Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

The May 16 Democratic primary will almost certainly determine who wins seats on the Allentown City Council starting next year. Each of the seven candidates filed to appear only on Democratic ballots.

The candidates — five Democrats and two Republicans — are fighting for three open seats on Bethlehem City Council. The primary election is taking place May 16.

Stephen Baratta spent more than $115,000 in his bid for Northampton County district attorney, not including in-kind contributions of nearly $50,000. Incumbent Terry Houck raised nearly $100,000, according to campaign finance reports.

The primary election for Easton City Council featured seven candidates, all Democrats, squaring off for three open positions.

When voters go to the polls or fill out their mail ballots for Pennsylvania’s May 16 primary election, they’ll see a slew of local candidates. Here are some steps you can take to prepare.

Incumbents Maury G. Robert and Ron R. Beitler are joined on the ballot by challenger Gregory S. Chaputa, all noting land preservation and managing development as a priority.

Former judge Stephen Baratta, looking to oust Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck, held court in the Government Center Rotunda Thursday.

The township election is on May 16. The candidates are hoping to make a splash with voters come Election Day.

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.

The chamber will return this week to focus on providing legal relief to sexual abuse survivors, but leaders are still debating what permanent rules to govern the chamber should look like.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. kicked off his campaign for a record seventh term in office Thursday night.

Colón, a Democrat, is seeking a third term. He was first elected in 2016.

Incumbent Mayor Sal Panto Jr. on Thursday plans to make an official announcement of his candidacy for reelection in the upcoming municipal elections this year.

The decision comes three months after Pinsley lost his state Senate race, running as a Democrat.

Laird, who helped found the Bethlehem Food Co-op, announced a run for City Council Tuesday.

Cusick, 56, a Republican, was elected to county council's at-large seat in 2006, and has represented District 3 on the body since 2016.

Michelle Graupner, a South Whitehall Township Democrat, hopes to become Lehigh County's second clerk of judicial records.

91.3 WLVR's Brad Klein speaks with Capitol Bureau Chief Sam Dunklau about the balance of power in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

The Pennsylvania state House has been unable to function for a month. Three special elections this week could end the standoff, though big questions remain.

The refusal thus far of Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro to disclose who paid for his inaugural party has exposed the gap in state law that lets governors in Pennsylvania escape the kind of transparency sometimes required elsewhere

Atty. Brian Panella pushed back on claims by Atty. Nancy Aaroe, his opponent in the race for Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, that he lacks trial experience.