Aaron Kaufer

Kaufer was born on July 11, 1988, in Kingston, Pennsylvania, the son of Neil and Larinda Kaufer. He graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School in 2007 and earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in government and law and international affairs from Lafayette College in 2011.{{cite web |author1=admin |title=ABOUT AARON |url=http://kaufernow.com/?page_id=5 |website=Kaufer Now |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126140120/http://kaufernow.com/?page_id=5 |archive-date=January 26, 2012 |date=January 16, 2012 |url-status=dead}} In 2020, Kaufer earned a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School.{{cite news |last1=Buffer |first1=Michael P. |title=Republicans looking to run for Kaufer's House seat |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=January 11, 2024 |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/republicans-looking-to-run-for-kaufers-house-seat/article_91108136-e748-5a8c-8ad7-062e2956de00.html}}

Kaufer first ran for state representative in 2012 against incumbent Democrat Phyllis Mundy, losing 56% to 43%.{{cite web |title=2012-General-ElectionResults-PDF |url=https://www.luzernecounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/2452/2012-General-ElectionResults-PDF?bidId= |website=Luzerne County, PA Official Website |access-date=8 May 2022 |page=3 |format=PDF |date=November 6, 2012}} In December 2013, Mundy announced that she would be retiring. For the 2014 election, Eileen Cipriani was chosen as the Democratic nominee.{{cite news |last1=Buffer |first1=Michael P. |title=120th: Kaufer defeats Cipriani |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/120th-kaufer-defeats-cipriani/article_18a1e55c-ea26-5a76-b935-7a573af8445f.html |access-date=8 May 2022 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=November 4, 2016}} Kaufer ran against Cipriani as a reform-minded candidate with bipartisan support,{{cite news |last1=Buffer |first1=Michael P. |title=Republican wave lifted Kaufer to 120th victory |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/republican-wave-lifted-kaufer-to-120th-victory/article_02dff43f-6a33-56d8-83af-bb77f2707f6d.html |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=June 18, 2020}} defeating her with 56% of the vote.{{cite web |title=11/04/14 General Election |url=https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/PA/Luzerne/54233/149582/Web01/en/summary.html |website=Luzerne County, PA Official Website |access-date=8 May 2022 |date=November 24, 2014}} He was reelected in 2016 with 68% of the vote against Democrat Robert McDonald.{{cite news |title=Pennsylvania 120th District State House Results: Aaron Kaufer Wins |url=https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2016/results/pennsylvania-state-house-district-120 |access-date=8 May 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=August 1, 2017}} Kaufer was reelected for a third term in 2018 unopposed.{{cite news |last1=Almukhtar |first1=Sarah |last2=Andre |first2=Mike |last3=Andrews |first3=Wilson |last4=Bloch |first4=Matthew |last5=Bowers |first5=Jeremy |last6=Buchanan |first6=Larry |last7=Cohn |first7=Nate |last8=Coote |first8=Alastair |last9=Daniel |first9=Annie |last10=Fehr |first10=Tiff |last11=Jacoby |first11=Samuel |last12=Katz |first12=Josh |last13=Keller |first13=Josh |last14=Krolik |first14=Aaron |last15=Lee |first15=Jasmine C. |last16=Lieberman |first16=Rebecca |last17=Migliozzi |first17=Blacki |last18=Murray |first18=Paul |last19=Quealy |first19=Kevin |last20=Patel |first20=Jaymin |last21=Pearce |first21=Adam |last22=Shorey |first22=Rachel |last23=Strickland |first23=Michael |last24=Taylor |first24=Rumsey |last25=White |first25=Isaac |last26=Whitely |first26=Maxine |last27=Williams |first27=Josh |title=Pennsylvania Election Results |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/06/us/elections/results-pennsylvania-elections.html |access-date=8 May 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=May 15, 2019}} He again won reelection to a fourth term in 2020, defeating Democrat Joanna Bryn Smith 63% to 37%.{{cite news |title=Pennsylvania Election Results |url=https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/inq/pennsylvania-election-results-2020-20201103.html |access-date=8 May 2022 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}} Kaufer defeated Democrat Fern Leard in the 2022 election by a similar margin.{{cite news |last1=Guydish |first1=Mark |title=Kaufer-Leard vie for 120th; Kaufer leading |url=https://www.timesleader.com/top-stories/1584634/kaufer-leard-vie-for-120th-kaufer-leading |access-date=16 November 2022 |work=Times Leader |date=November 8, 2022}} In 2024, Kaufer announced he would not seek reelection.{{cite news |last1=Kalinowski |first1=Bob |title=Kaufer won't seek another term |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=January 17, 2024 |pages=A1, A5}}

For the 2015-2016 legislative session, Kaufer was named the deputy chairman of the State House Majority Policy Committee.{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=Eric |title=Kaufer named deputy chairman of House committee |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kaufer-named-deputy-chairman-of-house-committee/article_3fea2815-f2d8-537b-b67a-78786d87ce5a.html |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=April 17, 2020}} In 2023, Kaufer was named the top Republican on the House Government Oversight Committee.{{cite news |last1=O'Boyle |first1=Bill |title=Kaufer named Republican chair of House Government Oversight Committee |url=https://www.timesleader.com/news/1597995/kaufer-named-republican-chair-of-house-government-oversight-committee |access-date=31 January 2023 |work=Times Leader |date=January 26, 2023}}

Kaufer was a co-founder of the PA HOPE (Heroin, Opioid, Prevention and Education) Caucus as part of his effort to improve Pennsylvania's drug and alcohol services.

Kaufer believes in a smaller state government and has focused on pursuing job and economic development initiatives. He also supports efforts to address the opioid epidemic.{{cite web |title=About Aaron Kaufer |url=https://www.repkaufer.com/about |website=PA State Rep Aaron Kaufer |publisher=PA House Republican Caucus |access-date=19 April 2022}}

Kaufer is known for his commitment on bipartisan cooperation;{{cite news |title=Aaron Kaufer seeks second term representing 120th District |url=https://www.timesleader.com/uncategorized/603681/aaron-kaufer-seeks-second-term-representing-120th-district-2# |access-date=20 April 2022 |work=Times Leader |date=November 4, 2016}} he often wears an orange tie as a symbol of his bipartisanship.{{cite web |last1=Gibbons |first1=Geri |title=Aaron Kaufer touts issues not party politics at Global Landscapes Conference |url=https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/533521/aaron-kaufer-touts-issues-not-party-politics-at-global-landscapes-conference |website=Times Leader |publisher=Times Leader |date=April 20, 2016 |access-date=5 May 2023}} He considers late U.S. Senator John McCain as his political inspiration. Kaufer worked on McCain's 2008 presidential campaign in New Hampshire and admired the senator's bipartisanship.{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=Eric |title=Kaufer recalls McCain as hero and role model |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kaufer-recalls-mccain-as-hero-and-role-model/article_df176364-aa64-5aef-a14d-549657160c9e.html |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=June 18, 2020}} Spotlight PA referred to Kaufer as a "moderate Republican."{{cite news |last1=Caruso |first1=Stephen |title=Pa. election 2024: The state House races to watch as Democrats try to keep the majority |url=https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/02/pennsylvania-election-2024-state-house-democratic-control-gop-flip-seats/ |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=Spotlight PA |date=February 28, 2024}}

Kaufer and 69 other Pennsylvania legislators signed an amicus brief in the case Texas v. Pennsylvania, which challenged the 2020 United States presidential election results in Pennsylvania and three other states won by President-elect Joe Biden. He defended the brief saying it was only to provide background information on changes made to Pennsylvania's election operations, "It did not seek to take sides in the decision, nor did it seek to overturn the election."{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=Eric |title=Local GOP state reps explain why they signed brief in election case |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/local-gop-state-reps-explain-why-they-signed-brief-in-election-case/article_9ac2f6d6-6744-5f6b-9aab-cb1570a898ee.html |access-date=11 April 2023 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=November 12, 2022}}

Following the election, Kaufer said his name was erroneously added to a letter signed by Pennsylvania legislators urging Congress to reject Pennsylvania's electoral votes. His name was later removed from the final version of the letter. Kaufer said he agreed with U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr's assessment that no major irregularities occurred to alter the election results.{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=Eric |title=Kaufer says his name was mistakenly added to letter about Electoral College vote |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/kaufer-says-his-name-was-mistakenly-added-to-letter-about-electoral-college-vote/article_4c97abf4-17d5-56cc-b21e-92cc45180701.html |access-date=10 April 2023 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=November 12, 2022}} When asked in 2022, Kaufer said he accepted the results of the election.

According to Kaufer himself, he has never supported an outright ban on abortion and believes in exceptions for rape, incest, health of the mother, and viability of the child.{{cite news |title=Where Pa. law stands on abortion |url=https://www.timesleader.com/news/1562791/where-pa-law-stands-on-abortion |access-date=24 July 2022 |work=Times Leader |date=June 26, 2022}} He supports moving the threshold for abortions in Pennsylvania from 24 weeks into a pregnancy to 20 weeks. He was absent from a vote in the State House on a constitutional amendment that stated, "there is no right to abortion or funding for an abortion" in Pennsylvania. Kaufer later said he would have voted against the amendment.{{cite news |last1=Kalinowski |first1=Bob |title=Rep. Kaufer, newcomer Leard square off in 120th House District |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/rep-kaufer-newcomer-leard-square-off-in-120th-house-district/article_3f9c643e-1784-5ec3-9611-4e7861c53961.html |access-date=10 April 2023 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=November 8, 2022}}

In October 2024, Kaufer voted for a bill that codified the ability of individuals and business to keep assets in cryptocurrency.{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Tonya M. |title=Pennsylvania Passes Bitcoin Rights Bill, Proposes Strategic Reserve |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonyaevans/2024/11/21/pennsylvania-passes-bitcoin-rights-bill-proposes-strategic-reserve/ |access-date=28 November 2024 |work=Forbes |date=November 21, 2024}}{{cite web |title=House Roll Calls - 2023 RCS# 1609 |url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/RC/Public/rc_view_action2.cfm?sess_yr=2023&sess_ind=0&rc_body=H&rc_nbr=1609 |website=Pennsylvania General Assembly |access-date=28 November 2024}} Following the bill's passage, Kaufer and Representative Mike Cabell introduced another bill that would allow the state treasurer to invest 10% of Pennsylvania's funds in cryptocurrency.

In 2016, Kaufer voiced support for nonpartisan elections where candidates were not affiliated with political parties and primary election were open to all voters regardless of affiliation.{{cite news |last1=Buffer |first1=Michael P. |title=120th: Cipriani, Kaufer support drilling tax |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/120th-cipriani-kaufer-support-drilling-tax/article_e779072e-293f-5f12-ba85-b622fe4e5569.html |access-date=16 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=October 26, 2014}}

In 2024, Kaufer signed a discharge petition that would force a vote in the State House on a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution that would require voter ID.{{cite news |title=Capitol digest: State senate approves stricter penalties for threats against schools |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/capitol-digest-state-senate-approves-stricter-penalties-for-threats-against-schools/article_51039a78-263f-52a9-9ec7-68dbe26dba61.html |access-date=14 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=April 14, 2024}} He previously called since-repealed voter ID laws a bad idea during a 2012 forum, but left open the possibility of supporting something similar.{{cite news |last1=Wellock |first1=Bill |title=Mundy, challenger debate property, severance taxes |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mundy-challenger-debate-property-severance-taxes/article_549c1de9-88b2-585d-91b5-9518be503526.html |access-date=17 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=October 23, 2012}}

Kaufer believes that online gambling should not be tied to a credit card. Prior to being elected, Kaufer worked at Mohegan Sun Pocono where he would see customers repeatedly taking out, often large, sums of money on their credit card "just so they could play one more game." In 2016, Kaufer expressed his opposition to online gambling, but supported legalized digital poker.

Following Ben & Jerry's 2021 announcement that the company would not longer sell its ice cream in the Israeli occupied West Bank,{{cite news |last1=O'Boyle |first1=William |title=Kaufer calls Ben & Jerry's action in Israel anti-Semitic, calls for Pa. action |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/kaufer-calls-ben-jerrys-action-040100723.html |access-date=23 January 2024 |work=Yahoo! Life |agency=The Times Leader |date=July 22, 2021}} Kaufer called for the enforcement of 2016 Act 163, which says the state will not associate with businesses that boycott Israel.{{cite web |title=2016 Act 163 |url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?yr=2016&sessInd=0&act=163#:~:text=(1)%20Pennsylvania%20is%20privileged%20to,importance%20to%20the%20United%20States. |website=Pennsylvania General Assembly |access-date=7 May 2022}}

Kaufer has said the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS) is "little more than a poorly hidden anti-Semitic economic attack."{{cite web |title=Kaufer Calls on Wolf, Shapiro, Garrity to Enforce Procurement Law Following Ben & Jerry's Israel Announcement |url=https://www.repkaufer.com/News/20232/Latest-News/Kaufer-Calls-on-Wolf,-Shapiro,-Garrity-to-Enforce-Procurement-Law-Following-Ben-&-Jerry%E2%80%99s-Israel-Announcement- |website=PA State Rep Aaron Kaufer |publisher=PA House Republican Caucus |access-date=19 April 2022}} He has also labeled the slogan "from the river to the sea" as anti-Semitic.{{cite podcast|url=https://delawarevalleyjournal.com/podcast-bartos-talks-senate-race-update-on-ben-jerrys-boycott/ |title=Bartos Talks Senate Race, Update on Ben & Jerry’s Boycott |website=Delaware Valley Journal |publisher=InsideSources |last1=Graham |first1=Michael| date=July 21, 2021 |time=2:15-2:46 |access-date=21 January 2024}}

Following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Kaufer co-sponsored a resolution in the State House that declared the House "stand[s] with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas."{{cite web |last1=Frankel |first1=Dan |last2=Kaufer |first2=Aaron |author1-link=Dan Frankel (American politician) |title=A Resolution Condemning the Terrorist Attack on Israel and Expressing Support for Israel and Its People {{!}} House Co-Sponsorship Memorandum; Session of 2023-2024 Regular Session |url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20230&cosponId=41593 |website=Pennsylvania General Assembly |access-date=16 December 2023 |date=October 13, 2023}}{{cite web |title=A Resolution Urging the Congress of the United States to provide the State of Israel with the support necessary to ensure its safety and security and condemning the terrorist attack in Israel by Hamas. |url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CSM/2023/0/41593_34514.pdf |website=Pennsylvania General Assembly |access-date=16 December 2023}} The resolution passed unanimously.{{cite web |title=House Resolution 245 Bill Information - History; Regular Session 2023-2024 |url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2023&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=245 |website=Pennsylvania General Assembly |access-date=16 December 2023}}

After three university presidents sidestepped questions about the acceptability of calls for the genocide of Jewish people during a Congressional hearing, Kaufer denounced their answers and promoted a package of bills introduced by other lawmakers that would promote Holocaust education and combat antisemitism on college campuses.{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=Eric |title=Kaufer, other state reps introduce bill package to combat antisemitism in education |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kaufer-other-state-reps-introduce-bill-package-to-combat-antisemitism-in-education/article_12b0ae15-fb54-5359-b73b-a4c481746926.html |access-date=16 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=December 11, 2023}}

Leading up to the 2014 Pennsylvania state house election, Kaufer campaigned as a supporter of term limits stating he would only serve four terms. In 2022, however, Kaufer ran for a fifth term.{{cite news |last1=Carroll |first1=Kevin |title=Ryncavage claims victory in 119th; Williams waiting for mail-ins |url=https://www.timesleader.com/news/1556512/ryncavage-claims-victory-in-119th-williams-waiting-for-mail-ins |access-date=25 May 2022 |work=Times Leader |date=May 17, 2022}} When asked why he seemingly abandoned his pledge to only serve four terms, Kaufer said it was conditional on if he could get term limits passed. He also listed his seniority in the State House as a reason to keep his seat.{{cite news |last1=Kalinowski |first1=Bob |title=Kaufer, Leard debate in race for 120th state House seat |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/kaufer-leard-debate-in-race-for-120th-state-house-seat/article_bb4171f4-58ab-52b6-b324-cd75e97c1e23.html |access-date=10 April 2023 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=November 8, 2022}} Kaufer previously criticized the legislature's seniority system as "broken" in 2016.{{cite news |last1=Buffer |first1=Michael |title=Two candidates for 120th state House District face off at forum |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/two-candidates-for-120th-state-house-district-face-off-at-forum/article_e2facb8a-41cd-5080-aa24-cee52305a680.html |access-date=17 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=October 30, 2014}}

In 2014, Kaufer pledged not to accept a state pension, pay raise, or per diems.{{cite news |last1=Buffer |first1=Michael P. |title=Republican Kaufer enters 120th district race |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/republican-kaufer-enters-120th-district-race/article_890c5d43-409f-5a29-af80-9565cd57a872.html |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=February 18, 2014}} He has called for scrapping per diems and automatic pay raises for legislators.{{cite news |last1=Kaufer |first1=Aaron |title=Legislators have too many taxpayer-paid perks |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/letters/legislators-have-too-many-taxpayer-paid-perks/article_fc1aa9af-45e6-5d50-8566-8704c3e46fb2.html |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=April 3, 2012}} In 2012, Kaufer deemed the current salary of $78,000 for members of the legislature too much.{{cite news |title=Two Republicans challenge incumbents for state House seats |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/two-republicans-challenge-incumbents-for-state-house-seats/article_660cff0b-b704-55fd-ab9d-81bb65cf5ce4.html |access-date=17 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=January 19, 2012}} He has also supported a ban on gifts to lawmakers and voted to reduce the size of the legislature. In 2017, Kaufer cosponsored legislation that called for a constitution convention to review and possibly reduce the size of the Pennsylvania legislature.{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=Eric |title=State lawmakers propose constitutional convention |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-lawmakers-propose-constitutional-convention/article_8efb6f00-dd42-53f6-9fd8-6a684bd48156.html |access-date=17 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=November 1, 2017}}

In 2012, Kaufer slammed Republicans in the state legislature for making more partisan districts in the recent redistricting cycle that stifled competitive elections. He backed efforts to remove the influence of the state legislature in redistricting and instead institute some form of independent redistricting commission.{{cite news |last1=Kaufer |first1=Aaron |title=Partisan politics play too big a role in reapportionment |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/letters/partisan-politics-play-too-big-a-role-in-reapportionment/article_8be5dced-85f5-582d-ba30-3c9cbdc4c7c3.html |access-date=17 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=February 9, 2012}} Kaufer opposed a 2021 decision by Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission that changed how state prison inmates were counted with respect to state-level legislative districts. The change meant that state inmates would count towards the districts they lived in prior to incarceration and not where they were currently imprisoned. Kaufer opposed it on the basis it would almost exclusively benefit Democratic representation and hurt Republicans.{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=Eric |title=New state redistricting policy could impact Jackson Twp. and the county |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-state-redistricting-policy-could-impact-jackson-twp-and-the-county/article_bf103e83-5152-529e-a5b3-0c3ba2fe3bca.html |access-date=10 April 2023 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=January 17, 2023}}

In 2023, Kaufer and Representative Alec Ryncavage were the only two Republicans in the State House who voted for the passage of an LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination bill.{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Peter |title=Fairness Act protections for LGBTQ+ people clears Pa. House with bipartisan support |url=https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/fairness-act-protections-for-lgbtq-people-clears-pa-house-with-bipartisan-support/ |access-date=5 May 2023 |work=Pennsylvania Capital-Star |date=May 2, 2023}} Kaufer defended his support for the bill by saying it would serve to deter more "radical" measures.{{cite news |last1=O'Boyle |first1=Bill |title=Kaufer, Ryncavage stand by LGBTQ bill vote |url=https://www.timesleader.com/news/1607985/kaufer-ryncavage-stand-by-lgbtq-bill-vote |access-date=8 May 2023 |work=Times Leader |date=May 6, 2023}} Kaufer previously voiced his support for similar legislation in 2016 and stated, "Gay rights are human rights" at a candidate's forum that year.{{cite news |last1=Buffer |first1=Michael P. |title=Kaufer easily clinches 2nd term |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kaufer-easily-clinches-2nd-term/article_1e3e049b-8115-5e8f-90af-2f93439177ba.html |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=June 18, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Buffer |first1=Michael P. |title=Kaufer, McDonald exchange ideas on bipartisanship, online gambling at forum |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kaufer-mcdonald-exchange-ideas-on-bipartisanship-online-gambling-at-forum/article_290144a8-9e1f-54c9-8842-0a6355a5676d.html |access-date=16 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=October 28, 2016}} His brother is a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Kaufer believes that decriminalizing marijuana would aid law enforcement in prioritizing the seizure of opioids and fentanyl, something he describes as "larger priorities." He also thinks that prohibition of marijuana is not an effective policy and supported the legalization of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.{{cite news |last1=O'Boyle |first1=Bill |title=Area legislators comment on potential legalization of recreational marijuana |url=https://www.timesleader.com/news/1620993/area-legislators-comment-on-potential-legalization-of-recreational-marijuana |access-date=5 October 2023 |work=Times Leader |date=September 24, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=Eric |title=Bill finds support among local specialists, lawmaker |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bill-finds-support-among-local-specialists-lawmaker/article_e302c7ed-f841-554b-bb6d-cb0747cdcf49.html |access-date=17 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=April 13, 2016}} In 2023, Kaufer co-sponsored legislation to permit medical marijuana users the ability to legally drive in Pennsylvania.{{cite web |last1=Rabb |first1=Christopher M. |last2=Kaufer |first2=Aaron D. |author1-link=Chris Rabb |title=Removing DUI penalties for legal medical cannabis use |url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20230&cosponId=40656 |website=Pennsylvania General Assembly |access-date=25 February 2024 |date=May 3, 2023}} The following year, Kaufer and Representative Emily Kinkead co-sponsored legislation that would legalize recreation marijuana and institute a regulatory system they said would eliminate the illicit marijuana trade.{{cite news |last1=Ulrich |first1=Steve |title=Bipartisan Bill Hopes to Legalize Cannabis in PA |url=https://www.politicspa.com/bipartisan-bill-hopes-to-legalize-cannabis-in-pa/136132/ |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=PoliticsPA |date=June 17, 2024}}

Kaufer supports the elimination of property taxes. In 2016, Kaufer voiced support for a proposal to eliminate property tax and instead raise sales and income taxes to account for the lost revenue. During his first term as a state representative, Kaufer supported a homestead exemption so that property tax would be eliminated on a person's primary residence.

In 2023, Kaufer was among a group of Republicans who signed onto several bills meant to give tax breaks to families in areas such as child care, school supplies, and home improvement.{{cite news |last1=Stockburger |first1=George |title=Pennsylvania House Republicans unveil package of tax relief bills |url=https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania-politics/pennsylvania-house-republicans-unveil-package-of-tax-relief-bills/ |publisher=Nexstar Media, Inc. |access-date=4 March 2023 |work=abc27 WHTM |date=March 1, 2023}}

Kaufer believes in reforming what he describes as Pennsylvania's "bloated welfare system" and opposes the state supporting what he calls "welfare lifestyles."{{cite news |last1=Wellock |first1=Bill |title=Newcomer Kaufer, Mundy fight for seat |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/newcomer-kaufer-mundy-fight-for-seat/article_8262d9be-a5f5-5ab3-8f68-dffef6ac147c.html |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=June 18, 2020}} The first piece of legislation Kaufer proposed in the State House was a law that barred individuals in Pennsylvania from accepting welfare from multiple states.{{cite news |last1=Allabaugh |first1=Denise |title=Kaufer introduces public assistance bill |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kaufer-introduces-public-assistance-bill/article_35a5f26c-356b-50e6-a7ec-f2343d180cc9.html |access-date=14 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=June 9, 2015}}{{cite news |last1=Kalinowski |first1=Bob |title=Kaufer bill targeting welfare abuse becomes law |url=https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kaufer-bill-targeting-welfare-abuse-becomes-law/article_008b1f3c-329a-55e5-a570-f52fcf8bbeed.html |access-date=16 April 2024 |work=The Citizens' Voice |date=December 28, 2015}}

Kaufer is Jewish. He is married to his wife Annie; they have one daughter.{{cite news |last1=O'Boyle |first1=Bill |title=Election Day 2022 is finally here — get out and vote |url=https://www.timesleader.com/news/1584503/election-day-2022-is-finally-here-get-out-and-vote |access-date=7 December 2022 |work=Times Leader |date=November 7, 2022}} He resides in Kingston, Pennsylvania.{{Cite web|title=Representative Aaron D. Kaufer|url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/House_bio.cfm?id=1693|access-date=2022-01-27|website=The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly.|language=English}}

In 2019, Kaufer visited Poland, where he viewed the graves of relatives who were victims of the Holocaust.{{cite news |last1=Strub |first1=Chelsea |title=UPDATE: No charges being filed against person who wrote hateful messages to State Rep. |url=https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/state-rep-aaron-kaufer-messages-of-hate/523-d27dc65f-520a-4da3-989f-884549c9a46d |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=WNEP-TV |date=October 12, 2020}}

{{Election box begin no change |title = 2012 Pennsylvania House of Representatives election, District 120}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (US)

|candidate = Phyllis Mundy (incumbent)

|votes = 14,133

|percentage = 56.05

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (US)

|candidate = Aaron Kaufer

|votes = 11,050

|percentage = 43.82

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|party= Write-In

|votes = 31

|percentage = 0.12

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 25,214

|percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change |title = 2014 Pennsylvania House of Representatives election, District 120}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (US)

|candidate = Aaron Kaufer

|votes = 9,514

|percentage = 55.92

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (US)

|candidate = Eileen Cipriani

|votes = 7,472

|percentage = 43.92

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|party= Write-In

|votes = 28

|percentage = 0.16

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 17,014

|percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change |title = 2016 Pennsylvania House of Representatives election, District 120[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/PA/Luzerne/64171/184324/Web01/en/summary.html 2016 General election, Luzerne County, PA]}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (US)

|candidate = Aaron Kaufer (incumbent)

|votes = 18,843

|percentage = 67.80

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (US)

|candidate = Robert J. McDonald

|votes = 8,929

|percentage = 32.13

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|party= Write-In

|votes = 20

|percentage = 0.07

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 27,792

|percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change |title = 2018 Pennsylvania House of Representatives election, District 120[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/PA/Luzerne/92903/Web02.222263/#/cid/0115/ 2018 Pennsylvania House of Representatives 120th District election]}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (US)

|candidate = Aaron Kaufer (incumbent)

|votes = 16,677

|percentage = 96.04

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|party = Write-In

|votes = 688

|percentage = 3.96

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 17,365

|percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change |title = 2020 Pennsylvania House of Representatives election, District 120[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/PA/Luzerne/106501/web.264614/#/detail/14/ 2020 Pennsylvania House of Representatives 120th District election]}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (US)

|candidate = Aaron Kaufer (incumbent)

|votes = 20,397

|percentage = 63.10

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (US)

|candidate = Joanna Bryn Smith

|votes = 11,913

|percentage = 36.85

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|candidate = Scattered

|votes = 16

|percentage = 0.05

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 32,326

|percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change |title = 2022 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Democratic primary election, District 120[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/PA/Luzerne/113956/web.285569/#/detail/14/ 2022 Pennsylvania House of Representatives 120th District Democratic primary election]}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-In

|candidate = Fern Leard

|votes = 590

|percentage = 46.06

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-In

|candidate = Aaron Kaufer

|votes = 418

|percentage = 32.63

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|candidate = Other write-in candidates

|votes = 273

|percentage = 21.31

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 1,281

|percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change |title = 2022 Pennsylvania House of Representatives election, District 120{{cite web |title=REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 120TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT |url=https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/PA/Luzerne/116255/web.307039/#/detail/12 |website=Luzerne County, PA General Election November 8, 2022 |publisher=scytl.us |access-date=3 December 2022 |date=December 1, 2022}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (US)

|candidate = Aaron Kaufer (incumbent)

| votes = 17,548

|percentage = 65.97

}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (US)

|candidate = Fern Leard

|votes = 9,014

|percentage = 33.89

}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|candidate = SCATTER

|votes = 38

|percentage = 0.14

}}{{Election box total no change

|votes = 26,600

|percentage = 100.00

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Pennsylvania House of Representatives}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kaufer, Aaron}}

Category:Living people

Category:People from Kingston, Pennsylvania

Category:Republican Party members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Category:1988 births

Category:Lafayette College alumni

Category:21st-century American Jews

Category:Jewish American people in Pennsylvania politics

Category:Jewish state legislators in Pennsylvania

Category:Politicians from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

Category:21st-century members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly