English was elected to the House of Representatives in 1994 after seven-term incumbent Tom Ridge vacated the seat to make a successful run for governor.

English, as a native of Erie, then garnered enough support from his hometown (generally a Democratic stronghold) to win the election.

[2] English was re-elected in a close race in 1996 against Erie attorney and Marine Corps veteran Ron DiNicola as Bill Clinton carried the district.

Porter was an unknown retired college professor who spent virtually no money; he raised only $81,100 to English's $1.4 million.

He faced first-time candidate and small businesswoman Kathy Dahlkemper in the November election.