Former school board and council candidate says State Representative campaign will focus on accountability, small business and community needs
A Lansdale small business owner is entering the race for state office on the Republican ticket as a write-in, pledging a “community-first” approach as he seeks to represent the region in Harrisburg.
Yanni Lambros, owner of Koffee Korner Cafe, announced his campaign for Pennsylvania State Representative in the 53rd Legislative District, facing off against Lansdale reisdent and incumbent Democrat Steve Malagari for a 2-year term.
Lambros is not officially on the May 2026 Primary ballot for the Republicans. Thus, voters will have to write his name in on the ballot on Primary Election day. Lambros does appear on the sample "green ballot," he said, provided by the county Republicans.
"On May 19, write Yanni Lambros on your Republican primary ballot. A local small business owner who showed up when working families were being ignored. Now he’s asking for your pen," states his website.
Lambros said his decision was driven by frustration from residents and business owners who feel unheard by elected officials.
“I’m running because our community deserves leadership that listens, works hard, and puts people first,” Lambros said in announcing his candidacy. “I’ll work with anyone, from either party, if they are serious about making our community stronger, safer, and more affordable.”
Lambros said his campaign will focus on what he described as practical, everyday concerns, including support for small businesses, responsible government spending and increased accountability in public decision-making. Drawing from his experience as a business owner, he said he understands the financial pressures facing families and employers.
“I won’t be afraid to speak up, ask tough questions, and take a stand when something needs to change,” Lambros added. “This campaign is about putting the community first.”
The 53rd Legislative District includes portions of Franconia Township and Montgomery Township, Lansdale Borough, Hatfield Borough, Hatfield Township, Souderton Borough, and the Montgomery County portion of Telford Borough, and has historically been competitive in recent election cycles.
Lambros previously ran for local office, including an unsuccessful bid for North Penn School Board in 2025 and a run for Ward 2 Lansdale Borough Council in 2023, both on the Republican ticket.
With the announcement, Lambros becomes one of the early candidates positioning for the next election cycle, as voters will ultimately decide who will represent the district in the state House.
More details on the campaign are expected in the coming months.
State Rep. Steve MalagariIn the 2024 General Election, Malagari defeated Republican challenger Cheryl Bonavita by a little more than 7,000 votes In the 2022 Election, Malagari defeated Republican Jennifer Neha Sodha by more than 6,500 votes.
Miles Arnott challenged Malagari in 2020, but lost by 3,000 votes. In 2018, during his first run at the office vacated by Robert Godshall, Malagari was challenged by Republican Andy Szekely and Libertarian John Waldenberger, but defeated both with 13,632 votes.
Democrat Leon Angelichio, a former Lansdale Borough councilman, challenged Malagari, who was also a former councilman, in the 2018 Primary, but lost by about 800 votes.
In November 2024, Lambros hosted a Team Trump Bus Rally at his business.
Malagari did not return a request for comment on Lambros' bid by press time.
