Mark Critz

Mark Critz is a former U.S. Representative who served Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district from 2010 to 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, Critz was elected to fill the vacancy left by the late Congressman John Murtha, for whom he had previously worked as district director. His tenure in Congress was marked by a focus on economic development and support for local industries, particularly in the context of the region's historical reliance on manufacturing and steel production.

Early life and career

Mark Stephen Critz was born on January 5, 1962, to Mary Lou and William S. Critz in Pennsylvania. His father was of Slovak descent, while his mother had Polish and Italian ancestry. Critz grew up in a working-class environment in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where many families depended on jobs in the steel industry or small businesses. This background influenced his understanding of the economic challenges faced by his community, particularly as the local economy struggled with the decline of steel manufacturing.

Critz attended Norwin High School and later pursued higher education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems. After graduating, he faced difficulties in finding employment due to the struggling local economy, which led him to relocate to Wilmington, Delaware, where he managed a Roy Rogers restaurant in 1987. His career path included various management roles at companies such as Spherical Concepts and American Eagle Outfitters, as well as landscaping and construction jobs.

In 1994, Critz began volunteering for Congressman John Murtha, who represented Pennsylvania's 12th district. His dedication and commitment to public service led to a paid position on Murtha's staff four years later, eventually rising to the role of District Director. In this capacity, Critz focused on issues pertinent to the district, including serving as a liaison for the Flight 93 Memorial committee and addressing concerns related to the Que Creek Mine disaster. His work earned him recognition, including the Patrick Henry Award from the National Guard Association of the United States, which is the highest civilian honor awarded by the organization.

House tenure

Critz's political career took a significant turn following the death of Congressman John Murtha in February 2010. With the backing of Murtha's widow and the Democratic Party, Critz announced his candidacy for the vacant seat in a special election. He officially resigned from his position in the 12th Congressional District on February 22, 2010, and was nominated by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party Executive Committee shortly thereafter. Critz campaigned on a platform that prioritized economic development and secured endorsements from prominent figures, including Vice President Joe Biden and various labor organizations.

In the special election held on May 18, 2010, Critz won with approximately 53% of the vote against Republican candidate Tim Burns. He was sworn into office on May 20, 2010. Later that year, Critz ran for a full term in the regular election, again facing Burns in a rematch. He successfully won this election with a narrow margin, receiving about 51% of the vote.

Critz's congressional tenure included a range of legislative activities and votes. He participated in significant votes, including one on the adjournment of Congress in September 2010, which passed with a narrow margin. He voted against the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which aimed to address issues related to the financial crisis. His voting record reflected a mix of support and opposition to various policies, earning him varying approval ratings from different interest groups.

In 2012, Critz sought re-election in a newly redrawn 12th district that had shifted westward to incorporate parts of the old 4th district. He faced incumbent Jason Altmire in the Democratic primary and emerged victorious. However, the newly configured district leaned more Republican, and Critz was ultimately defeated by Republican challenger Keith Rothfus in the general election.

In June 2022, Critz made headlines again when he won the Democratic nomination for the redrawn 13th congressional district as a write-in candidate. However, he chose not to pursue the election further.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Critz focused on issues that were particularly relevant to his constituents in southwestern Pennsylvania. His legislative priorities included economic development, support for local industries, and various social issues. Critz received high approval ratings from agricultural organizations, reflecting his commitment to supporting farmers and rural communities. He achieved a perfect score from both the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union.

Critz's voting record indicated a nuanced approach to various legislative matters. He opposed the "Cap and Trade" legislation and emissions trading provisions in the American Clean Energy and Security Act, demonstrating his stance on environmental regulations. He also voted against free trade agreements that he believed could negatively impact local jobs and industries.

Throughout his congressional career, Critz served on several committees, where he contributed to discussions and decisions on key issues affecting his district and the nation. His background in management information systems and public service provided him with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by his constituents, particularly in the context of economic recovery and job creation.

Overall, Mark Critz's time in the U.S. House of Representatives was characterized by his commitment to his constituents and his efforts to navigate the complexities of legislative processes while advocating for the needs of southwestern Pennsylvania. His career reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by politicians in regions undergoing economic transformation.