Democratic incumbent Steve Malagari has defeated Republican challenger Yanni Lambros in the race for Pennsylvania House District 53, securing another two-year term in the state legislature.
With 99 percent of the expected vote counted, Malagari received 18,592 votes, or 68 percent, while Lambros won 8,816 votes, or 32 percent, according to unofficial results.
The election attracted particular attention within the Greek-American community because both candidates are of Greek descent and have strong ties to Lansdale, Pennsylvania.
Malagari Wins Pennsylvania House District 53
Malagari, 43, was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2018. His latest victory gives him a fifth consecutive term representing Pennsylvania House District 53.
The district covers Hatfield Borough and Township, Souderton, the Montgomery County portion of Telford, and parts of Franconia and Montgomery townships.
Malagari became the first Democrat to represent the district since 1972. He also serves as a deputy whip for the Democratic caucus in the Pennsylvania House.
His maternal family traces its roots to Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesvos. In 2025, he joined the governing board of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association, an organization connecting lawmakers of Greek descent from around the world.
During the campaign, Malagari emphasized reducing healthcare costs, supporting public schools, protecting reproductive rights and maintaining funding for public safety.
Two Greek-American Candidates Offered Different Priorities
Lambros is a Lansdale business owner who operates the Koffee Korner Café. Before entering the race for the state legislature, he unsuccessfully ran for Lansdale Borough Council in 2021 and 2023 and for the North Penn School Board in 2025.
He secured the Republican nomination through write-in votes in the May primary after no Republican candidate appeared on the printed ballot.
Lambros campaigned on property-tax relief, fewer regulations for small businesses, greater transparency in government and closer scrutiny of major development projects, including data centers.
Although the candidates presented different political priorities, the contest ensured that Pennsylvania House District 53 would continue to be represented by a lawmaker of Greek descent. Malagari’s decisive victory now allows him to continue representing the district in Harrisburg.
