ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Just 25 votes separate the fourth- and fifth-placed candidates in the race for four seats on Allentown City Council after almost all votes were counted from Tuesday’s Democratic primary.
But three-term Allentown City Councilman Daryl Hendricks, who closely trails political newcomer Cristian Pungo, appears resigned to losing his race for re-election.
“I felt that I'd given my best to the city and its citizens, and I've done so for a very long time, so I did not anticipate being in a position such as this."Daryl Hendricks, Allentown City Council
Hendricks called the unofficial results “a little disappointing, to say the least,” and spoke of trying “to enjoy retirement” when his term comes to an end in early 2026.
“I felt that I'd given my best to the city and its citizens, and I've done so for a very long time, so I did not anticipate being in a position such as this,” Hendricks told LehighValleyNews.com on Wednesday afternoon.
“But as it is, I will wait until the outcome is certified and accept whatever the decision is.”
Hendricks thanked his wife and family for making “a lot of sacrifices” that let him serve the city for almost 50 years as a police officer and councilman.
“I have five wonderful grandchildren, and I'll have [an] opportunity to spend more time with them and my wife,” Hendricks said.
He also thanked Allentown residents for “giving me the opportunity to serve them,” a sentiment heard in many candidates’ concession remarks.
Pungo a political newcomer
But Pungo was hesitant to declare victory Wednesday afternoon.
Pungo, a construction manager at Alvin H. Butz Inc., narrowly trailed Hendricks for much of the night but took a 25-vote lead when more results were added to the Lehigh County election page at 11:35 p.m. Tuesday.
Pungo said he’s not entirely comfortable with such a narrow lead, but highlighted how in-person voting trends appear to be working in his favor.
“I think we can bring a new level of collaboration."Cristian Pungo, Allentown City Council candidate
Hendricks held his largest lead early in the night after mail-in vote totals were posted.
Pungo said he wants to speak to Hendricks and other council members before potentially claiming victory, or he could wait until the Lehigh County Election Board makes it official on Friday morning.
Pungo is poised to be nominated for a seat on council alongside fellow first-time candidate Jeremy Binder and Council members Cynthia Mota and Natalie Santos.
Voters electing two new members shows they want “different perspectives [and] new ideas,” he said.
“I think we can bring a new level of collaboration,” Pungo said.
He said he “made it a point not to have any sort of negative communications with other candidates,” with whom he would work on council.
He also said his election alongside Santos and Mota means council is “starting to reflect more of our community [with] more diversity.”
Pungo said he hopes that translates to “better communication” with Allentown residents.
