Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

Travel is expected to be tricky Monday afternoon as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are expected to be in the area on the final day of the presidential campaign before Election Day.

The race to represent northern Northampton County in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives pits a newcomer to politics against an incumbent Republican seeking her third term in Harrisburg.

Many Lehigh Valley college students are voting in their first presidential election Tuesday. Here's what campus leaders had to say about their top issues and the candidates they support.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer came to Allentown in support of 7th Congressional District candidate Ryan Mackenzie Saturday during a last push for Republican support in Pennsylvania.

Simply put, a yes vote is a vote to let council raise the deed transfer tax. A no vote would keep the city's cap in place.

The Supreme Court has rejected an emergency appeal from Republicans that could have led to thousands of provisional ballots not being counted in Pennsylvania.

Healey, the first lesbian to openly serve as an American governor, visited the campaign office on Hamilton Street. She was in town for a large rally of public sector unions Friday evening on behalf of U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley.

The community center gazebo is hoped to be a place for local veterans to feel recognized, as well as to relax and reflect

Lehigh County Clerk of Elections Tim Benyo said his office contacted law enforcement after determining an organization turned in hundreds of faulty voter registration applications.

Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign is making a final push to rally supporters and win votes in Allentown after former President Donald Trump rolled through the city this week.

Appearing on this week's Lehigh Valley Political Pulse with host Tom Shortell, Pinsley framed his campaign around what he described as “bread and butter issues,” arguing that rising costs remain the central concern for voters, and that corporate power is to blame.

Lawmakers voted 46-1 on Senate Bill 1014, bipartisan legislation that would require public schools to adopt "bell-to-bell" policies restricting student use of smartphones and other internet-connected devices throughout the entire school day.

Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal falls back on familiar proposals to regulate skill games and legalize marijuana, two flashpoints that fueled a months-long budget impasse last year.

The rich got richer in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District race at the close of 2025. Campaign finance reports show Ryan Mackenzie, Bob Brooks and Ryan Crosswell raised nearly $1.4 million while Lamont McClure, Carol Obando-Derstine and Mark Pinsley each saw their campaigns lose money.

Lehigh County election staff are preparing new polling places and drop box spots for the Feb. 24 special election for the state's 22nd House District between Democrat Ana Tiburcio and Republican Robert Smith Jr.

Lehigh Valley Public Media is organizing the debate between Democrat Ana Tiburcio and Republican Robert E. Smith Jr. It will be held Thursday, Feb. 12, at Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown. The special election is Feb. 24.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie defended expanded immigration enforcement under the Trump administration while acknowledging the need for reforms after recent incidents involving federal agents.

The live, hourlong show will be broadcast at 7 tonight and explore how the Trump administration and policies are influencing the Lehigh Valley. It will be hosted by PBS39's Brittany Sweeney and is available on several channels.

Democrat Geoffrey Whitcomb intends to campaign for the Lehigh County-based district that Republican Gary Day currently represents. The seat heavily favors Republicans.

Guests enjoyed dinner Tuesday night at Bethlehem's United Steelworkers Union Hall before a panel of five women tried to make sense of rising costs for housing, groceries, healthcare and other essential needs.

State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, introduced a bill this week to more sharply define when local governments can forgo a requirement in the Sunshine Act of publicizing meeting agendas at least 24 hours in advance.

McClure, who recently completed his second term as Northampton County executive after serving 10 years on county council, is seeking the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District.