2026 Pennsylvania General Election 

Zach Mako

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Three years later, he was deployed to the Middle East to serve as part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. While serving our country, Zach also completed his bachelor’s degree in finance from Kutztown University in December 2015. In 2023, Zach earned his master’s in business administration with a concentration in international affairs from Pennsylvania State University.

Meet Zach

Zach lives in Walnutport with his wife, Brittany, and his son.

Zach Mako earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Kutztown University and a master's degree in business administration, with a concentration in international affairs, from Pennsylvania State University. He lives in Walnutport with his wife, Brittany, and their son.

A graduate of Northampton Area High School, Zach joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in January 2008. As a Chinook helicopter pilot, he was deployed to Afghanistan in December 2012 for nine months supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

As a Chinook helicopter pilot, he was deployed to Afghanistan in December 2012 for nine months supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2016, he was selected to be an adviser to Estonia’s top military officials. Three years later, he was deployed to the Middle East to serve as part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

Zach served in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a Chinook helicopter pilot and was deployed to Afghanistan for nine months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was selected as an adviser to Estonia’s top military officials and later deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

Fighting for property tax reform, job creation and infrastructure improvements, Rep. Zach Mako is serving his fifth term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Zach is serving his fifth term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

HARRISBURG — Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) today issued the following statement in response to passage of a $50.1 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26:

“While I voted against the General Appropriations bill due to its high spend level, I supported some of the related legislation which addresses three main priorities I have been advocating for along with my colleagues – exiting from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), supporting efficient government and supporting student-centered education.

“Under the Tom Wolf administration, Pennsylvania joined RGGI without legislative approval. We have been fighting this gubernatorial overreach ever since, and the issue is now pending before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. As a result of the budget package, the governor has agreed to drop the court case and remove the Commonwealth from RGGI. This now puts the authority back where it belongs – with the General Assembly. Exiting from RGGI will help jumpstart the energy industry in Pennsylvania and prevent further hikes in utility bills for residents.

“I also supported language that puts permitting reform into law. For too long, the state Department of Environmental Protection has dragged its feet in issuing permits. Also, amazingly state government never had a tracking system for permits. The changes that will soon be put into place to address these concerns will signal Pennsylvania is open for business, which will allow for growth of the economy.

“Two other areas of change I supported add benefit integrity to Medical Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and improve educational opportunities. More specifically, Pennsylvania will now cross-reference death certificates, and income and employment records so that those truly in need are getting the benefits they deserve. One of the key educational reforms requires schools to use evidence-based reading instruction, literacy screening and interventions so all students learn to read. Shockingly, about only a third of Pennsylvania fourth grade students read at grade level. This lack of literacy skills affects learning in all subject areas.”

Mako Supports Reforms Included in Budget Package

“The governor is celebrating Groundhog Day one day late as for the fourth year in a row he is proposing the Commonwealth spend more money than it will be taking in. The final 2025-26 state budget was balanced through cash reserves and transfers from specialized funds and agency reserves. Now he wants to raid almost 60% of the Rainy Day Fund. Yes, there are storm clouds on the horizon, but no precipitation has started. The Rainy Day Fund needs to be preserved. In addition, he plans to create a new slush fund called the Federal Response Fund. All it sounds like to me is he desires to campaign for president on Pennsylvania taxpayers’ dimes.

“Fortunately, this is just a starting point. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I look forward to digging deep into all aspects of his plan so the hardworking residents of the 183rd Legislative District are not left holding the bag.”

Mako Reacts to Governor's Budget Proposal

HARRISBURG – Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) today announced he will soon be introducing legislation to create a six-month sales tax holiday on soccer balls, cleats and other related equipment.

“In just a couple of months, Pennsylvania will be hosting 2026 World Cup games at Lincoln Financial Field,” Mako said. “This event will surely grow interest in the sport. By creating this sales tax holiday, it will remove a barrier for those interested in trying soccer.”

“My experience participating in soccer, track and field, and wrestling taught me determination, teamwork, communication and leadership skills,” Mako said. “Cost can sometimes be a barrier to children becoming involved in athletics. We should be doing all we can to make extracurricular activities affordable.”

The bill would create a sales tax holiday on all soccer equipment from July 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026.

Mako to Introduce Bill to Create Tax Holiday on Soccer Equipment

Voted against the General Appropriations bill because of its spending level.

Supports preserving Pennsylvania's Rainy Day Fund rather than using nearly 60% of it in the governor's proposed budget.

Proposes a six-month sales-tax holiday for soccer equipment to make athletic participation more affordable.

Supports permitting reforms to speed Department of Environmental Protection permits and establish permit tracking.

- Voted against the General Appropriations bill because of its spending level.
- Supports preserving Pennsylvania's Rainy Day Fund rather than using nearly 60% of it in the governor's proposed budget.
- Proposes a six-month sales-tax holiday for soccer equipment to make athletic participation more affordable.
- Supports permitting reforms to speed Department of Environmental Protection permits and establish permit tracking.

Economy

“Two other areas of change I supported add benefit integrity to Medical Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and improve educational opportunities. More specifically, Pennsylvania will now cross-reference death certificates, and income and employment records so that those truly in need are getting the benefits they deserve. One of the key educational reforms requires schools to use evidence-based reading instruction, literacy screening and interventions so all students learn to read. Shockingly, about only a third of Pennsylvania fourth grade students read at grade level. This lack of literacy skills affects learning in all subject areas.”

Supports checking Medical Assistance eligibility against death, income, and employment records.

- Supports checking Medical Assistance eligibility against death, income, and employment records.

Healthcare

Supports requiring schools to use evidence-based reading instruction, literacy screening, and interventions.

- Supports requiring schools to use evidence-based reading instruction, literacy screening, and interventions.

Education

“Under the Tom Wolf administration, Pennsylvania joined RGGI without legislative approval. We have been fighting this gubernatorial overreach ever since, and the issue is now pending before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. As a result of the budget package, the governor has agreed to drop the court case and remove the Commonwealth from RGGI. This now puts the authority back where it belongs – with the General Assembly. Exiting from RGGI will help jumpstart the energy industry in Pennsylvania and prevent further hikes in utility bills for residents.

HARRISBURG – The House today approved legislation authored by Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) to require timely notification of environmental violations at quarries and landfills.

House Bill 2229 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to forward to municipalities within 14 days noncompliance notifications it receives from the EPA for violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and Solid Waste Management Act (SWMA).

“While I am encouraged that there have been no additional environmental violations at the quarry to my knowledge, I remain committed to advancing this legislation so residents can be confident they will be notified promptly of any incident that could affect their health or safety,” Mako said. “Quarry and landfill operators have a responsibility to be good neighbors to the communities around them, and this bill helps ensure that accountability. I am hopeful the Senate will act on this legislation promptly so delays in notification become a thing of the past.”

Mako Bill to Improve Communication Regarding EPA Violations Passes House

Supports withdrawing Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Advocates for House Bill 2229, requiring timely municipal notice of certain quarry and landfill environmental violations.

- Supports withdrawing Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
- Advocates for House Bill 2229, requiring timely municipal notice of certain quarry and landfill environmental violations.

Energy & the Environment

HARRISBURG – The governor on Thursday signed into law legislation authored by Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) to update the vehicle code to allow motorcyclists to wear headphones or helmets with built-in headphone capabilities.

Act 43 of 2025 allows motorcycle operators to wear or use one or more headphones, earphones or protective headgear with the same capabilities. The law goes into effect in early January.

“Just over four years ago, I first introduced this concept to update state law to better reflect the times,” Mako said. “With the widespread usage of wireless headsets, earbuds and earphones, and Bluetooth communication built into helmets, we should not criminalize those who use the most up-to-date products that are widely accepted by the motorcycling community. Additionally, I believe this creates a safety benefit. Rather than glancing down at navigation displays, motorcyclists can receive directions audibly through their earpieces.”

Mako Legislation to Allow Headphones for Motorcyclists Becomes Law

Sponsored Act 43 of 2025, allowing motorcyclists to use headphones and helmets with built-in headphone capabilities.

- Sponsored Act 43 of 2025, allowing motorcyclists to use headphones and helmets with built-in headphone capabilities.

Public Safety

As of October 16, 2026, Zach Mako’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Voting & Elections

Deirdre Kamber Todd

- Your state representative represents the interests of your local district in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. The State House of Representatives, along with the State Senate, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
- Your state representative can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws, including introducing tax bills. 
- State representatives and their staff respond to constituent concerns and questions through emails, phone calls, and website announcements. 
- State representatives oversee the executive branch and can vote to overrule a veto by the Governor.  
- They are elected to two-year terms and have a salary of $106,000, with a 1-3% annual increase

Your representative and state lawmaker in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives