Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

“These signs of erosion within the Republican unity around the president and his policy proposals," political scientist Chris Borick said on this week's Political Pulse.

Northampton County Executive-elect Tara Zrinski on Monday announced an eight-member committee to help make appointments and set policy for her upcoming administration. Her group of outside advisors could soon grow to more than 90.

Easton City Councilwoman Taiba Sultana said late Friday that she has filed a formal police report after being subjected to "aggressive harassment, intimidation and politically motivated threats" during the city Christmas Parade.

Lehigh County Democratic Committee Chair Lori McFarland said precinct committee people living in Pennsylvania's 22nd state House District could determine their nominee in the upcoming special election. Candidate Ce-Ce Gerlach believes that would put the choice in the hands of just six or seven people.

Northampton County officials, armed with 30 numbered ping pong balls, settled 116 tied races Friday left undecided in this month's municipal election.

Julian Guridy, the son of former Allentown City Councilman Julio Guridy, has worked in constituent services for state Sen. Nick Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton, the past two years

Ending the shutdown: Political scientist Chris Borick joins Tom Shortell for this episode of Political Pulse to help break down the breakthrough between Democrats and Republicans.

Tuesday’s meeting was the last before new election commission members are sworn in. The commission criticized the county’s home rule charter — the charter created the commission — as too vague, leaving officials to scrap over who has what powers.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, voted in favor of it.

Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, did not sign the discharge petition that will force a vote on releasing the Epstein files on Tuesday. However, Mackenzie has said for months he would support the measure if it came to a vote.

East Penn School Board race features two contentious slates of candidates.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 is the last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot, in order to vote in the upcoming Pennsylvania primary.

Three of the four incumbents are not seeking re-election to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners this year. That leaves the Democratic primary — and future control of the board — wide open.

Democratic mayoral primary candidates Peter Melan and incumbent Sal Panto Jr. addressed affordable housing, parking and other topics in a debate organized by Lafayette College. The election is May 16.

Easton's Democratic primary will feature a faceoff between longstanding Mayor Sal Panto Jr. and councilman Peter Melan.

The May 16 Democratic primary will almost certainly determine who wins seats on the Allentown City Council starting next year. Each of the seven candidates filed to appear only on Democratic ballots.

The candidates — five Democrats and two Republicans — are fighting for three open seats on Bethlehem City Council. The primary election is taking place May 16.

Stephen Baratta spent more than $115,000 in his bid for Northampton County district attorney, not including in-kind contributions of nearly $50,000. Incumbent Terry Houck raised nearly $100,000, according to campaign finance reports.

When voters go to the polls or fill out their mail ballots for Pennsylvania’s May 16 primary election, they’ll see a slew of local candidates. Here are some steps you can take to prepare.

Missed any of our election coverage? Here is a convenient way to scan the stories on local races that affect the May 2023 primary election. Stories will publish through May 14.

Incumbents Maury G. Robert and Ron R. Beitler are joined on the ballot by challenger Gregory S. Chaputa, all noting land preservation and managing development as a priority.

Former judge Stephen Baratta, looking to oust Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck, held court in the Government Center Rotunda Thursday.