Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

Lehigh County Democrats confirmed that Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley is circulating petitions for both Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District and Pennsylvania's 16th state Senate District.

The seven Democrats running for the Lehigh Valley's congressional district agreed on virtually every issue during a candidate's forum in Allentown on Monday evening. Instead of policy, candidates tried to differentiate themselves through their records and credentials.

Voters are increasingly breaking with the Republican and Democratic parties. One national poll found a record 45% of Americans consider themselves politically independent.

The forum is set to start at 6 p.m. Monday at Resurrected Life Church in Center City Allentown.

Democratic voters in Pennsylvania's 16th and 18th Senate districts may have contested races this spring. Meanwhile, Republican Zach Mako is seeking re-election in Pennsylvania's 183rd House District.

The special election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, in the 22nd House District, which covers parts of East Allentown, Center City and a part of Salisbury Township. The debate was broadcast live on PBS39 and streamed here at LehighValleyNews.com.

Joining host Tom Shortell on this week's Political Pulse, Ryan Crosswell said his campaign is focused on two priorities: lowering costs for families and defending democratic institutions.

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.

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.

President Joe Biden said he would use his remaining time in office to pursue Supreme Court reforms, among other goals.

The head of the Pennsylvania State Police said two local law enforcement officers stationed in the complex of buildings where the gunman opened fire at former President Donald Trump left to go search for the man before the shooting. State police testified before a congressional hearing Tuesday.

Mayor Matt Tuerk is set to attend an event hosted by the vice president this week. But it’s unclear whether Kamala Harris will be there after officially launching her presidential campaign Tuesday.

Gov. Josh Shapiro is believed to be on the short list of vice-presidential candidates that presumed Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is considering.

As support coalesces around Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee for president, the conversation has turned to a potential running mate. Among the leading contenders is Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, Lehigh County Democratic Chair Lori McFarland and political organizer Aidan Levinson said they could rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket. They are among the Lehigh Valley's contingent of delegates heading to the Democratic National Convention in August.

President Joe Biden announced he will end his bid for reelection and support Kamala Harris for the presidency. Lehigh Valley politicians were quick to weigh in with their thoughts after weeks of speculation about Biden's fitness for office and his future.

The Democratic Party's convention is a little less than a month away. Even with President Joe Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be his successor, there are unanswered questions about logistics, money and political fallout.

President Joe Biden's decision comes in the wake of a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about Biden's fitness for office just four months before the election. Biden said he is throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, the party’s instant favorite for the nomination at its August convention in Chicago.

Northampton County Council voted down a resolution Thursday that endorsed the idea of free and fair elections but did not affect county operations. Some members have grown frustrated with such messaging legislation in recent weeks.

Join Megan Frank at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. every Friday for Insights with LehighValleyNews.com on WLVR. This week, she's joined by politics reporter Tom Shortell and digital managing producer Stephanie Sigafoos.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild had 10 times as much cash on hand as Republican challenger Ryan Mackenzie as of June 30, campaign finance reports show.