Bryan Allen vs. K.C. Tomlinson: How the Candidates Compare on Taxes, Schools & Local Issues
Voters in Bensalem Township and Hulmeville Borough will choose their state representative in the November 3, 2026, election.
Because the 18th Legislative District covers only Bensalem and Hulmeville, the outcome directly affects local issues, including school funding, property taxes, infrastructure, and public safety.
Democrat Bryan Allen is challenging Republican incumbent K.C. Tomlinson.
Here is a side-by-side look at where the candidates stand on issues that impact Bensalem residents.
How We Compared the Candidates
This comparison is based on:
- Public campaign materials
- Legislative voting records
- Public statements
- Past public service records
The focus is on issues with direct local impact:
- Property taxes
- School funding
- Charter school policy
- Public safety
- Infrastructure and development
- Working-family economic policies
At a Glance: Candidate Comparison
| Issue | Bryan Allen | K.C. Tomlinson |
|---|---|---|
| Property Taxes | Introduced Bensalem’s casino tax rebate program (~$300 annually for eligible homeowners). Emphasizes reducing reliance on local property taxes through increased state education funding. | Supports state education funding increases and promotes existing property tax relief programs such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Emphasizes fiscal restraint. |
| School Funding | Calls for increased state investment in public schools to address district budget gaps. | Highlights record state funding increases during her tenure and support for school safety grants. |
| Charter School Funding | Supports increasing state support for public schools; has not yet held state office to vote on charter reform legislation. | Voted in favor of cyber charter reform legislation (HB 2370). Has not been a prime sponsor of broader charter funding overhaul proposals. |
| Public Safety | Supported development of a public safety training facility while on Township Council. | Sponsored or supported legislation related to crime prevention, sextortion penalties, and elder financial exploitation. |
| Infrastructure | Serves as vice chair of the Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority Board; supported infrastructure and development decisions on Township Council. | Serves on House committees including Transportation; promotes district-level infrastructure and grant announcements. |
| Healthcare & Wages | Supports expanding Medicaid access and raising the minimum wage. | Emphasizes budget discipline and targeted relief programs; aligns with broader Republican caucus positions. |
(Positions summarized from public records and campaign materials.)
Property Taxes & Local Relief
Property taxes remain a top concern for many Bensalem homeowners.
While serving on the Township Council, Allen introduced the local casino tax rebate funded by Parx Casino revenue. The program currently provides approximately $300 annually to eligible homeowners.
Tomlinson promotes statewide tax relief efforts such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and has supported annual state budgets that increased education funding.
Changes in state education funding levels can influence how much pressure local districts face when setting tax rates.
School Funding
The Bensalem Township School District has projected budget deficits in recent cycles tied to rising special education costs and charter tuition payments.
Allen has framed his campaign around increasing state investment in public education to reduce reliance on local property taxes.
Tomlinson has emphasized record funding increases approved during her tenure and support for school safety initiatives.
State representatives vote on the state budget, which determines education subsidy levels.
Charter School Policy
Charter tuition payments are determined by a state-mandated formula.
Tomlinson voted in favor of HB 2370, which reformed cyber charter funding by establishing a statewide base rate.
Broader reforms to brick-and-mortar charter tuition formulas remain an ongoing policy debate in Harrisburg.
Allen has stated support for strengthening public education funding, but has not previously served in the General Assembly to vote on charter legislation.
For a full explanation of how charter tuition is calculated, see:
👉 How Pennsylvania’s Charter School Funding Formula Works
Public Safety
Both candidates emphasize support for public safety.
Allen supported the development of a township public safety training facility during his time on Council.
Tomlinson has sponsored or supported legislation addressing crime prevention, sextortion, and protections for seniors.
Infrastructure & Local Development
Infrastructure funding decisions involve coordination between local and state government.
Allen serves as vice chair of the Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority and participated in zoning and development decisions while on the Township Council.
Tomlinson serves on the House Transportation Committee and frequently announces district-level infrastructure grants.
Key Similarities
Both candidates:
- Express support for strong public schools
- Emphasize representing Bensalem’s interests
- Support public safety funding
- Promote economic stability
The differences largely center on the approach to state funding priorities and legislative strategy.
What’s Next
The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.
Additional forums, debates, and policy proposals are expected in the months ahead.
For full candidate profiles:
👉 Meet Bryan Allen
👉 Meet K.C. Tomlinson
For ongoing updates:
👉 Bensalem 18th District Election Hub
