ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Michael Blichar Jr., a former candidate for state representative, has thrown his hat into the Lehigh County commissioner race.
Blichar, the assistant director of student services and leadership development at Northampton Community College, said he is running to ensure the county continues to provide strong services. He praised the operation of Cedarbrook and the county's mental health services and said he's an advocate for farmland preservation.
"They've been doing a lot of good work, especially in human services. I want to make sure that work continues," he said.
- Michael Blichar, an Allentown Democrat, is running for Lehigh County commissioner
- Blichar previously ran for state representative in 2018 and 2020
- Candidates have to file their petitions by the end of today to be eligible for the primary ballot
Blichar, a 28-year-old Democrat, mounted unsuccessful campaigns against former state Rep. Gary Day in northern Lehigh County in 2018 and 2020. Blichar said he has since moved to Allentown. His time living in different communities in the region would help him as an at-large commissioner, he said.
His opponents in the Democratic primary will include incumbent Dan Hartzell and Victor Martinez, owner and morning DJ of La Mega 101.7 FM. Commissioners Bob Elbich, David Harrington and Zakiya Smalls, all Democrats, are not seeking re-election.
All candidates hoping to make the 2023 primary ballot need to file their petitions by the end of the business day today. In Lehigh County, that deadline is 4 p.m.
