Key Contests in Pennsylvania’s Northeast and North-Central Primary Elections
As primary elections approach in Pennsylvania, the races for Scranton mayor and Luzerne County Council are set to capture significant attention. Voters will decide on candidates from both Democratic and Republican parties in these regions, with a focus on local offices and judicial vacancies.
Across eight counties, voters will choose nominees for common pleas court judgeships. Seven of these counties feature contested races. At the state level, selections for state Superior and Commonwealth court vacancies are on the agenda. Republican candidates include Maria Battista from Clarion County and Ann Marie Wheatcraft from Chester County for Superior Court, and Matt Wolford from Erie County along with Josh Prince from Berks County for Commonwealth Court. Democratic candidates are Brandon Newman from Washington County for Superior Court and Stella Tsai from Philadelphia for Commonwealth Court.
Local elections will also see nominations for positions such as magisterial district judges, school boards, township boards, and borough councils. Bradford and Wayne counties are the exceptions, with no county offices up for election this year. Carbon, Lycoming, Pike, Snyder, Susquehanna, and Union counties have no contested countywide offices.
Bradford County
Bradford County has no countywide offices up for election. However, voters in Rome and New Albany will decide on a referendum regarding the allowance of licensed liquor sales within these boroughs.
Columbia County
A notable race in Columbia County involves incumbent Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony J. McDonald, facing Assistant District Attorney David C. James. Governor Josh Shapiro nominated McDonald earlier this year, with state Senate confirmation following swiftly. James seeks nominations from both parties, while McDonald is vying for the Republican slot. The winner will serve as a judge for both Columbia and Montour counties.
Lackawanna County
Scranton’s mayoral race sees incumbent Paige Cognetti contesting against Bob Sheridan for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, Lynn Labrosky and Trish Beynon are competing. The winners will face off in November, potentially against independent candidates Gene Barrett and Michael Mancini. Additionally, voters will nominate candidates for common pleas court judge and district attorney, where incumbents face no opposition.
Luzerne County
In Luzerne County, incumbents on the County Council seek re-election against several challengers. The Republican side features John Lombardo, Brian Thornton, Greg Wolovich, and Kevin Lescavage, with additional candidates vying for nominations. Democrats have their list of candidates as well, with a total of five nominees from each party advancing to the November elections. Luzerne voters will also decide on a new common pleas court judgeship. Hazleton voters will determine if a government study commission should be formed.
Lycoming County
No contested countywide races are present in Lycoming County. However, residents in Cascade, Gamble, Mifflin, and Porter townships will vote on a referendum regarding the allowance of licensed small games of chance.
Monroe County
Five attorneys are in the running for two nominations for common pleas court judge in Monroe County. The November ballot will also include a choice for treasurer, though both candidates are unopposed in the primary.
Northumberland County
In Northumberland County, two common pleas judgeships are contested, with candidates seeking nominations from both parties.
Schuylkill County
Two major races are on the ballot in Schuylkill County, including the district attorney race with incumbent Michael O’Pake facing John Henry Urbanski. Sheriff candidates Shawn Butler and Frank J. DiMarco contest the other race, with no Democrats on the ballot.
Sullivan County
Sullivan County shares a common pleas judge race with Wyoming County. Details are covered in the Wyoming County section.
Wyoming County
Wyoming County has two countywide races, including a contest for a new common pleas court judgeship. Three attorneys are competing for the position. Additionally, a referendum will ask Laceyville voters if they favor licensed liquor sales in the borough.
Follow the WVIA News Team at wvia.org on Tuesday for up-to-date election coverage.
