Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

Justin Simmons, who served a decade in the Pennsylvania House, is the first Republican to announce a bid for the county’s top job.

Ron W. Beitler is seeking reelection to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, he announced in a news release Tuesday.

Gov. Josh Shapiro is scheduled to deliver his budget proposal for 2025-26 to a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. He is expected to seek more money for public schools and public transit.

A lifelong Bethlehem resident announced her run for City Council Monday. With strong city ties and a commitment to inclusiveness, she said, she aims to build on Bethlehem’s growth and address key local issues.

Rachel Leon, a member of Bethlehem City Council, will run for another term in office, she said Thursday.

The Trump administration directive, rescinded Wednesday, could have put tens of millions of dollars at risk across the Lehigh Valley, speakers said Friday outside the Lehigh County Government Center.

Democrat Geoff Brace, who represents the county’s 4th District, announced his plans to seek another term.

Join Megan Frank at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. every Friday for Insights with LehighValleyNews.com on WLVR. This week Megan talks to environment and science reporter Molly Bilinski and Northampton County reporter Ryan Gaylor.

In a speech in Bethlehem on Thursday, Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski formally announced her run for county executive. The county's incumbent executive endorsed her for the post, and will help fund her campaign.

Crampsie Smith said she will focus on fiscal management, smart growth, neighborhoods, infrastructure.

The U.S. Supreme Court has nullified a lower court's ruling that supported the counting of mail-in ballots that were missing a date on an outer envelope. But, the ruling will not affect the outcome of a Lehigh County judicial race that hinged on these ballots.

Democrat Josh Siegel and Republican Robert Smith were asked to explain their positions on topics such as abortion, gun control and marijuana legalization.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk discussed his philosophy for city government during an hour-long address to the Lehigh County League of Women Voters on Monday.

Doug Mastriano called for restricting rights of trans students in schools and ending pandemic mandates if elected as governor of Pennsylvania.

Attorneys for Lehigh County and the America First Legal Foundation made their cases in a lawsuit that seeks to determine how Lehigh County will use ballot drop boxes in the upcoming election.

More early voting options now available in Northampton County

The men sounded off on issues respectfully in Allentown

Democratic incumbent Susan Wild and Republican challenger Lisa Scheller faced off in a lively first debate for PA-7. The heated exchanges were dwarfed by the unruly crowd, which shouted and jeered throughout the debate. During a break, show staff asked the audience to refrain from cursing during taping.

Northampton County voters can now register and vote in the same visit for the November election.

Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong says that regardless of a lawsuit filed by former Trump administration officials, the county will use its five drop boxes in the upcoming election.

Acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman says more than 5 million residents have used mail-in voting since 2020.

The vote will uphold the 2019 measure allowing any voter to use a mail-in ballot.