Randy Vulakovich
Randy Vulakovich is an American politician who served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 38th district from January 6, 2015 to January 1, 2019. He previously served in the 40th legislative district. He was elected in a special election on August 7, 2012.[4] Vulakovich was reelected to a full term in 2014 in the newly-established 38th district. In May 2018, he lost re-nomination to that seat in the Republican primary to Ross commissioner Jeremy Shaffer.[5]
Randy Vulakovich | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 38th district | |
| In office January 6, 2015 – January 1, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Jim Ferlo |
| Succeeded by | Lindsey Williams |
| Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 40th district | |
| In office August 29, 2012[1] – January 5, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Jane Orie |
| Succeeded by | Mario Scavello |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 30th district | |
| In office January 2, 2007[2] – August 29, 2012 | |
| Preceded by | Shawn Flaherty |
| Succeeded by | Hal English |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1949/1950 (age 72–73)[3] |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Bobbie |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Duquesne University |
Education
Prior to holding elected office, Vulakovich attended the Allegheny County Police Academy and Duquesne University.[6]
Career
He served as a police sergeant with the Shaler Township Police Department, where he was known as "Officer V."[7]
On April 11, 2006, Democrat Shawn Flaherty defeated Republican Mike Dolan in a special election to fill the remainder of Jeff Habay's term as state representative.[8] On May 16, 2006, Vulakovich defeated two other Republicans (including Mike Dolan) for the right to challenge Flaherty in that November's election.[9] Vulakovich defeated Flaherty that November by a 53-47 margin.[10] Vulakovich resigned from the State House on August 29, 2012, just prior to taking the oath of office to begin his Senate service.
In 2012 he defeated former Congresswoman Melissa Hart in the primary, leading to Vulakovich being nominated by the Republican party to face Sharon Brown to fill the vacancy in Pennsylvania's 40th State Senate district created by the resignation of Jane Orie. He was elected to the seat in the August 7, 2012, special election[4] with over 73% of the vote to Brown's 27%.[11] In the wake of his election, Vulakovich announced he would resign his State House seat to assume his seat in the State Senate.[12] Vulakovich was sworn in as a state senator on August 29, 2012.[1]
For most of his tenure, Vulakovich represented Pittsburgh's 11th and 12th wards; he was the only elected Republican representing any portion of Pittsburgh above the county level.
References
- ^ a b "Senator Vulakovich Takes Over 40th District Seat". Office of Senator Randy Vulakovich. 29 August 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
- ^ "SESSION OF 2007 191ST OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No. 1" (PDF). LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 2 January 2007. Retrieved 9 January 2009.
- ^ "Welcome".
- ^ a b McNulty, Timothy (7 August 2012). "Vulakovich defeats Brown for Orie's seat". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
- ^ "Shaffer knocks off incumbent Vulakovich in state Senate race". Tom Fontaine. Valley News Dispatch. 2 January 2007. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
- ^ "Representative Randy Vulakovich (PA)". Project Vote Smart. Project Vote Smart. 2008. Retrieved 9 January 2009.
- ^ "Rep. Randy Vulakovich Biography". Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus. 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2009.
- ^ "2006 Special Election for the 30th Legislative District - Representative in the General Assembly". Commonwealth of PA - Elections Information. Pennsylvania Department of State. 2004. Retrieved 9 January 2009.
- ^ . Commonwealth of PA - Elections Information. Pennsylvania Department of State. 2006. Archived from the original on 27 November 2008. Retrieved 9 January 2009.
- ^ . Commonwealth of PA - Elections Information. Pennsylvania Department of State. 2006. Archived from the original on 27 November 2008. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
- ^ "2012 Special Election for the 40th Senatorial District". Pennsylvania Department of State. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
- ^ LaRussa, Tony (8 August 2012). "Vulakovich wins Senate seat". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
External links
Media related to Randy Vulakovich at Wikimedia Commons
- Pennsylvania State Senate - Randy Vulakovich - Official PA Senate website
- Pennsylvania Senator Randy Vulakovich - Official Party website
- Profile at Vote Smart