Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

House Republicans are already rallying around U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, as he looks to defend Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. The seat is one of the most competitive — and expensive — congressional races in the country.

Cancer caused 66% of the career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to 2019, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters. In his 2025-26 budget proposal, Gov. Josh Shapiro hopes to pay for firefighters' annual cancer screenings at the state level.

The two-term councilman made that pledge during Thursday night’s Allentown mayoral primary debate with incumbent Matt Tuerk at Miller Symphony Hall.

Mayor Matt Tuerk and Councilman Ed Zucal went head to head in the Democratic primary election for Allentown mayor. The debate streamed Thursday on LehighValleyNews.com and will air on PBS39 on Friday night.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure delivered his final State of the County address in Bethlehem on Monday. He used the speech to recap his administration's proudest accomplishments and criticize recent actions by the federal government.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who joined Congress in January, has been a vocal advocate for President Donald Trump while quietly testing the limits of his support in the battleground district of PA-7.

At a debate in Allentown on Thursday, candidates seeking the Republican nomination for Lehigh County Executive gave virtually the same answers to every question.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, defended the Trump administration's tariff policy and DOGE cuts during the 90-minute CNN "Town Hall: America Asks Congress" on Thursday night.

More eyes are on local and international races, especially with billionaire Elon Musk becoming more politically active. Why should anyone care about smaller elections? This week on Political Pulse, Tom Shortell and Chris Borick dive into those details.

Multiple sources tell LehighValleyNews.com that Carol Obando-Derstine is expected to launch a campaign for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. The battleground seat is held by freshman U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley.

Rep. Robert Freeman and Easton City Councilwoman Taiba Sultana took questions from the 136th District constituents at Greater Shiloh Church onTuesday night.

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.

Last month, U.S. Rep. Susan Wild introduced legislation that would codify access to IVF treatments across the country. Following a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling, the bill finds itself at the center of debate in the nation's capital.

Kevin Dellicker, Ryan Mackenzie and Maria Montero pitched their candidacies for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District during a taped debate Wednesday. The 'Business Matters' episode will air on WFMZ Monday.

Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney painted former President Donald Trump as an existential threat to American democracy during an hour-long lecture at Lehigh University Tuesday evening.

Lafayette College officials are preparing to host the U.S. vice presidential debate Sept. 25. Two watch parties are in the works, and the school is already seeking volunteers to help with the festivities.

A video clip showing auditor general candidate Malcolm Kenyatta telling a voter his Lehigh Valley-based opponent Mark Pinsley of not caring about Black people is circulating online, raising questions about the campaign.

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.

WLVR News Director Jen Rehill talks with journalists Tom Shortell and Micaela Hood.

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.