BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Democrat Tara Zrinski declared victory Tuesday in the race for Northampton County Executive.
With all precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Zrinski capturing 59% of the vote, while Republican nominee Tom Giovanni received 40.9% of votes cast in the race.
Zrinski, a Bethlehem resident and the current Northampton County Controller, joined the race this year at the urging of outgoing executive Lamont McClure, she said.
Her campaign centered on improving the county-owned Gracedale nursing home, keeping taxes low, improving employee recruitment and retention and bolstering county-provided social services.
“I think I really connected with voters and my communities, and I think that really made the difference,” Zrinski said, speaking at an election night watch party at McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub in Bethlehem.
“We all talked about farmland preservation. We all talked about Gracedale. We all talked about keeping taxes in line and fiscal responsibility.
"But at the end of the day, going door-to-door and talking to voters and having all these people in this room working — that is what made the difference."
Zrinski bested Republican Tom Giovanni, a county commissioner and former IT consultant. Giovanni will keep his spot on Northampton County Council, where he is on track to serve as the body’s only Republican.
Giovanni said he left a voicemail conceding the race and congratulating Zrinski on her win late Tuesday.
Zrinski will resign her post as controller come January, touching off a new contest to fill the opening next year.
Per the county's home rule charter, County Council responsible for appointing a temporary county controller until the election is resolved.
