Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

Political Pulse host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick dive into the complex relationship between American health care and politics, with specific regard to Pennsylvania and its role as a "purple" state in elections. Insights from a recent Muhlenberg College survey help depict Pennsylvanians' attitudes on the matter.

Latino leaders spoke about a proposed budget bill that would cut funding for Medicaid and SNAP programs while urging residents to vote in the upcoming May election. The leaders from UnidosUS and the Lehigh Valley also touched on immigration fears.

Pennsylvania voters must be registered and affiliated with a major party by close-of-business Monday to participate in the May 20 municipal primaries.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont rallied about 6,000 people at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem to oppose President Donald Trump's efforts to slash federal services and demand the Democratic Party renew its focus on the working class.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk urged protesters to “make sure everyone hears you in Allentown” before they started walking toward the office U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie shares with Sen. David McCormick on Hamilton Street.

Be it Hellertown and Lower Saucon’s park space, historic landmarks or culture and collaboration as a whole, the local council and school board met to discuss their communities ahead of the May 20 primary election.

Carol Obando-Derstine will enter the 2026 Democratic primary for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional primary. The battleground district is held by U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, a Republican serving his first term.

This week on Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick talk about the impact primary elections have beyond what meets the eye, like campaign challenges and voter fatigue.

Tara Zrinski and Amy Cozze are seeking the Democratic nomination for county executive in the May 20 primary election. They debated Wednesday at Univest Public Media Center in Bethlehem.

Five candidates on stage spoke of the city’s need for more affordable housing and public safety improvements but tried to differentiate their plans. Two women running for council were not allowed to participate.

American investors are endangering national security by empowering adversaries like China and Russia to develop technology such as artificial intelligence and quantum information science, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said. He's looking to limit how American companies invest in key industries in "countries of concern" and how they can in turn invest in American businesses.

This week on Political Pulse, Tom and Chris talk about public opinion polling at a state and national level — and what that means to voters.

A microcosm of Pennsylvania, Northampton County's urban areas, rural farms and middle-class suburbs make it a melting pot of different political stripes.

The giant inflatable IUD, named Freeda Womb, is part of a nationwide tour with Americans for Contraception aiming to rally voters around access to birth control.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff played off an enthusiastic crowd at Dieruff High School to promote his wife Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.

State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie and U.S. Rep. Susan Wild tangled over Medicare, foreign affairs and Social Security during an hourlong debate Friday at WFMZ's Salisbury Township studio.

Dozens of individuals from a variety of organizing groups assembled in Allentown Thursday to rally for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, motivating the crowd to join in the fight.

Debra Biro, Melanie Heilman, Steve Lynch and Richard Morea face charges of harassment following a raucous Northampton County Republican Committee meeting involving pornographic images.

The visit will be Doug Emhoff's second to Allentown as second gentleman. He visited the region in May 2021 to promote the Biden administration's infrastructure plan.

This week on Political Pulse, Chris and Tom move away from talk of the presidential race and shift gears to focus on statehouse races.

Pennsylvania's 137th House District, based around Bethlehem Township and the Nazareth area, is one of the biggest toss-up legislative districts in the state. Democratic challenger Anna Thomas is embroiled in a rematch with Republican incumbent state Rep. Joe Emrick.

Following a Commonwealth Court ruling Friday, Pennsylvania counties cannot throw out mail-in votes over incorrect envelope dates.