Pittsburgh, our twice-annual opportunity to shape the future of local politics has arrived. Every election is important, and the 2025 general contest is no different. From critical judicial elections at the top of the ballot down to contested races within the City of Pittsburgh, 2025 general election voters will have a major say in how the next decade looks in council chambers, state and local courts, and on Grant Street.
But there’s one big difference this time: what’s happening in Washington, D.C. As of this writing, the federal government is shut down. ICE raids have shaken area communities. Federal funding for numerous projects has been slashed. Abortion care and transgender rights have come under attack. Economic pain continues for many Americans. And a compromised information environment leaves people unsure of whom to trust.
Election Day is a chance for Pittsburgh-area voters to express how they feel about the above and shape Pennsylvania’s response in the short and long term. The Pa. Supreme Court has issued rulings in recent years protecting privacy rights, cannabis decriminalization, and mail-in voting. Below them, the Superior and Commonwealth courts have a major say in civil and criminal matters affecting all Pennsylvanians. The races below these, from county sheriff down to school boards, will determine who is in place here in Greater Pittsburgh to steer the ship as pressure from Washington continues.
Off-year elections are seldom bombastic, high-turnout affairs, but they’re where the proverbial sausage gets made. This year, regardless of the outcomes in individual races, retirements mean Allegheny County Council will have at least two new faces. Pittsburgh will have a new mayor and at least one new city councilor. The Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas will also get an infusion of new jurists.
In sum, Election Day 2025 is likely to bring about changes in the region. Your vote — or lack thereof — will determine the nature of those changes.
If you’re not registered to vote, you have until Mon., Oct. 20 to do so. If you’re a newcomer or have moved, make sure to check your registration status and find your polling place ahead of time. Mail-in voters have until Tue., Oct. 28 to request a ballot. And in-person voters, we encourage you to show up at your polling places Nov. 4.
Democracy depends on all of you.
Colin Williams Pittsburgh City Paper News Editor
This Election Guide was fact-checked by Tory Basile and Ember Duke of Pittsburgh’s Public Source, a nonprofit newsroom serving the Pittsburgh region.
PA. SUPERIOR COURT
BY COLIN WILLIAMS // CWILLIAMS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
The Pa. Superior Court hears high-level criminal appeals and family court cases involving private entities. Since 2023, this 15-member intermediate court has been split 8-6 between Democrats and Republicans, with one vacancy created when Democrat Daniel McCa ery was elected to the Pa. Supreme Court. Justices serve 10-year terms and must retire at 75. Democratic Washington County judge Brandon Neuman, Republican legal consultant Maria Battista, and Liberal Party attorney and professor Daniel Wassmer are vying for McCa ery’s former spot on the bench. Superior Court Judge Alice Dubow, a Democrat, is also up for retention.
Washington County native. U of Richmond undergrad and Duquesne J.D. Former trial lawyer. Pa. Rep. (2011-2017) with service on justice committees and chair of the O ense-Related Guidelines Review Subcommittee. Washington Co. common pleas judge (2018-pres.).
Calls this “a generational election.” Cites experience in criminal, family, and civil courtrooms. Touts broad base of support from labor groups and law enforcement. Says he wants to “rebuild trust” and improve court integrity.
Authored legislation to clear rape kit backlog. Has presided over criminal and family law. Received three law-enforcement endorsements.
Issued decision requiring Washington Co. to notify voters of errors on mail-in-ballots for correction. Said he will avoid “preconceived opinions” and has reputation as “fair and impartial.”
Pa. Democrats, ACDC, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, elected o icials including Pa. House Speaker Joanna McClinton and Pa. Sen Jay Costa, unions including Pa. AFL-CIO, FOP Pa. State Lodge, IBEW locals, Pa. State Troopers Assoc., Pa. Sheri ’s Assoc., PSEA, Steamfitters. “Highly Recommended” by Pa. Bar Assoc.
Clarion County native. Clarion B.S. and Pitt Ed.D. Former ass’t DA, contract specialist with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, ass’t general counsel for Pa. Dept. of Health under Gov. Tom Corbett (R) and Dept. of State under Gov. Tom Wolf (D). Failed candidate for the Superior Court in 2023. Beat Pa. GOP-endorsed candidate Ann Marie Wheatcraft in 2025 primary. Educator and legal consultant.
Says Superior Court “impact[s] you every single day” through civil and criminal appeals and family court issues. Cites experience as prosecutor and says she will “apply laws as intended.” Campaign slogan on mailers: “Equal Justice Under The Law: Every Person Counts!”
Has said “right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right” per existing legal precedent. Served on Safe & E ective Prescribing Practices opioid-use task force.
Wants to restore trust she says was lost due to “kids for Cash” scandal in 2000s and social media. Has said she would “keep politics out of the courtroom” and strive for impartiality.
Pa. GOP, Pa. Sheri ’s Assoc. Action PAC, Firearms Owners Against Crime, Gun Owners of America Pa., Conservative Latinos Pa. “Not Recommended” by Pa. Bar Assoc. for failure to participate in questionnaire.
Pike County Resident. Adelphi U undergrad and New York Law School J.D. Practicing attorney for over 25 years with banking, development, and ass’t county solicitor experience in N.Y. and Pa. Part-time faculty at Bucks County Community College.
Says judicial independence is “paramount” while opposing special interests. Describes self as “only truly ‘independent’ candidate” in race.
Says he is “pro Second Amendment.” In 2022, said he supports ending qualified immunity to combat police corruption.
Opposes “ideologues” and “’losers’ [who] disparage [election] results.” Says major parties create “a variety” of problems. Describes self as pro-choice and supporter of LGBTQ rights.
None listed
BRANDON NEUMAN
MARIA BATTISTA
DANIEL WASSMER
ALLEGHENY COUNTY COUNCIL
BY COLIN WILLIAMS // CWILLIAMS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
Five Allegheny County Council seats are being contested in two-way races. In District 1 (Airport/Ohio Valley), Democrat Kathleen Madonna-Emmerling, who won a contested primary, will face Republican Mary Jo Wise. In District 3 (North Hills/Allegheny Valley), longtime Democratic consultant Lissa Geiger Shulman will face longtime Republican municipal manager Chris Lochner. In District 4 (West Hills), incumbent council president and Democrat Patrick Catena faces a challenge from Republican Bob Doddato. In District 8 (Plum/Monroeville), incumbent Democrat Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis faces a challenge from Republican Michael Dell. Lastly, in a bid to unseat appointed incumbent Mike Embrescia in the Republican-held at-large seat, left-leaning candidate Alex Rose is running as a Labor Party candidate. Embrescia challenged Rose’s candidacy, but the challenge was rejected at the Pa. Supreme Court. After a contested primary, Democrat Aaron Adams is running without opposition in District 9 (Mon Valley), and Robert Palmosina is running unopposed in District 12 (West End/South Hills).
DISTRICT 1
DISTRICT 3
KATHLEEN MADONNAEMMERLING
Born in Sewickley. Duquesne undergrad and Chatham grad degrees. Background in nonprofit fundraising. Founded PAC and has advocated for LGBTQ community and "library freedoms" locally.
Moon Twp. resident. Clarion U undergrad. Former communications professional and stay-at-home mom. Legal assistant. Serves on Moon Twp. Board of Supervisors (2023-present).
Hampton Twp. resident. Pitt undergrad and UM-St. Louis grad degrees. Former teacher and longtime Democratic policy consultant. Failed Pa. House candidate in 2020.
Carnegie native. Pitt undergrad. Longtime Carnegie o iceholder, Democratic operative, and former Borough President. South Fayette Twp. ass’t. manager. Incumbent since 2017 and County Council President since 2020.
Carnegie native. Pitt undergrad. Longtime Carnegie o iceholder, Democratic operative, and former Borough President. Incumbent since 2017 and County Council President since 2020.
Wants to fix state school funding mechanism through tax reform. Supports small-business tax incentives. Supports crisis intervention and co-responder models. Wants to improve transit connectivity.
ACDC, United Steelworkers District 10, SEIU 668, electeds incl. Pa. Rep. Arvind Venkat, Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars, Allegheny County Councilor-AtLarge Bethany Hallam
Wants to forestall 36% property tax increase. Pledges to “advocate for law enforcement.” Supports small-business tax incentives. Says she would seek “bipartisan solutions.”
RCAC, Pa. Reps. Valerie Gaydos and Jeremy Sha er
Supports greater access to childcare. Wants to “grow skilled workforce.” Seeks road safety improvements. Hopes to better enforce fines on polluters while addressing rising infrastructure costs.
ACDC, YDAC, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, unions include AFL-CIO, IAFF, IUPAT, PSEA-PACE, Clean Water Action, electeds include U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, Pa. Reps. Mandy Steele and Arvind Venkat
Pledges “No Politics.” Wants to end “out of control” spending and freeze new spending and taxes. Seeks county plan of action to stem job loss. Wants to better enforce pollution fines. Seeks term limits for County Council.
Touts experience with youth programs and tax reform. Has successfully lobbied for local parks and infrastructure funding. Advocated for county paid sick leave.
RCAC
ACDC, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, unions incl. AFLCIO, IBEW, Iron Workers, Teamsters.
MARY JO WISE
CHRIS LOCHNER
LISSA GEIGER SHULMAN
PATRICK CATENA (I)
DISTRICT 4
DISTRICT 8
AT-LARGE
Sharpsville native and North Fayette resident. Geneva College undergrad. Longtime accountant and financial advisor. Landlord. Foster parent. North Fayette Supervisor since 2012.
Wants to “bring fiscal responsibility,” grow economy, and improve public safety. Touts experience working with bipartisan supervisors to save North Fayette residents money.
RCAC
Plum resident. Pitt undergrad. Longtime nonprofit worker and ED of Women for a Healthy Environment. Incumbent since 2022.
Plum resident. U Maryland undergrad and Pitt accounting certificate. CPA for 25+ years. Plum Borough Councilor since 2007.
Supports greater access to a ordable housing. Touts work keeping Monroeville Convention Center open, reopening Shuman, and evaluating county property for sale.
ACDC, YDAC, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, unions including AFL-CIO, two FOP lodges, electeds incl. Pa. Sen. Nick Pisciottano and Pa. Rep. Brandon Markosec
Says growing tax base “central issue.” Says council needs “balance.” Wants to control spending. Falsely correlated rising taxes with rising crime, fewer police, and crumbling infrastructure.
RCAC, Monroeville Republican Committee
Mt. Lebanon resident. IUP undergrad and Duquesne grad degrees. Experience in real estate and tech. Co-owner of Carnegie Robotics. Failed County Council candidate in 2023. Appointed to replace Sam DeMarco Feb. 2025.
Wants to “hold the line” on county taxes. Wants to improve air quality. Claims violent crime is “creeping beyond City limits.” Says he is both pro-business and pro-union.
RCAC, unions including Boilermakers, LiUNA, Steamfitters, two FOP lodges
Erie native and Pittsburgh resident. Pitt undergrad. Democratic operative and volunteer. Red Cross supervisor.
Hopes to combat “chaos” from federal govt. Says county should work more on local sustainability. Wants to bring down housing costs. Seeks broader definition of “first responder.”
Pa. College Democrats, Sierra Club, electeds incl. U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, Pa. Reps. Jess Benham and Emily Kinkead, County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars
MICHELLE NACCARATI-CHAPKIS (I)
BOB DODDATO
MIKE EMBRESCIA (I)
MICHAEL DELL
ALEX ROSE
PA. COMMONWEALTH COURT
BY COLIN WILLIAMS // CWILLIAMS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
The Pa. Commonwealth Court hears high-level appeals in civil and regulatory matters involving public entities. Currently dominated 5-3 by Republican judges, the court issues opinions on tax matters, state agencies, zoning, and elections — it ruled in favor of several Republicans wishing to delay the certification of ballots in 2020, a decision the Pa. Supreme Court overturned. One seat vacant following Democrat Ellen Ceisler’s retirement in January. Voters have the option of filling this vacancy with Democratic common pleas judge Stella Tsai or Republican lawyer Matt Wolford. Democrat Michael Wojcik is also up for retention for another 10-year term on the bench.
COUNTY SHERIFF
BY COLIN WILLIAMS // CWILLIAMS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
The Allegheny County Sheri ’s O ice handles a variety of law enforcement tasks in the county, including executing warrants, pursuing fugitives, transporting incarcerated people, providing court security, and holding sheri ’s sales of confiscated property. Democrat Kevin Kraus has held the o ice since the 2021 election. He’s being challenged from the right by Republican Brian Weismantle. Both men served for decades in the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
Grew up in Harrisburg area. Philadelphia resident. Penn State undergrad, J.D. Penn. Litigator in Philadelphia before appointment (2016) then election (2017) to Court of Common Pleas. Adjunct law professor at Penn. Has provided pro bono work for low-income clients.
Says immigrant background has given her “deep respect” for democracy and rule of law. Highlights experience working on civil and immigrant rights.
Has ruled in favor of rehab patients seeking to vote and enforcement of distance between poll watchers and election workers.
Grew up in Erie. Penn State undergrad and Temple J.D. State deputy atty. gen. in Philadelphia area, environmental crimes atty., worked with Pa. DEP, special prosecutor. Former adjunct professor at Gannon U. Currently in private practice.
Describes philosophy as “conservative.” Self described “common sense constitutionalist” focused on protecting personal liberties and private property rights while valuing legal precedent.
Limited public commentary on voting rights.
Pledges transparency, independence, and an “open mind.” Says litigants should have a “level playing field” in the Commonwealth Court.
Pledges not to “legislate from the bench.” Says he will “pursue justice in every case” and act fairly toward litigants.
Pa. Dems, unions include Pa. AFL-CIO, EAS Regional Council of Carpenters, IBEW and Sprinkler Fitters locals, PSEA-PACE. “Highly Recommended” by Pa. Bar Assoc.
Pa. GOP, FOP Pa. State Lodge, Pa. Sheri ’s Assoc. Action PAC, Pa. State Troopers Assoc., Conservative Latinos Pa. “Highly Recommended” by Pa. Bar Assoc.
Ohio Twp. resident. La Roche undergrad with training from FBI Nat’l Academy and Harvard. 21-year Pittsburgh police veteran. Chief deputy with Sheri ’s O ice 2014–2022. Incumbent.
Has prioritized transparency as former police comms o icer. Favors required trainings, body-cam use, and K9 support. Touts under-budget operation of Sheri ’s O ice since election.
Serves on Jail Oversight Board but has sent surrogates to meetings. Refused comment on Sheri ’s O ice takeover of ACJ medical transports. Supports reinstatement of leg shackles in medical transports.
Says he would continue participating in federal task forces involving violent crime. Told media Sheri ’s O ice doesn’t have written policy re: ICE but would be “duty-bound” to assist if agents under assault.
Pittsburgh (North Side) resident. LaRoche and Community College of the Air Force undergrad. 30-year Pennsylvania Air Nat’l Guard veteran (ret. 2025). Retired Pittsburgh Bureau of Police homicide detective with PI experience. Landlord.
Seeks stronger mental health protection for deputies. Sees problems with area police sta ing levels. Wants to “restore professionalism.” Says he would be “proactive, not reactive.”
Says important to have sheri attend JOB meetings. Says he would “stand up for jail guards.” Gathered signatures to reinstate use of leg shackles.
ACDC, 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, 19th Ward City of Pittsburgh Democrats, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, unions include Allegheny-Fayette County Labor Council, IAFF, multiple FOP lodges
Has criticized labor brokers hiring illegal immigrants for costing locals jobs.
BRIAN WEISMANTLE
KEVIN KRAUS (I)
MATT WOLFORD
STELLA TSAI
MAYOR OF PITTSBURGH
BY COLIN WILLIAMS // CWILLIAMS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
One term after electing Ed Gainey, Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor, voters narrowly opted for sitting Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor as the Democratic nominee for o ice. Vying to replace Gainey on the GOP side is 2021 candidate and former cop Tony Moreno, who won the Republican nomination in May without support from local GOP committees. O’Connor holds a large advantage in both fundraising and party voter registration.
COREY O’CONNOR
Grew up in Squirrel Hill. Son of late former mayor Bob O’Connor. Greenfield resident. Central Catholic High School and Duquesne graduate. Pittsburgh City Councilor (Dist. 5) from 2012-2022. Allegheny County Controller since 2022 after appointment to fill Chelsa Wagner’s seat; re-elected to full term in 2023.
Said issues with turnover and sta ing levels at police and EMS services are “unacceptable.” Wants to “restore” community and neighborhood policing units and “further develop” co-responder program. Pledges greater transparency with public safety data. Audited county jail as controller. Wants Pittsburgh to become “true regional partner” in providing services to solve homelessness crisis.
Has campaigned on building more housing and 2017 support of Housing Opportunity Fund, but questions inclusionary zoning. Favors di ering approaches to housing construction for di erent neighborhoods, saying “every market is di erent.” Wants to update permitting and zoning laws.
Says more neighborhoods should be built for non-car owners. Said he would “embrace change” and “amplify the expertise of urbanists.”
Says nonprofits “need to pay their fair share.” Criticized Gainey for backing out of Peduto-era OnePGH plan. Wants to approach nonprofits with “specific ask[s]” such as work on emergency vehicles and local infrastructure.
Wants to bring police force back to 1,000 o icers and incentivize city residency. Says police should not be “social workers” or “babysitters” and supports diversion to rehab and mental healthcare services. Seeks stronger enforcement of anti-homelessness laws and said “our city is trash” due to litter and homeless encampments. Falsely asserted crime rates in Pittsburgh “soaring.”
Accuses city leadership of “stealing millions” and says developers are buying o politicians. Wants to implement business-friendly development including housing and increased parking. Calls inclusionary zoning a “control mechanism.”
Says city’s main focuses should be “public safety and public works.” Seeks to cut wasteful spending. Wants “thriving, predictable, reliable” public transit.
Pledges tax and regulation cuts but has not commented on UPMC.
TONY MORENO
ACDC, College Democrats at Pitt, 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, unions including Pa. Laborers’ Council, Ironworkers Local 3, Int’l. Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Pittsburgh EMTs
Brighton Heights resident. Army paratrooper veteran. Longtime Pittsburgh police detective. Ran in 2021 Democratic primary, then ran on Republican ticket after successful write-in campaign (lost to Gainey). Recently named in federal civil rights case dating back to 2019.
Gun Owners of America
PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL
BY COLIN WILLIAMS // CWILLIAMS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
There are three contested races for Pittsburgh City Council this cycle. In District 2 (West End), Democrat Kim Salinetro will face Republican Erin Koper and independent David Tessitor. In District 4 (South Hills), incumbent Democrat Anthony Coghill faces challenges from Republican Tracy Larger and independent Brian Naughton. In District 6, incumbent Democrat R. Daniel Lavelle is being challenged by Republican Jacob Dumont and write-in candidate Lisa Freeman. And in District 8, councilor Erika Strassburger is running for reelection unopposed.
DISTRICT 2
Lifelong resident of the district. Extensive volunteer experience incl. AIDS task force and neighborhood groups. Chief of sta for retiring councilor Theresa Kail-Smith (2009-2025).
Elliott resident. WVU undergrad. Spent 20 years in cosmetics. Spoke at 2024 RNC. President of Allegheny County Council of Republican Women.
Wants to improve quality of life through blight mitigation and more parks funding. Seeks to hire police and modernize fire trucks. Wants more investment in mixed-income housing and West End development.
Says she would pursue hiring “healthy number” of police o icers. Wants to “tackle blight” and invest in local businesses. Says she would invest in more youth programming.
ACDC, unions incl. AFL-CIO, FOP, IAFF, LiUNA, electeds incl. Pa. Sen. Wayne Fontana
RCAC
Penn State undergrad. Longtime political activist.
Wants greater community input in politics. Seeks creation of a Dept. of Neighborhoods. Wants rapid rail to the airport.
None listed
DISTRICT 4
Beechview native. Former roofer. Democratic operative and two-term ACDC president (2010-2018). Elected to council in 2017, running for third term.
Initially ran on “Back to Basics” including paving, parks, and public works. Says shrinking tax base and police force are “significant challenges.” Touts work renegotiating contracts to save city money.
Brookline resident. Penn State undergrad. Account executive for a media company, background in advertising.
ACDC, Pro-Housing Pittsburgh, AFL-CIO
Says common sense on council “lacking.” Seeks increases in police sta ing. Cites unsupported claims of rising crime as reason to run. Has criticized Coghill’s homelessness policies.
ERIN KOPER
KIM SALINETRO
DAVID TESSITOR
TRACY LARGER
ANTHONY COGHILL (I)
RCAC
DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 4
Carrick native. Chef and culinary instructor. Picklesburgh pickle juice drinking contest finalist.
Wants to extend sidewalk maintenance program into district. Seeks implementation of a Vacancy Tax. Says he would “realign tax burden.” Seeks more parks funding and youth programs in district.
None listed
Hill District native. Kent State undergrad. Former chief of sta for Pa. Rep. Jake Wheatley. First elected to council 2009; seeking fifth term. Council president since 2024.
Says equity and public safety have been focus since taking o ice. Highlights record including police reform, public works upgrades, nondiscrimination laws.
Steel City Stonewall Democrats, AFL-CIO
North Side native. CCAC undergrad. Experience as heavy equipment operator and union shop steward. Citizen journalist.
Manchester resident. Former social worker. Ran Manchester Growing Together Farm (20092014). Now runs Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse.
Says he would invest in “failing” infrastructure. Wants to cut “red tape” for small businesses. Seeks greater local access to community programs for youth and seniors.
Seeks policies to prevent community members being displaced. Food-justice advocate. Has criticized Lavelle for closeness to developers.
None listed
JACOB DUMONT
R. DANIEL LAVELLE (I)
LISA FREEMAN (WRITE-IN)
BRIAN NAUGHTON
O’CONNOR HAS RAISED $367,000 SINCE JUNE 10, NEW DISCLOSURES SHOW.
OUTRAISED AND OUTSPENT
Corey O’Connor’s campaign has 60 times more cash than GOP rival Tony Moreno six weeks before mayoral vote
BY: CHARLIE WOLFSON // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
As far as campaign funding is concerned, Democratic nominee Corey O’Connor is running away with the general election race for Pittsburgh mayor. He has raised $367,000 since June 10, new disclosures show, and has $270,000 on hand heading into the final stretch of the election season. That’s more than 60 times the roughly $4,000 Republican nominee Tony Moreno has on hand. Election Day is Nov. 4. O’Connor already flexed his fundraising muscles this year, outraising incumbent Democratic Mayor Ed Gainey in the spring and besting him in the primary election. He attracted a coalition of civic leaders, construction and development magnates, and labor unions who donated near the legal limit ahead of the primary, and many did so again over the summer. Among political action committees that gave at the $5,000 limit to O’Connor this summer were:
• The Pittsburgh paramedics’ union PAC
• The Greater PA Carpenters PAC
• Highmark PAC
• The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers PAC
• The Steamfitters Local 449 PAC
PHOTO: QUINN GLABICKI / PITTSBURGH’S PUBLIC SOURCE
Corey O’Connor, the Democratic nominee for mayor of Pittsburgh, on May 20 at his primary election night party.
As during the primary season, many of his individual donors listed as employers development companies (Trek Development, The Buncher Company, and Walnut Capital, to name a few) and Downtown-based law firms. teelers President Arthur ooney II, who previously wrote checks to Gainey’s campaign, donated $2,000 to O’Connor in une.
Moreno’s haul re ects a candidacy that few observers see as competitive — including, apparently, the epublican Committee of Pittsburgh, which cut ties with Moreno. Pittsburgh has not elected a epublican mayor since the 0s, and Moreno was trounced at the polls as the OP nominee in 202 .
In addition to the roughly ,000 Moreno’s campaign raised, it received more than $5,000 in in-kind donations, mostly in the form of jewelry and purses, according to reports.
O’Connor is the Allegheny County Controller and formerly served on city council. Moreno is a former police detective.
This article was originally published by Pittsburgh’s Public ource, a nonprofit newsroom serving the Pittsburgh region. har ie o son is Pub i our e s o a government reporter. e an be rea he at har ie pub i sour e.org.
PHOTO: CALEB KAUFMAN / PITTSBURGH’S PUBLIC SOURCE
Tony Moreno speaks to his supporters at his primary election night party, May 20, at Moonlite Cafe in Brookline.
FROM GATEKEEPING TO GRASSROOTS
BY: COLIN WILLIAMS // CWILLIAMS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
The 2024 election was a bitter disappointment for the Democratic Party nationwide. Leftleaning candidates underperformed across the country, and almost every single demographic group in the U.S. shifted rightward to deliver U.S. President Donald Trump his first-ever popular vote victory in three elections.
While the 2024 result was cause for woe among Democratic operatives, locally, there was a silver lining
— Allegheny County was one of the few urban counties nationwide that didn’t shift markedly toward Trump compared to the 2020 general election. Over that same period, locals helped elect progressive candidates to positions in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Pa. General Assembly, and city and county offices. Many of the new officeholders are also young, especially for a county that ranks among the oldest in the country.
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
The Allegheny County Democratic Committee Endorsement Vote held at Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers building on Mar. 9, 2025
Local organizers say that has everything to do with a party shift toward grassroots outreach.
“Western Pa. in general is understanding how to meet the moment,” Sam Wasserman, a Pittsburgh Democratic operative, tells Pittsburgh City Paper. “We’re talking about grassroots economic issues left and right.”
As recently as 2020, the Allegheny County Democratic Committee (ACDC) came under heavy criticism for endorsing Heather Kass, a candidate for the Pa. House, in a four-way primary race, angering local progressives — Kass would later come in a distant third to Pa. Rep. Jess Benham. The party snubbed other progressive women candidates at the time who would go on to win their races. Wasserman says this was indicative of ACDC at the time.
“It was in shambles … apathetic, and hemorrhaging money,” he says. “Not very infrequently, the county party’s endorsed slate would lose.”
Lawyer Sam Hens-Greco, now chair of ACDC, says he was a progressive on the outside looking inwhen he first got involved in Pittsburgh politics. He and his wife Kathryn had been involved with Democratic campaigns as far back as U.S. President Jimmy Carter and worked with the LGBTQ community during the AIDS crisis. When Kathryn ran for judge in 2003 and lost, Sam says they both realized it not as a setback, but as a future opportunity to try out a more grassroots campaign style.
“We had 67 house parties in ’05, and on Election Day, I had 325 people at the polls,” he says. Despite not having the Democratic endorsement, Kathryn won on her second attempt. “When you look at the results, it’s like, wow, this really works,” Sam Hens-Greco tells City Paper
Hens-Greco joined the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club and eventually became chair, bringing his grassroots values with him. The
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON
MAYORAL CANDIDATE Corey O'Connor
party has invested in tracking its own efforts and contacting as many voters as possible. From canvassing to door hangers to direct outreach, he says the club’s grassroots efforts worked, and, heading into the 2020 election cycle, the club began reaching out to other area Democratic groups including ACDC.
“We’ve got 1,300 precincts — if I have two people who are committee members in each precinct to be the voice of the party, we can build a real formidable grassroots network,” he recalls thinking.
Democrats also propelled progressive Ed Gainey to office as the city’s first Black mayor in 2021, and elected Pa. Rep. and former Democratic Socialists of America member Sara Innamorato as Allegheny County’s first woman executive in 2023. Both faced Democratic skepticism and Republican opposition on their way to office.
Lauren Williams moved to Pittsburgh in 2022 to work with the Pa. Democratic Party. Williams recalls being among the youngest people in the room during those election cycles
“WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT ALLEGHENY IS THAT THE OLDER FOLKS WHO ARE IN THOSE SPACES WANT TO MAKE ROOM FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE.”
Between 2020 and 2022, progressive enthusiasm and dissatisfaction with the status quo resulted in numerous younger candidates winning their races, including Benham and U.S. Reps. Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio. Pittsburgh
— but she also says older committee members and operatives actually expressed a desire for more young people to get involved. Williams says Lee and Deluzio’s victories put the wind at younger Democrats’ backs.
“Through getting those two people
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON ACDC Chair Sam Hens-Greco
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Amanda Neatrour up for Pittsburgh City Council
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Lissa Shulman up for State House in the 30th District
CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Tawana Cook Purnell up for Pittsburgh Public School Director
elected, it became clear to young people in Allegheny County [that] we actually do matter, and that our voices do hold some weight, and that our congressional members who are representing us know what the internet is,” Williams, now president of Young Democrats of Allegheny County, quips.
The party in 2025 looks far different from the one that saw committee members wearing Trump hats in 2020. Williams, Hens-Greco, and Wasserman all say that, although some local Democratic committees remain more insular or dominated by older operatives, the overall picture in the county is of a much more proactive party apparatus. Though all three see further room for growth, especially when it comes to reaching Pittsburgh’s large student population, they say willingness to work collaboratively — sometimes a challenge in a highly balkanized region — has changed the ground game for Pittsburgh-area Democrats.
“I think that what is unique about Allegheny is that the older folks who are in those spaces want to make room for younger people, and without that, we wouldn’t be able to do it right,” Williams says.
Hens-Greco says voting by mail has also helped a broader range of people make their voices heard and notes the recent success of the crossendorsed “Slate of Eight” candidates for the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Under his leadership, ACDC has been distributing lengthier voter guides that include all Democratic candidates, even ones the county party hasn’t endorsed.
“The one thing voters want more than anything is information,” HensGreco says.
In 2025, against the backdrop of Trump’s second-term bid to crush all opposition, Allegheny County could offer a playbook to other leftleaning groups reeling from the 2024
election cycle. Hens-Greco says the times when area Democrats could “keep their head[s] down” and reliably be (re-)elected are over. In 2025, he says, turnout will be key to holding onto the majority-Democratic Pa. Supreme Court, which could well be a foil to Trump’s sweeping policy changes at the national level.
“I think it’s clear this is a lowinformation, low-voter-turnout election. We need to be making touches with voters, explaining to them what is going on with this [Pa. Supreme Court] retention race,” Hens-Greco says. “If you’re in your community, and you’re talking to voters, and you’re encouraging them and inspiring them to come out and vote, you’re in an extremely powerful position during this election.”
Williams says Young Democrats of Allegheny County (YDAC) is working to mobilize Democrat youths to knock on doors and call voters and plans a “big day of action” Oct. 11 around the judicial races and downballot contests. She says young Democrats aren’t looking nationally, but inward to what works locally — and that’s why local electeds can advocate for the region, and against Trump, from a position of strength.
They’re actually fighting back with grit,” Williams says. “They’re not just taking it lying down. They’re not having little meetings in press conferences saying, ‘do better.’ They’re demanding better.”
Wasserman says he’s heartened by changes at the state party level but encourages area Democrats not to get complacent.
“The biggest thing is, as a party in general, are we allowing in young voices?” Wasserman asks rhetorically. “Are elders in the party gatekeeping or not, and are they willing to build the coalition that we actually need to meet this moment and to fight the authoritarian fascist takeover of this country?” •
TO RETAIN OR REJECT
Outside funding, lack of clarity, and expected low turnout have turned a normally “sleepy” Pa. Supreme Court election into a high-stakes contest
BY: MATT PETRAS // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM
In recent weeks, you may have received a political mailer suggesting you vote no on justices up for Pa. Supreme Court retention in order to “term limit” them or to “defend democracy.” Democratic and progressive groups describe the language of these mailers as deceptive — with dire stakes for Pennsylvanians.
“A lot of big-money donors now are putting in ads that have progressive messaging, but it’s for a Republican cause,” Miracle Jones, director of legislative affairs for 1Hood Power, tells Pittsburgh City
Paper. “It makes it very hard and difficult talking to people at their doors and on the phones.”
flat “yes” or “no” retention ballot question every 10 years until they age out or otherwise leave their post. If they’re
“IT’S LOW VOTER TURNOUT, AND IT’S LOW INFORMATION. THOSE ARE THE MAIN TWO THINGS WE’VE BEEN ATTACKING.”
The retention election, part of Election Day on Nov. 4, asks voters to choose between keeping the three Democratic justices making the court majority Democrat, or rejecting them.
In Pennsylvania, after Supreme Court justices get elected, they face a
not retained, Democratic Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro can appoint a temporary replacement only if it’s approved by two-thirds of the Republicancontrolled state Senate, which remains at odds with Shapiro.
This could lead to chaos in the
short term and Republican control of the Supreme Court in the long term. A dysfunctional, deadlocked 2-2 Supreme Court could mean disparate rulings from various judges across the state would have less of a chance of being adjudicated.
“There are going to be situations where, one day, a judge will say this; the next day, a judge will say that; and we won’t have an ability or a mechanism to settle the law in Pennsylvania, and we’re just going to be in limbo for two years,” Jones says.
State supreme courts make
PHOTOS: AMANDA BERG/SPOTLIGHT PA Harrisburg, Pa.
President Donald Trump and his allies’ penchant for casting doubt on election results, the Pa. upreme Court retention election has garnered both local and national attention. errymandering, the subject of a Pa. Supreme Court decision in 2018 and a hot topic in national news this year, also comes to mind for advocates.
Among those paying attention is the right-wing group Commonwealth Partners, funded in part by billionaire effrey Yass, which paid for those mailers about term limits and defending democracy. This funding, as detailed by potlight PA, comes alongside funding from the ACLU and the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which have also each contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the election.
“There’s not a real playbook for this, Allegheny County Democratic Committee ACDC chair am ensreco tells City Paper . “In the past, retention elections were really very sleepy affairs, rarely where people
For its part, ACDC has been attempting to get more people paying attention to the race and providing education about it. For example, in addition to traditional means such as texts and mailers, the committee has been contacting voters who signed up to vote by mail last year but haven’t yet this year.
“It’s low voter turnout, and it’s low information, ens- reco says. “Those are the main two things we’ve been attacking.
This comes in addition to efforts from other local groups, including ood Power, which has been handing out information at events and preparing digital ads for social media.
“Our ads are edgier, obviously for a different audience. We’re a more progressive-leaning organi ation, ones says. o again, it’s not a rubberstamp approval. We do have disagreements with the Democratic Party and disagreements with moderates.
It’s up in the air how the election will go. Both sides have money behind
supreme court and lost big. That race more closely resembled a partisan battle between two candidates rather than a retention question, and voters had specific reactions to Musk’s role in the early days of the Trump administration, both key differences. till, the Wisconsin race may speak to American voters’ concerns about the actions of the federal government.
It’s just different. It’s apples versus oranges, ens- reco says. But I do think there is, at least we’ll be tapping into it, a real sense of disgust with what’s coming out of Washington.
Truth be told, there’s no way to really know which way the wind blows regarding a low-turnout statewide election. owever, it’s clear that this time around, the stakes are higher, and big players are spending more money and drawing more eyes to get their preferred outcome.
“It’s not your grandfather’s retention election, ens- reco says. •
PHOTO: CREATIVE COMMONS
Chambers of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Harrisburg, Pa.
DANCE • DOWNTOWN
IN PITTSBURGH
OCT. 14
A
THU., OCT. 9
ART • POINT BREEZE
See exceptional ink captured by prolific photographers during Same But Di erent: Tattooing Through Three Lenses, 1970’s to Present at Bottom Feeder Books. Presented by Tattoo Readymade, the exhibition features images taken by John Wyatt, Je Crisman, and Dianne Mansfield, all of whom have spent decades documenting the evolution of tattoo culture in the United States and beyond.
12-6 p.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 26. 415 Gettysburg St., Point Breeze. Free. bottomfeederbooks.com
PERFORMANCE • DOWNTOWN
Mindy Seu: A Sexual History of the Internet 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Wood Street Galleries. 601 Wood St., Downtown. Free. Registration required. trustarts.org
THEATER • CARNEGIE
Pittsburgh International Classic Theatre presents First Lady. 7:30 p.m. Continues through Sat., Oct. 11. Carnegie Stage. 25 West Main St., Carnegie. $20-45. picttheatre.org
COMEDY • DOWNTOWN/SOUTH SIDE
MQCFest: A Queer Comedy Festival. 7:30 p.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 12. Arcade Comedy Theater. 934 Liberty Ave., Downtown and South Side Stage at 880. 1010 Freyburg St., South Side. $15-200. mqcfest.com
THEATER • DOWNTOWN
Lysistrata: A Woman’s Translation 7:30 p.m. Continues through Sun., Oct. 19. Pittsburgh Playhouse-Point Park University. 350 Forbes Ave., Downtown. $42. playhouse.pointpark.edu
FRI., OCT. 10
FASHION • NORTH SHORE
Steelers Style Fashion Show. 6 p.m.
Stage AE. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. $200-750. Proceeds benefit Steelers Charities. steelers.com
SAT., OCT. 11
ART • LAWRENCEVILLE
Community Day 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Contemporary Craft. 5645 Butler St., Lawrenceville. Free. All ages. contemporarycraft.org
TALK/OCCULT • DOWNTOWN
Aakash Odedra Company presents Songs of the Bulbul. 7:30 p.m. Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $23-94.30. trustarts.org
MUSIC • MILLVALE
Craig Finn and the Band of Forgiveness with James Felice 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Mr. Smalls Theatre. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $39.10. mrsmalls.com
OCCULT • MCKEES ROCKS
Dana and Greg Newkirk’s Haunted Objects Live 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Roxian Theatre. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. $34-97. roxiantheatre.com/shows
DRAG • SHADYSIDE
Nightmare on Hellsworth: Resurrection with Lawrence Chaney 8 p.m. 5801 Video Lounge and Cafe. 5801 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. $10 cash cover. facebook.
Speaker Saturday: Overshadowed by These Occult Influences with Peter Gilmore. 1-3 p.m. Fort Pitt Museum. 601 Commonwealth Pl., Downtown. Included with regular admission. heinzhistorycenter.org
PARTY • SHADYSIDE
MUSIC • DOWNTOWN
Marshall McDonald Quartet 7-11 p.m.
Con Alma. 613 Penn Ave., Downtown. $10 charge during live music. conalmapgh.com
Fall into artful fun when the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media presents Creative Spirits. Enjoy hands-on activities, local food and drink, live performances, and more at what’s described as a “seasonal atmosphere to usher in the spirit of autumn.” Dabble in printmaking, metal-smithing, and raku firing, hear music by Cello Fury, and view the new PCA&M exhibition Biota. Costumes encouraged. 6-9 p.m. 1047 Shady Ave., Shadyside. $100-150. pghartsmedia.org
SUN., OCT. 12
FILM • LAWRENCEVILLE
Row House Cinema welcomes avid horror fans with the kick-o of its SuperFan Night events. The series begins with the 1996 meta classic Scream, followed by Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Bride of Chucky. Each screening includes trivia, giveaways, and other fun, spooky surprises, and yes, costumes are encouraged. 7 p.m. Continues through Tue., Oct. 16. 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $12.50. rowhousecinemas.com
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MAGNOLIA PICTURES
Savage Art: The Life and Cartoons of Pat Oliphant at Harris Theater
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SAMSUNG Nightmare on Hellsworth: Resurrection with Lawrence Chaney at 5801 Video Lounge and Cafe
LIT • NORTH SIDE
Books and Bistros: Indie Lit Fest. 12-6 p.m. City of Asylum. 40 W. North Ave., North Side. Free. Registration required. cityofasylumbooks.org
COMEDY • MUNHALL
Foil Arms and Hog: Skittish. 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. $56.15. 14 and over. librarymusichall.com
MON., OCT. 13
ART • BLOOMFIELD
Felt-Occurrence and Continuing a Legacy of Classical Painting: DuMond, Mason, and Sulkowski. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Nov. 14. Tomayko Foundation. 5173 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. Free. tomayko.foundation
TUE., OCT. 14
FILM • DOWNTOWN
A Savage Art: The Life and Cartoons of Pat Oliphant 7:30 p.m. Harris Theater. 809 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $10-13. trustarts.org
WED., OCT. 15
MUSIC • UPTOWN
Tate McRae: Miss Possessive Tour with Alessi Rose. 7:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. Tickets start at $155. ppgpaintsarena.com
MUSIC • ALLENTOWN
Alien Boy with Empath 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Bottlerocket Social Hall. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. bottlerocketpgh.com
8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Thunderbird Music Hall. 4053 Butler the door. thunderbirdmusichall.com OCT.11
PHOTO: COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST Aakash Odedra Company presents Songs of the Bulbul at Byham Theater
PHOTO: COURTESY OF BIG HASSLE MEDIA Craig Finn at Mr. Smalls Theatre
MARKET PLACE
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PUBLIC AUCTION
Public notice is hereby given that property placed in storage by the following persons at the following locations will be sold via public sale to satisfy Guardian Storage liens for unpaid rent and other charges. Bidding for property of persons renting space at t he following locations will be held online at www.Storageauctions.com ending on October 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm, and day to day thereafter until sold at which time a high bidder will be determined.
350 Old Haymaker Road, Monroeville, Pa 14146: Unit#2326 Alaha Crutchfiled 1002 E. Waterfront Dr., Munhall, Pa 15120: Unit #1506 Troy Garth, Unit #1621 Carla Taylor, Unit #3203 Leanndra Carrington, Unit #3401 Keith Renner, Unit #3704 Derrick Smith, Unit #3733 Tonia Andrus, Unit #3903 Samuel Wright 14200 Route 30, North Huntingdon, Pa 15642: Unit #1016 Timothy Kesser, Unit #1136 William Costello, Unit #3211 Dawn Fox 4711 William Penn Highway, Monroeville, PA 15146: Unit #12307 Laverne J Jaramillo, Unit #23401 DeAnna Wright 1028 Ridge Road, Tarentum, Pa 15084: Unit #31307 Krystal Otlano, Unit #31317 Ashley Lewis 901 Brinton Road, Pittsburgh, Pa 15221: Unit #10114 Lolita Chrisler, Unit #11211 Kalya Wuttke, Unit #12416 Lanette Andrews, Unit #3317 Stefanie Stephens, Unit #7113 Michael Edwards, Unit #7213 Jazlyn Black, Unit #8307 Courtney Charles 5873 Centre Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206: Unit #103 Arthur Becker, Unit #2204 Jaydon Craig, Unit #2927 Breyon Duncan, Unit #2962 Andrew Stewart, Unit #3511 Wendy Celinski 2839 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222: Unit #6607 Khiera Livsey, Unit #6703 Terra Winton, Unit #6817 Salhellen Curges
1599 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017: Unit #4214 Lorrie Oswald, Unit #51111 Brandon Love, Unit #53305 Heather Feeney
1300 Lebanon Church Road, West Mi lin, PA 15236: Unit #22115 Phillip Tillman, Unit #22205 Xavier Brown, Unit #31205 Omela White, Unit #32504 Dominae Solomon 401 Coraopolis Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108: Unit #12810 Brody Connor, Unit #13004 Tyler Lucas, Unit #21329 Mark Follen, Unit #22129 William Bowers
1067 Milford Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102: Unit #23221 Ravuan Queen 7452 McKnight Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237: Unit #1311 Rathwan Ahmed, Unit #711 Jason Terrell 4750 William Flynn Highway, Allison Park PA 15101: Unit #31217 Danielle Wallace
2670 Washington Rd, Canonsburg, PA 15317: Unit #4223 Tula Hickman
NORTH
TOWNHOME
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF ALICE FAYE VAN DINE , A/K/A IF NECESSARY, ALICE FAYE VANDINE, DECEASED OF CORAPOLIS, PA No. 02266 of 2025. S . D Panyko Extr. 132 East Beaver Street, Sewickley, PA 15143
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF MCDERMOTT, GARY, BERNARD A/K/A IF NECESSARY, GARY MCDERMOTT DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA No. 022506123 of 2025. Extr. Louise Didiano 1748 Pioneer Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15226
PERSONALS
A happy guy who loves good food, great conversation, and even better company — just looking for someone who enjoys the same interests! Give me a call at 412-313-4320 —and if I miss your call, leave a message and I’ll get back to you soon!
PERSONALS
White male, 56, health conscious, non-smoker, non-drinker. I’m very caring, talkative and loving. I enjoy oldies, nature, animal-lover. The simple things in life make me happy. Desire a girl with similar interest. 412-781-5989, best time 7p.m.-8:30p.m.
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF DOMITROVIC, CATHERINE, M., A/K/A IF NECESSARY, DOMITROVIC, CATHERINE B., DECEASED OF GIBSONIA, PA No. 022505307 of 2025. Eric L. Domitrovic Extr. 4119 Grandview Drive, Gibsonia, PA, 15044 or Richard W. Snyder Attorney, 26 Dogwood Lane, Grove City, PA, 16127
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NAME CHANGE
IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-008604,
In re petition of Ulrich Ludwig Sobehart, change of name to Ulrich Ludwig Staley. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 29th day of October, 2025, at 9:30 a.m, as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF HRUBOVCAK, LORETTA, A. A/K/A IF NECESSARY LORETTA ANN HOOD. DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA No. 022401053 of 2023 Extr. 6th Ochiltree Way, Pittsburgh, PA, 15205
