Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

The forum is set to start at 6 p.m. Monday at Resurrected Life Church in Center City Allentown.

Democratic voters in Pennsylvania's 16th and 18th Senate districts may have contested races this spring. Meanwhile, Republican Zach Mako is seeking re-election in Pennsylvania's 183rd House District.

The special election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, in the 22nd House District, which covers parts of East Allentown, Center City and a part of Salisbury Township. The debate was broadcast live on PBS39 and streamed here at LehighValleyNews.com.

Joining host Tom Shortell on this week's Political Pulse, Ryan Crosswell said his campaign is focused on two priorities: lowering costs for families and defending democratic institutions.

Appearing on this week's Lehigh Valley Political Pulse with host Tom Shortell, Pinsley framed his campaign around what he described as “bread and butter issues,” arguing that rising costs remain the central concern for voters, and that corporate power is to blame.

Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal falls back on familiar proposals to regulate skill games and legalize marijuana, two flashpoints that fueled a months-long budget impasse last year.

The rich got richer in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District race at the close of 2025. Campaign finance reports show Ryan Mackenzie, Bob Brooks and Ryan Crosswell raised nearly $1.4 million while Lamont McClure, Carol Obando-Derstine and Mark Pinsley each saw their campaigns lose money.

Lehigh County election staff are preparing new polling places and drop box spots for the Feb. 24 special election for the state's 22nd House District between Democrat Ana Tiburcio and Republican Robert Smith Jr.

Lehigh Valley Public Media is organizing the debate between Democrat Ana Tiburcio and Republican Robert E. Smith Jr. It will be held Thursday, Feb. 12, at Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown. The special election is Feb. 24.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie defended expanded immigration enforcement under the Trump administration while acknowledging the need for reforms after recent incidents involving federal agents.

Lehigh Valley Voter's Guide: An FAQ and what you need to know for the 2022 midterm election

The U.S. Supreme Court has nullified a lower court's ruling that supported the counting of mail-in ballots that were missing a date on an outer envelope. But, the ruling will not affect the outcome of a Lehigh County judicial race that hinged on these ballots.

Democrat Josh Siegel and Republican Robert Smith were asked to explain their positions on topics such as abortion, gun control and marijuana legalization.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk discussed his philosophy for city government during an hour-long address to the Lehigh County League of Women Voters on Monday.

Doug Mastriano called for restricting rights of trans students in schools and ending pandemic mandates if elected as governor of Pennsylvania.

Attorneys for Lehigh County and the America First Legal Foundation made their cases in a lawsuit that seeks to determine how Lehigh County will use ballot drop boxes in the upcoming election.

More early voting options now available in Northampton County

The men sounded off on issues respectfully in Allentown

Democratic incumbent Susan Wild and Republican challenger Lisa Scheller faced off in a lively first debate for PA-7. The heated exchanges were dwarfed by the unruly crowd, which shouted and jeered throughout the debate. During a break, show staff asked the audience to refrain from cursing during taping.

Northampton County voters can now register and vote in the same visit for the November election.

Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong says that regardless of a lawsuit filed by former Trump administration officials, the county will use its five drop boxes in the upcoming election.

Acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman says more than 5 million residents have used mail-in voting since 2020.