Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

Three incumbents — Candida Affa, Cecilia “Ce-Ce” Gerlach and Santo Napoli — are seeking to retain their seats in the 2023 Democratic primary for Allentown City Council. They face challenges from Luis Acevedo, Rodney Bushe, Sarina Torres and Tino Babayan.

The candidates are incumbents Jacob Roth and Diane Kelly, Public Safety Commission member Chris Peischl, local business owner and former commissioner Ben Long and former commissioner Thomas Johns.

Easton mayoral candidates Peter Melan and Sal Panto Jr. will partake in an audience-driven debate at Lafayette College Monday, May 8.

The candidates are trying to fill three seats.

Monday, May 1, is the last day to register to vote in the Pennsylvania primary.

Five Republican candidates have signed a pledge to ban transgender students from using the bathroom of their choice and review the curriculum for "wokeness."

Democrat Terry Houck is attempting to secure the Republican nomination for Northampton County district attorney with a write-in campaign. The effort is opposed by Northampton County Republican Committee Chair Glenn Geissinger.

Newcomers looking to unseat three incumbents in primary election for Bethlehem Area school board.

The two positions bring a diverse set of experiences to represent those visiting the polls. The candidates include a project manager, corrections officer, lawyer and horticulture specialist among others.

Five incumbents are running on a record of high test scores and few tax hikes, while five challengers campaign on improvements for the district.

Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta declined to discuss complaints about Taiba Sultana's petitions for state representative, saying he did not want to interfere with any potential investigation.

Two recently formed super PACs are attacking Republican Ryan Mackenzie in the GOP primary for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. But Mackenzie and others allege it is an effort by Democrats to interfere in the crowded primary.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk is yet to officially launch a re-election campaign, but it's safe to assume he'll run in 2025 for a second term.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Northampton County Elections Office is seeking 10 additional county registered voters to serve as poll workers for the primary election on April 23 and general election on Nov. 5.

The legislation would allow gun owners to keep their weapon stored in their car, but would make it a misdemeanor offense to bring it inside a polling place.

The nominating petition for Taiba Sultana, a candidate for Pennsylvania's 136th House District, contained a questionable signature belonging to a Lisa Boscola. State Sen. Lisa Boscola and incumbent state Rep. Robert Freeman are accusing her of fraud.

Tuesday served as a preview of the political campaigns to come as candidates filed paperwork to appear on the April primary ballot. Voters will decide races for president, Congress and the General Assembly among others this year.

Candidates for president, Congress, the General Assembly and Pennsylvania's row offices must file their petitions with the state by Tuesday. Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley could be a critical swing region at both the national and state levels.

Allen Issa, a former congressional aide and Penn State Law student, endorsed Maria Montero for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District race.

Northampton County's newest member, Jeffrey Corpora, was appointed to the body Wednesday afternoon. Corpora said even he is not exactly sure how he was selected.

Given expected shortages, Allentown high schools and others are connecting the county elections staff with students in hopes of beefing up the number of young and bilingual poll workers.