Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

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.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, will be one of four House members from battleground districts to take questions from a bipartisan audience and CNN anchors.

Lehigh Valley Public Media comprises LehighValleyNews.com, PBS39 and 91.3 WLVR. Debates to be held in advance of the May 20 primary election include Allentown mayor, Bethlehem mayor, Northampton County executive and Lehigh County executive.

Lehigh Valley business experts said it's too soon to determine how President Donald Trump's across-the-board tariffs of 10% or more will affect the economy but acknowledged that stakes are high.

Candidates for Lower Saucon Township Council and Stockertown Borough Council will remain in their races after Northampton County Judge Craig Dally dismissed or overruled efforts to kick them off the ballot for technical grounds.

This week on Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell is joined by political scientist Chris Borick to talk about the department, its standing in American politics and its future.

Easton United for Democracy, an advocacy group less than a month old, held a protest in the city's Centre Square Sunday to push back against the Trump Administration.

On this week’s episode of Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick talk about President Donald Trump’s campaign promises. The two talk about whether his ability to deliver on these promises impacted his approval ratings positively or negatively.

Prosecutors finally shared details of the charges with some defendants after three-and-a-half months, but a court order bars them from disclosing any of the information publicly.

The AP said Vance’s remarks will focus on the economy and aim to assure voters that the administration is working to address inflation, according to his office.

President Donald Trump blamed and insulted Democrats for the nation's high prices and inflation during a rally at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Monroe County on Tuesday night. The president pointed to his tariffs and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as evidence of how Republicans are righting the economy.

Republicans in key battleground U.S. House districts are working to contain the political fallout that may come when thousands of their constituents face higher bills for health insurance coverage obtained through the Affordable Care Act.

Josh Siegel wants to pursue a housing plan utilized in Montgomery County, Maryland, to create 1,500 apartment units in the region. His transition team includes a committee tasked with responding to Trump administration directives.

"Too many families are discovering that their gift was emptied by a scammer before it was ever used. We should not allow criminals to take advantage of this season of generosity," State Sen. Lisa Boscola said.

The coalition of 35 House lawmakers is led by Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia. They’re calling for a vote by Dec. 18 in both chambers of Congress, ahead of the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits by year's end.

“These signs of erosion within the Republican unity around the president and his policy proposals," political scientist Chris Borick said on this week's Political Pulse.

Northampton County Executive-elect Tara Zrinski on Monday announced an eight-member committee to help make appointments and set policy for her upcoming administration. Her group of outside advisors could soon grow to more than 90.

Easton City Councilwoman Taiba Sultana said late Friday that she has filed a formal police report after being subjected to "aggressive harassment, intimidation and politically motivated threats" during the city Christmas Parade.

Lehigh County Democratic Committee Chair Lori McFarland said precinct committee people living in Pennsylvania's 22nd state House District could determine their nominee in the upcoming special election. Candidate Ce-Ce Gerlach believes that would put the choice in the hands of just six or seven people.