The 18th Legislative District — covering all of Bensalem Township and Hulmeville Borough — is represented in Harrisburg by Republican K.C. Tomlinson.
First elected in a March 2020 special election, Tomlinson has since won reelection in 2020, 2022, and 2024. As the district’s sole member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, she plays a direct role in state budget decisions, education funding, infrastructure policy, and regulatory matters that affect Bensalem residents.
Here is a breakdown of her background and record — organized around issues that may matter most to local voters.
Background and Experience
Tomlinson is a lifelong Bensalem resident. Before entering politics, she worked in her family’s funeral home business and is a licensed funeral director. She graduated from Bensalem High School and completed the Mercer County Mortuary Program.
She won a special election in March 2020 to succeed longtime Rep. Gene DiGirolamo and has served continuously since April 6, 2020.
She currently serves on several House committees, including:
- Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities
- Gaming Oversight
- Transportation
- Professional Licensure
- Human Services
In recent sessions, she has held secretary or subcommittee roles within those committees.
If Taxes Are Important to You
Property taxes in Bensalem are heavily influenced by school district budgets and state funding decisions.
Tomlinson’s public messaging has emphasized:
- Supporting annual increases in state basic education funding
- Promoting the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for seniors
- Hosting unclaimed property return events with the State Treasurer
- Advocating fiscal restraint in state budgeting
She has supported state budgets signed by both Democratic and Republican governors during her tenure.
She has not introduced a major proposal to restructure Pennsylvania’s school funding system or shift reliance away from local property taxes. Her approach has focused on maintaining funding levels and targeted relief programs.
If Education and School Funding Are Important to You
The Bensalem Township School District receives state funding determined by the General Assembly’s annual budget process.
Tomlinson frequently highlights:
- “Record funding” increases for Pennsylvania public schools during her time in office
- School safety grants secured for the district
- Infrastructure and program funding announcements
She voted in favor of HB 2370, a cyber charter reform bill that would cap cyber charter tuition rates at a lower statewide level.
She has not been a primary sponsor of broader charter funding overhaul proposals involving brick-and-mortar charter tuition formulas or special education recalculations.
As a state representative, she votes on the state budget and can support or oppose legislation affecting education funding formulas.
If Public Safety and Quality of Life Are Important to You
Public safety has been a central part of Tomlinson’s legislative focus.
She has supported legislation related to:
- Increasing penalties for street racing
- Strengthening protections for crime victims
- Sextortion prevention (“Lindsey’s Law”)
- Elder financial exploitation safeguards
She regularly emphasizes support for law enforcement and first responders in district communications.
Her office has also promoted grants related to school safety, recreational facilities, and local infrastructure improvements.
If Infrastructure and Local Projects Matter to You
State funding plays a role in road repairs, bridge projects, water infrastructure, and recreation upgrades.
Tomlinson’s office frequently announces grants awarded to Bensalem and Hulmeville for:
- Road and bridge improvements
- School facility upgrades
- Water and sewer projects
- Recreational and community development projects
These district-level funding announcements are a visible component of her constituent outreach.
If Charter School Funding Is Important to You
Pennsylvania law requires school districts to pay charter schools tuition based on a state funding formula.
Tomlinson voted in favor of cyber charter reform legislation aimed at lowering cyber tuition rates statewide.
She has not been a lead sponsor of legislation restructuring brick-and-mortar charter school tuition formulas.
Debates over charter tuition costs and special education funding calculations remain active issues in Harrisburg, and state legislators have the authority to amend those formulas.
Political Context
The 18th District has historically leaned Republican but has grown more competitive in recent election cycles.
In November 2025, Democrats gained control of both the Bensalem Township Council and the School Board.
Tomlinson identifies as a pragmatic, suburban Republican and has aligned with broader GOP priorities on public safety and certain regulatory issues while highlighting bipartisan cooperation when possible.
Her electoral margins have been comfortable but not overwhelming, reflecting the district’s competitive nature.
Summary of Her Record
Since taking office in 2020, K.C. Tomlinson’s legislative profile has centered on:
- Supporting state budget increases for education
- Delivering district-level grants and infrastructure funding
- Public safety and crime-related legislation
- Consumer protection and regulatory policy work
Voters evaluating her candidacy may consider how those actions align with their priorities — whether on taxes, school funding, public safety, infrastructure, or broader structural reforms.
The 18th District is entirely contained within Bensalem and Hulmeville, meaning the representative elected in November directly shapes state decisions affecting its residents.
