Chris Sainato

Political career From 1983 to 1993, Sainato served as an aide to Congressman Joe Kolter. In 2022, Sainato was defeated for re-election by Republican Marla Brown.

From the beginning of first term in 1995 to January 2021, Sainato collected $1.8 million dollars in taxpayer-funded reimbursements, perks, and per diems, according to Spotlight PA. When asked, Sainato balked at the alleged sum of his expenses. He also opposed changing the per diem structure to require documented expenses, labelling such an idea as an excess burden "for people like me who are very busy." In 2013, 2016, and 2021, Sainato collected the most in per diems than any other representative; his total yearly reimbursements typically topped $30,000. He defended the large reimbursement amounts by noting the 250-mile journey he took from his district to the capitol and his perfect attendance record.

In 2023, Sainato was elect as a county commissioner in Lawrence County.

Political positions Sainato is a conservative Democrat who opposes abortion rights. Sainato has been endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund. He has also opposed tax increases and favored abolition, voting against a 30 cents per gallon gasoline tax as state representative. As a county commissioner, Sainato voted to repeal a $5 vehicle registration fee that funded Lawrence County's road construction despite large public opposition.