Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

Democrat Josh Siegel and Republican Roger MacLean are seeking election to a four-year term as Lehigh County executive – the leader of county government and its more than 2,000 employees.

After a social media post from a Northampton County councilwoman about Charlie Kirk's death spurred an uproar from residents, many took to Thursday night's council meeting to voice their frustrations and concerns. Council also proposed a new resolution condemning political violence.

Municipal elections typically see low voter turnout. A former Lehigh County official is holding a series of forums to allow voters and candidates the chance to change that by engaging with one another.

A Facebook fight between state Rep. Joshua Siegel, D-Lehigh, and Lehigh County Republican Committee Chairman Joe Vichot over Charlie Kirk and political violence spilled into public view Wednesday.

Emil Giordano served as a presiding judge on Northampton County Court, Third Judicial District, from 204 through 2018. He joins Tom Shortell on the latest episode of Lehigh Valley Political Pulse to shed some insight on the role and his time on the bench.

Palmer Township has appointed Baron Vanderburg to fill part of the remainder of the late Charles "Zeke" Bellis III's term on the board of supervisors.

The League of Women Voters of Lehigh County will moderate and run the forums in partnership with Lehigh Valley Public Media. Participating will be school board candidates from Allentown, Parkland, East Penn and Southern Lehigh school districts.

Lehigh County Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi is the only defendant in an alleged interstate marijuana ring whom authorities have publicly identified. He made his first public comments since being arrested Aug. 28 at his job at Bethlehem City Hall.

There's little precedent for what we’re seeing now as multiple states work to redraw their congressional boundaries mid-decade, Tom Shortell says on this week's episode of Political Pulse.

Candidates for Northampton County executive sat Wednesday for a pair of one-on-one interviews rather than a debate in their first major media appearances of the general election campaign.

Vice President JD Vance visited Uline Shipping Supplies in the Alburtis area and made a surprise stop at the Allentown Rescue Mission in his first trip to the Lehigh Valley since becoming President Trump's second-in-command.

Gov. Josh Shapiro has swung his support to firefighter union leader Bob Brooks ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District has five Democrats competing for the chance to challenge Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie.

Vice President JD Vance will swing through the Lehigh Valley on Tuesday as the Republican Party courts voters ahead of the midterm election. The Lehigh Valley and the surrounding area are ripe with swing voters who could flip control of the U.S. House in next year's election.

A former federal prosecutor now running for Congress, Ryan Croswell quit in February when President Donald Trump's administration dropped corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in return for his cooperation on immigration enforcement. Crosswell is among five candidates vying for the opportunity to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, a top target of Democrats in next year's midterm election, when control of the U.S. House will be on the line.

Millions of Americans will see their health premiums double if Congress doesn't extend tax credits for the Affordable Care Act beyond Dec. 31. U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, attached his name to last-ditch efforts to preserve the tax credits.

On this week’s episode of Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick talk about President Donald Trump’s campaign promises. The two talk about whether his ability to deliver on these promises impacted his approval ratings positively or negatively.

Prosecutors finally shared details of the charges with some defendants after three-and-a-half months, but a court order bars them from disclosing any of the information publicly.

The AP said Vance’s remarks will focus on the economy and aim to assure voters that the administration is working to address inflation, according to his office.

President Donald Trump blamed and insulted Democrats for the nation's high prices and inflation during a rally at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Monroe County on Tuesday night. The president pointed to his tariffs and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as evidence of how Republicans are righting the economy.

Republicans in key battleground U.S. House districts are working to contain the political fallout that may come when thousands of their constituents face higher bills for health insurance coverage obtained through the Affordable Care Act.

Josh Siegel wants to pursue a housing plan utilized in Montgomery County, Maryland, to create 1,500 apartment units in the region. His transition team includes a committee tasked with responding to Trump administration directives.

"Too many families are discovering that their gift was emptied by a scammer before it was ever used. We should not allow criminals to take advantage of this season of generosity," State Sen. Lisa Boscola said.