses, and a sign for Eagle Fire Company.

DEBATE ? I SAY YES, JOE SAYS NO.

I believe voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent them in Harrisburg. A debate gives voters the chance to compare our positions, hear our answers to important questions, and make an informed decision.

On June 1, WGAL contacted both Rep. Joe D’Orsie and me about a potential debate. I provided WGAL with all of my available dates because I welcomed the opportunity to participate. However, no debate was arranged because the station received “no response from his team.”

On September 1, I sent Rep. D’Orsie a written invitation to participate in a debate. I offered to participate if he had “another preferred moderator or venue, I am open to an alternative proposal.” I received no response.

Even in the short time remaining before Election Day, I am eager to participate in a public discussion about the issues affecting our communities and the future of Pennsylvania’s 47th House District.

I encourage voters to learn more about my background and positions at https://www.plaidsylvania.com and to review the York Daily Record’s October 8 comparison of both candidates (https://www.ydr.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/10/08/dorsie-ritter-to-square-off-again-in-district-47-state-house-race/92137149007/). Thank you to everyone who takes the time to stay informed and engaged in our community.

Edward Ritter kneeling on grass with small white flowers, holding a campaign sign. Edward is wearing a beige hat, sunglasses, a aplaid shirt, and gray pants. In the background, there is a street, houses, and a sign for Eagle Fire Company.

Join the Team!

If we want to win we need to put in the work.

Let’s get to it!