Bucks County GOP Announces 2025 Row Officer Candidates

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Bucks County Republican Committee has announced its row officer candidates for 2025: District Attorney Jen Schorn, Sheriff Fred Harran, Controller Pamela Van Blunk, Recorder of Deeds Dan McPhillips, and Prothonotary Coleen Christian.

“We are proud of the great work done over the last four years by this team of hard-working, dedicated public servants,” said Bucks County GOP Chair Patricia Poprik. “We look forward to sharing their impressive record of protecting our community, supporting our families, and restoring fiscal discipline to county government.”

Bucks County District Attorney: Jen Schorn

District Attorney Jen Schorn (Warwick Twp.) took office in January 2024 following former District Attorney Matt Weintraub’s election to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. Schorn is a Bucks County native with more than a quarter-century of experience as a prosecutor.

During her career, Schorn has prosecuted all types of criminal cases including murder, child sexual and physical abuse, human trafficking, and major crimes, and is credited with helping to solve a number of cold case homicides in Bucks County.

During her time in the office, she has also served as the Chief of the Investigative Grand Jury, Chief of Special Victims and Chief of Major Crimes. She is on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Institute and on the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association Education and Training Committee.

Bucks County Sheriff: Fred Harran

Sheriff Fred Harran (Bristol Borough) has spent nearly four decades serving Bucks County as a law enforcement officer. He started as a police officer in Bensalem rising to the rank of director of public safety, a position he held for 16 years before being elected Bucks County Sheriff in 2021.

Over his many years in law enforcement, Sheriff Harran has developed insight into 21st-century policing and an ability to bring people together. These skills define his approach to sheriff’s office operations, which involves thinking “outside the box.”

In all situations, he strives to work collaboratively and create key partnerships — not only with other governmental agencies, but also with the community.

Bucks County Controller: Pamela Van Blunk, Esq.

County Controller Pam Van Blunk (Doylestown Township) is running for re-election to build on her achievements by continuing to focus on government transparency and conservative fiscal responsibility. Van Blunk’s education, experience, and training as a litigation attorney, small business owner and community volunteer make her uniquely qualified to serve in the role advocating on behalf of taxpayers.

During her tenure as Bucks County’s Controller, Van Blunk prioritized the controller’s fraud, waste and abuse program, saving the county more than $1 million in taxpayer funds.

Van Blunk also implemented the Unclaimed Funds program which, in just two years, has returned over $700,000 to the rightful owners, including municipalities, police departments, school districts, small business owners, non-profit organizations, and residents. In the name of transparency, Van Blunk publishes all audits, financial reports, and retirement investment account reconciliations on her website.

When re-elected, Van Blunk said she will continue to safeguard tax dollars and promote transparency by "ensuring the lawful, appropriate, and efficient receipt, maintenance and disbursement of county assets and communicating related information in an accurate and timely manner."

Bucks County Recorder of Deeds: Dan McPhillips

Dan McPhillips (Warminster Township) is a lifelong resident of Bucks County, currently serving as Recorder of Deeds. Previously, he served as chair of the Warminster Township Board of Supervisors, and as president of the Bucks County Association of Township Officials.

As the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds, his office is responsible for recording and maintaining real estate documents in Bucks County. His office offers a free Fraud Alert Program to protect property owners in the county.

As an active member of the community, McPhillips previously served as a member of the board of directors for the Bucks County Community College Authority Board. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors for the Centennial School District's Education Foundation, and as a member of the Warrington Rotary Club.

Dan received his bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University and his associate’s degree from Bucks County Community College. He lives in Warminster with his wife, Piyumika.

Bucks County Prothonotary: Coleen Christian

Coleen Christian (Upper Makefield) is a former township supervisor, entrepreneur, and small businesswoman. She has modernized the Prothonotary’s office, and is committed to continuing serving both the public and the legal community, in the most effective and efficient way.

A graduate of Villanova University, with a certificate in urban planning from Harvard University, Christian has been responsible for managing a number of projects in the private sector, coordinating significant budgets, overseeing a large staff, and meeting deadlines.

During her term in office, Christian re-opened the satellite offices to serve residents throughout Bucks County and has streamlined the passport application process in the Prothonotary’s office and is committed to ensuring that the main office and satellite locations are providing the best possible service to the residents of Bucks County.