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.

The U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to halt a federal appeals court ruling that the votes be counted.

Browne, of Allentown, says he is proud of his work on the state Senate Appropriations Committee.

A state court recently ordered the ballots to be tallied. Still other justices disagree on the matter.

Lehigh County was expected to certify primary election results on June 1 but will now wait.

None of the results of Lehigh County's November election have yet to be certified.

The Pa. Department of State has offered some guidance, officials say.

The ruling could impact the race between Lehigh County judicial candidates Republican David Ritter and Democrat Zachary Cohen.

"...Now I feel welcome. I feel wanted," Santiago said.

State lawmaker expresses frustration with the history of missteps by the county elections office.

State Sen. Pat Browne trails Coleman by 30 votes out of more than 30,000 reportedly cast.

Kevin Dellicker won in two of the four counties needed to carry the race.

Parkland School Board member Jarrett Coleman maintained a razor-thin edge over the veteran lawmaker.