Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, voted in favor of it.

Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, did not sign the discharge petition that will force a vote on releasing the Epstein files on Tuesday. However, Mackenzie has said for months he would support the measure if it came to a vote.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie helped secure $1.6 million in earmarks toward a new Alburtis Fire Station. The existing structure is too small to serve a modern fire department.

On this week's episode of Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick dissect the Democratic sweep in elections across the country and the Lehigh Valley last week.

The House passed a bill Wednesday night to end the nation's longest government shutdown, sending the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature after a historic 43-day funding lapse that saw federal workers go without multiple paychecks, travelers stranded at airports and people lining up at food banks to get a meal for their families.

Billions of dollars for Pennsylvania’s public schools and social services will soon start flowing after months of delay, as lawmakers on Wednesday approved a $50 billion spending plan to break the state’s budget impasse.

The historic 40-day federal shutdown could be coming to an end after eight members of the Democratic caucus broke ranks on a procedural vote Sunday.

Gov. Josh Shapiro says Pennsylvania's utility companies have stepped up to shelter low-income households this winter. The customers are usually covered by LIHEAP, but the federal assistance program has experienced delays due to the federal government shutdown.

“If my vote is the deciding vote … let me save you the suspense: No va pa sa. It’s not happening,” Councilwoman Cynthia Mota said during her Election Night speech last week.

State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Lehigh/Bucks, introduced the bill in 2023 after a student brought a knife to Schnecksville Elementary School. Parents didn't learn of the incident until a week later.

Lehigh County was expected to certify primary election results on June 1 but will now wait.

None of the results of Lehigh County's November election have yet to be certified.

The Pa. Department of State has offered some guidance, officials say.

The ruling could impact the race between Lehigh County judicial candidates Republican David Ritter and Democrat Zachary Cohen.

"...Now I feel welcome. I feel wanted," Santiago said.

State lawmaker expresses frustration with the history of missteps by the county elections office.

State Sen. Pat Browne trails Coleman by 30 votes out of more than 30,000 reportedly cast.

Kevin Dellicker won in two of the four counties needed to carry the race.

Parkland School Board member Jarrett Coleman maintained a razor-thin edge over the veteran lawmaker.

The six-way race included three Democrats and three Republicans.

In April, Santiago scrambled to collect enough votes to be able to run in the primary election.

The Allentown City Council member will face Republican Robert E. Smith Jr. in November's general election.