DV Journal

Have you ever wondered why Silicon Valley is in California? Or why New York City, Seattle, or Austin, Texas, are well-known as high-tech hubs?

How can Pennsylvania–known for its soft pretzels, Amish farms and overly-enthusiastic sports fans–lure AI and data centers?

Enter state Sens. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) and Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery).

The pair of Republicans have teamed up to propose legislation in Harrisburg to make Pennsylvania the premier destination for data center and Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. Senate Bill 939 would establish the Commonwealth Opportunity Zone (COZ), mandating statewide regulatory relief. They believe the COZ would make the entire state a desirable place for these rapidly growing industries, creating jobs and economic opportunity along the way.

“AI is fundamentally transforming our society, and its rapid growth is generating unprecedented demand for data centers, along with them, good-paying jobs,” said Rothman. “This legislation was crafted to get government out of the way of progress and make Pennsylvania the top choice for every AI company looking to invest resources and create jobs.”

Unlike geographically restricted zones that pick winners and losers, the statewide COZ would make every corner of Pennsylvania attractive to these vital job opportunities, ensuring broad-based economic benefits, rather than limiting advantages to a select few government-designated sites.

The legislation would “fast-track” permits for the facilities, ensuring quick and predictable approval. To ensure equity and consistency, the bill also establishes reasonable ordinance parameters, allowing data centers to operate under the same straightforward rules as similar industrial facilities, while preserving local control.

“AI innovation is moving at a fast pace. It’s imperative that the commonwealth keep up to take advantage of this expanding sector and remove regulatory barriers that hinder the establishment of data centers,” said Pennycuick. “At the same time, the state must ensure local control over these sites while opening up opportunities throughout Pennsylvania.”

Pennycuick, who chairs the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, has championed the use of AI.

In May, she took part in a joint Senate-House policy committee hearing to spearhead AI development in the state. She is also an outspoken advocate for more protections in the online space. Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed into law a bill she sponsored to put the brakes on “deepfake” scams.

“We’ve seen criminals impersonating loved ones to swindle the elderly; fabricated political videos and calls intending to fraudulently mislead and misinform voters; and malicious digital content targeting celebrities and private citizens alike,” Pennycuick said. “This law gives law enforcement the tools they need to fight this digital deception yet does so in a responsible manner, protecting First Amendment rights and preserving valid expressions of parody, satire and other forms of free speech.”

Another key component of the SB 939 is the establishment of a statewide AI data center, and an emerging technologies “regulatory sandbox.” A regulatory sandbox is a framework set up by a government allowing innovative products, services, or business models to be tested in a controlled environment with real customers, but under relaxed regulatory requirements for a limited time.

This innovative, collaborative framework would enable industry leaders to work directly with state agencies to identify and remove unnecessary and outdated regulations, thereby streamlining the development process and accelerating innovation.

SB 939 was formally introduced in conjunction with U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick’s Inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. The summit featured President Donald Trump and members of his cabinet, alongside government officials, global leaders in energy and AI, international investors, and representatives from labor and trade.

“Sen. McCormick’s Energy and Innovation Summit showcased Pennsylvania’s historic opportunity to both lead and power the nation’s AI boom,” Rothman said. “We have the energy resources, and the time to unleash those resources is now. The untapped economic opportunity for Pennsylvanians is truly incredible.”

Senate Bill 939 was referred to the Senate Communications and Technology Committee.

Saying he has “deep concerns,” state Sen. Greg Rothman, chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party, wrote U.S. Attorney David Metcalf asking him to investigate Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump and Trump supporters.

Rothman’s concerns stem from an interview published in City & State Pennsylvania, when Krasner called Trump and Republicans “fascists.”

“These are fundamentally fascists, and it will not do us any good to try to appease them. They are bullies who need to be punched in the face as hard as possible, and that is the only way that all the people around us who are so frightened will understand they can stand up, too,” Krasner said.

Krasner compared Trump’s election to “the rise of fascism and Mussolini.” He called the president “a white-collar criminal” and said he was “lying his a** off.”

Krasner’s remarks “will be viewed as a ‘Call to Action’ by organize and direct violence and other harmful actions toward both President Trump and Republicans writ large,” Rothman wrote.

Rothman said Krasner’s remarks come amid a rise in violence from America’s political left, including two assassination attempts targeting Trump, Molotov cocktails used to set Teslas alight, and violence aimed at supporters of Israel — Jews in particular — by progressives chanting ‘Free Palestine.’

“Krasner’s threat of violence comes on the heels of similar language being used by members of Congress, members of the public, and various left-wing activists over the last several weeks. Special Government Employee Elon Musk and many who work for him at the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as ‘DOGE,’ have been targeted with harassment, intrusions on their privacy and personal security, and threats of violence against their personal safety,” Rothman wrote.

“Violence and threats are never acceptable, but they are particularly egregious when used as a political tool targeting the President of the United States of America and his supporters. The safety of President Trump, Republicans, and the integrity of our American republic rely on threats like District Attorney Krasner’s being investigated and, if appropriate, punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

Krasner, a progressive district attorney and former defense attorney who was first elected with funding from Democratic mega-donor George Soros, is now running for his third term.

Members of the Pennsylvania legislature were so incensed at Krasner’s handling of his job that the House voted to impeach him in 2022. However, the Senate never tried Krasner because the state Supreme Court dismissed the matter.

Krasner faces a strong challenge in next month’s Democratic primary from former Municipal Court President Judge Patrick Dugan. In his campaign, Dugan has been critical of Krasner’s soft-on-crime approach, and he promises to enforce the law and increase public safety.

Neither Krasner nor Dugan responded to requests to comment about Rothman’s letter.

“Peaceful political activists must know they can support the President or other candidate of their choosing without fearing intimidation and violence, particularly from a law enforcement official. Our republic cannot long survive when rank intimidation is allowed to replace persuasion in our politics,” Rothman wrote.

In a 248 to 120 vote, Pennsylvania Republican State Committee members elected state Sen. Greg Rothman as the new GOP chair on Saturday.

“Today is a great day for the Republican Party. We will take tomorrow off and root for the Eagles, and then on Monday get to work to make Pennsylvania a solidly Republican state,” Rothman told DVJournal shortly after the vote.

“I am deeply honored to serve as chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party. Together with our dedicated team, we will work to advance the values that make Pennsylvania strong, ensure our voices are heard, and empower our grassroots.”

Rothman (R-Cumberland) fended off a challenge by Leigh Valley businessman Bill Bachenberg, who is a Trump fundraiser and first vice chair of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

But Bachenberg does not plan to quietly fade away.

Bernadette “Bernie” Comfort

“During our short 38-day campaign, Lynne and I have heard from the grassroots and volunteers who are the heart and soul of our state. The swamp may have won today, but the MPGA and MAGA movement can’t be stopped. The Pennsylvania GOP establishment has awoken a pride of sleeping tigers; stay tuned,” Bachenberg said.

Members of the Republican State Committee reelected Bernadette “Bernie” Comfort (Lehigh) as vice chair, Sam DeMarco (Allegheny) as treasurer, Ann Coleman (Mercer) as secretary, and Becky Corbin (Chester) as assistant secretary.

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) had endorsed Rothman which prompted a previous challenger, Bucks County resident Ted Christian, to drop out of the race for chairman and endorse Rothman. Rothman also had the support of Congressman Dan Meuser (R-Dauphin).

“Congratulations to our new Chairman Greg Rothman! Together, Greg and Vice Chair Bernie Comfort will build on the incredible and historic wins we had in 2024. I’m so grateful for all the candidates who stepped forward. Unified together, we will work to implement President Trump’s agenda and make a difference for every single Pennsylvanian,” said McCormick.

As one his first acts as chairman, Rothman appointed national committeeman Andy Reilly (Delaware County) to lead the transition between the outgoing administration and Rothman’s team.

Longtime Republican consultant Christopher Nicholas with Eagle Consulting Group, said, “It was good to see (Rothman) and Bernie win such a decisive victory.”

Philadelphia lawyer J. Matthew Wolfe served as assistant parliamentarian for the gathering and said he was glad Rothman won because of his experience, political relationships, and ability to fundraise. But he hopes Bachenberg “will remain active and move our party forward.”

“Greg Rothman is not a guy who surrounds himself with yes men,” said Wolfe.

Under the leadership of the previous chairman, Philadelphia lawyer Lawrence Tabas, the Pennsylvania GOP had a successful 2024 general election. Pennsylvania, the largest swing state, voted for Trump, giving him its electoral votes. Incumbent Treasurer Stacy Garrity and incumbent Auditor General Tim DeFoor were reelected. And Republican Dave Sunday handily beat Democrat Eugene DePasquale to become attorney general.

In an earlier interview, Rothman, 58, told DVJournal he’s been interested in Republican politics since Ronald Reagan ran for president. And he volunteered for various candidates, including former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and for Jack Kemp, who ran for vice president with Bob Dole.

After college he worked in his family’s real estate business, then joined the Marines serving in Operation Desert Storm. First serving as a state representative, Rothman was elected to the state Senate in 2015.

The Pennsylvania Democratic Committee is also chaired by a state senator, Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia).

Pennsylvania GOP state chair Lawrence Tabas is stepping down, and he’s going out on a high note.

Two Republicans have emerged as the candidates to replace him: State Sen. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) and Allentown businessman Bill Bachenberg.

Last year was a very good year for Pennsylvania Republicans. They delivered the state’s Electoral College votes for Donald Trump, picked up two U.S. House seats, and won the closest U.S. Senate victory in the country.

At the state level, Republican state Sen. Joe Picozzi took a seat from a Democratic incumbent that had been held by Democrats since 1996, and Republican voter registration continues to climb.

As a result, the bar has been set high for who ever wins the chairman’s job.

State committee members and county chairs will pick the state chair at a meeting in Gettysburg on Feb. 8.

Rothman has U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick and U.S. Rep. Dan Mueser (R-Dauphin) in his corner. However, after Bucks County resident Ted Christian dropped out and threw his support to Rothman, Bachenberg entered the fray.

Bill Bachenberg

Rothman has been interested in Republican politics since Ronald Reagan was running for president. In high school, he wrote an editorial for his school’s paper in support of Reagan. On election day, his parents allowed him to skip school “as long as I worked the polls.” Rothman was one of the few Republican students at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a school, “so far left it almost fell off the map.” While there, he “harnessed (his) debating skills.” He took a semester off to work for Jack Kemp, who was running for vice president on the 1996 ticket with Bob Dole. When Kemp lost, he returned and finished college.

After graduation, his dad asked him what he wanted to do with his life. Rothman said he wanted to go to Washington, D.C. But his father convinced him to “come home and be a conservative and work in the private sector.” Rothman joined the family real estate company. In 1991, he enlisted in the Marine Corps during Operation Desert Storm. He rose to staff sergeant and was honorably discharged in 2001. He was appointed by the president to the board of the National Veterans Business Development Corp. and was a founder of the Harrisburg Young Professionals.

Rothman helped “my old friend, Rick Santorum” run for president in 2012, working for Santorum in Iowa and New Hampshire. Rothman was elected state representative in 2015 and served until 2022. He was then elected state senator to a district formerly held by Jake Corman, that had been redistricted to include Cumberland County.

“In the last election, I knocked on 20,000 doors,” Rothman said. “I walked 880 miles in 10 months.”

Bachenberg says he kept getting calls from “grassroots” Trump supporters urging him to run. He formed an exploratory committee and on Dec. 30 threw his hat in the ring.

Bachenberg spent his career running businesses, including the technology firm DBSi. He owns a shooting range called Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays and is first vice president of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Bachenberg’s supporters held a flag wave for him in northeast Philadelphia on Saturday.

A fundraiser for Trump, Bachenberg was an alternative elector in 2020 and an elector in 2024.

In business, “some people have called me a change agent,” said Bachenberg. For his technology business, “We re-engineered ourselves five times in 33 years…massive changes. And if we hadn’t, we would have perished. And our party is about in the same position now. President Trump came along and offered the citizens of the state and the country a different image of what we could  be.”

“Good politicians listen to their constituents,” said Bachenberg. “I listened to our committee members, and they’re frustrated.”

Bachenberg and his wife–who served 21 years in the Air Force and National Guard and was deployed to Iraq and Bosnia–run Camp Freedom, a charity for disabled first responders an veterans so they can experience time in the outdoors.

Rothman said he knows how to help Republican candidates win.

“From 2015 through 2022, I ran in seven electoral contests and won all seven of them,” said Rothman. “I’m an activist. We need more conservative activists to run for office and win.”

The chairman should unite the activists, committee people, donors and candidates, he said.

“I’ve had success at all four levels,” he said. Republicans just won all the statewide races and need to build in their success.

And he believes, in 2026, Republicans can win the governorship.

“Josh Shapiro can be beaten,” said Rothman. “But we’re not going to beat him if we say we can’t beat him.”

Ted Christian, a former Trump campaign official from Bucks County, withdrew from the race for GOP state party chairman.

After announcing his bid at the annual Pennsylvania Society gathering in New York earlier this month, Christian withdrew Thursday in the wake of U.S. Sen.-elect Dave McCormick’s endorsement of state Sen. Greg Rothman.

“Eight years ago, conventional wisdom and many party insiders believed that a Republican presidential candidate would never win in Pennsylvania,” Christian wrote on social media. “I enthusiastically took up the challenge when I joined the Trump campaign in the fall of 2015. President Trump proved them wrong then and this year. He led an impressive ticket to victory.”

Christian said he always “put our party first.”

“With that in mind, I have decided I will not continue running to be the chairman of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania. I will be supporting my friend, Greg Rothman, and look forward to supporting the party in new ways moving forward,” Christian wrote, thanking the committee members and others who backed him.

Rothman jumped in the race last week after the current chair, Lawrence Tabas, announced he would step down at the end of his term next year. Rothman, 58, was elected in 2022 to represent the 34th Senate District, which includes Cumberland and Perry Counties and part of Dauphin County.

Rothman, a successful businessman who chaired the Cumberland County GOP, had served in the Marine Corps.

McCormick thanked Christian via X.

“I’d like to thank Ted Christian for his many years of service to the @PAGOP and for stepping forward to lead. Ted has been a strong leader for the conservative movement for many years, and I know he will continue to work tirelessly with Republican leaders across our commonwealth to put America and Pennsylvania First while advancing President Trump’s agenda,” McCormick said.

Several other prominent state Republicans also endorsed Rothman, including state House Whip Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward.

Christian had the blessing and $100,000 in cash from Bucks County venture capitalist Paul Martino. In 2021, Martino led a parents movement for better public schools. His Back to School PAC supported school board candidates nationwide, with more than 100 pro-parent candidates winning seats on various school boards.

Martino noted that he’d contributed to Christian’s campaign in October.

“I have been working on his campaign since the long before the November election,” said Martino.

“I am certainly disappointed as I continue to believe that Ted is the right guy for the job, a job he has been diligently working towards for many years. That said, it is clear who runs the GOP in Pennsylvania now – and that’s Dave McCormick. He made his pick, and the party fell in line. I hope this marks the start of a new chapter of strong leadership for our party in Pennsylvania, as change was certainly needed.”

U.S. Sen.-elect Dave McCormick has endorsed state Sen. Greg Rothman to replace Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Lawrence Tabas when his term ends next year, a sign the incoming freshman senator plans to play a leadership role in the Republican Party.

Rothman, 58, was elected in 2022 to represent the 34th Senate District, which includes Cumberland and Perry Counties and part of Dauphin County.

Republicans U.S. Sen.-elect Dave McCormick (left) and state Sen. Greg Rothman campaigning during the 2024 general election campaign.

McCormick noted Rothman, a Marine, is also a successful businessman who chaired the Cumberland County Republican Party. “He has the political savvy and relationships to sustain the progress we made this cycle and make Pennsylvania a powerhouse Republican state,” said McCormick.

“I believe state Sen. Greg Rothman would be an outstanding chair to lead us forward,” McCormick said.

McCormick also thanked Tabas, a Philadelphia lawyer, for his service.

Rothman announced his candidacy on X. “Just got off the phone with @PAGOP Chairman Lawrence Tabas. I thanked him for his 20+ years of selfless service to the Republican Party. I will be running to succeed him as State Party Chairman.”

Several other prominent Republicans also endorsed Rothman.

“When serving with Greg Rothman in the House. I saw his work firsthand. I’m happy to know that he has offered his talents to the Pennsylvania GOP. He is a veteran, a businessman, and a commonsense conservative who will unite our party for success. I am proud to endorse him for chairman,” said Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington). O’Neal serves as the House Republican Caucus whip.

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward called Rothman “the real deal.”

“Intelligent, common sense, great political sense, team player, hard-working, and a really good man. You will be a tremendous leader for our party,” Ward said.

And Vince Galko, a Republican strategist, said Rothman “will make a great chair of the Pennsylvania GOP.”

Last week, Bucks County resident Ted Christian announced he is running for the state Republican chairmanship. Christian was endorsed by venture capitalist Paul Martino, who bankrolled his campaign with $100,000.

Rothman was a Realtor, graduated from Cumberland Valley High School and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. According to his official biography, he served in the Marine Corps for nearly 10 years. And Rothman is also the “proud father” of five children.

McCormick added, “I am also happy to enthusiastically support Bernie Comfort staying on as vice chair to lend her knowledge and create continuity as we build on our successes from this last year.”

(From a press release)

Monday, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 402 into law — officially recognizing Diwali as a state holiday in Pennsylvania while attending a Diwali, Tihar, and Bandi Chhor Diwas celebration hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs in the atrium of the Keystone Building in downtown Harrisburg.

The bipartisan legislation marks a significant moment for the Commonwealth, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of its residents and the traditions of the over one billion Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs worldwide who celebrate Diwali, including hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians.

“By signing this bill into law, we are not only recognizing the importance of Diwali but also celebrating the rich cultural heritage and many contributions of the Asian American community to Pennsylvania,” said Governor Shapiro. “Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair – values that should help guide our Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is stronger because of its diversity, and this new state holiday is a powerful reflection of the inclusion, respect, and unity that we cherish in this Commonwealth. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the traditions and cultures that make our state vibrant and dynamic.”

Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most significant festivals in South Asian culture. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival lasts five days, with the main celebration occurring on the third day, which is marked by family gatherings, the lighting of lamps, and fireworks. This year, Diwali will be celebrated from October 29 to November 3, with the main festival day falling on October 31.

“Diwali is the festival of lights. It is the most important festival for the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh community,” said Razin Karu, Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs. “It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance, and of truth over falsehood. Many Pennsylvanians with roots in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh observe the festival of Diwali and more than 1 billion people around the world celebrate this holiday in South Asia and the diaspora around the world. It’s a privilege to join Governor Shapiro as he signs this law to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday in Pennsylvania.”

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) and Sen. Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia), garnered broad bipartisan support in both the Senate and House. Representative Arvind Venkat championed companion legislation, House Bill 436, which passed in April 2023.

“Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity,” said Rothman. “I’m grateful for Governor Shapiro’s signature on this historic legislation.”

“Wherever we’re from and whatever our background, all of us deserve to have our cultures recognized and honored. As the number of Asian Americans grows steadily here in Pennsylvania and across the country, our Commonwealth’s official recognition of Diwali sends a clear message of inclusion,” said Saval. “I am so proud to have worked with my colleagues in the state legislature to put Pennsylvania at the forefront by acknowledging Diwali’s deep cultural significance and inviting all people to reflect on the endless struggle of light over darkness.”

“Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by over a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists worldwide, including hundreds of thousands in Pennsylvania. It represents not only the celebration of the triumph of good over evil, but also a sacred time for families of multiple faiths to celebrate the bond that keeps them together and strengthens their connections with one another,” said Representative Venkat. “This bill recognizes and honors our diversity in Pennsylvania and fosters a stronger sense of community and inclusivity throughout the commonwealth.”

Though officially designated as a state holiday, schools, government offices, and businesses are not required to close on Diwali. The recognition serves as an acknowledgment of the cultural significance of the festival and encourages all Pennsylvanians to embrace and celebrate the diverse traditions that make up the fabric of the state.

The law, which designates the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as “Diwali Day” annually, takes effect immediately, making Diwali 2024 the first official celebration under the new law.