Herrin wins big for Democratic nomination

WEST CHESTER » Mayor Dianne Herrin will replace fellow Democrat Carolyn Comitta on the November ballot for state representative.

In November, Herrin will run as a Democrat against Republican communications company executive and Realtor Len Iacono of West Goshen for Pennsylvania Representative in the General Assembly, 156th Legislative District.

Fifty-three confirmed eligible voters, of a possible 57 total, composed of committee persons and party leaders, took part in Tuesday’s virtual nominating process. Herrin bested four other candidates with 75 percent of the vote on the first ballot.

Comitta won the Democratic nod for both the 19th Senatorial District and the 156th Legis

lative District race during the June 2 primary. Comitta chose to seek the Senate seat.

Democratic state Sen. Andy Dinniman of West Whiteland is retiring from his 19th Senatorial District seat, when his term expires at the end of the year, in order to spend more time with his family. Herrin is ready to step up. “I am honored to have received such a strong vote of confidence from the Democratic committee people of the 156th Legislative District,” Herrin said. “I am excited for the opportunity to expand my reach of public service for the common good, and to keep moving our community and this district forward.”

Chester County Democratic Committee Chairman Dick Bingham said that there were five strong candidates.

“I was not surprised that Dianne Herrin won,” Bingham said. “But I was surprised at the strength of her victory.

“Getting 75 percent of the vote in a five-person race is very impressive. That is undoubtedly due to her experience as mayor of West Chester and as a small business owner.

“The Democratic slate for November is now complete and an outstanding one it is. I will not be satisfied with anything less than sending 11 Democrats to Harrisburg on Nov. 3.”

Herrin faced off against legislative staffer Charles “Alex” Christy Jr. of West Chester; business consultant Marcel Kaminstein of Birmingham; former Chester County Democratic Committee Chairman Brian McGinnis of West Chester; and sales executive Carrie Pizzillo-Stare of Westtown.

Each candidate was allotted five minutes to address the committee.

Christy took that time to say that he would fight to fix a broken system that favors profit over people.

“When something happens to one of us it happens to all of us,” Christy said.

Herrin talked about her strong support of the environment, small businesses and public education.

Kaminstein said the chosen candidate needs to be able to fundraise quickly.

“It’s going to take a business champion … and bold ideas,” he said.

McGinnis said that people know where he stands.

“I have been fighting for Democratic policies for my entire life,” McGinnis said. “It’s time to elect a fighter.”

Pizzillo-Stare said she understands what it takes to lead.

The 156th Legislative District covers West Chester, East Goshen, Westtown, Birmingham, Thornbury and a portion of West Goshen.

Comitta won a three-way race in the Democratic primary for the opportunity to fill Dinniman’s 19th Senatorial District seat against Don Vymazal of Phoenixville and Tredyffrin-Easttown School Board Member, and head of the West Chester NAACP, Kyle Boyer.

Comitta was pleased with the choice of Herrin.

“I am delighted that Mayor Dianne Herrin will be our candidate for the 156th,” Comitta said. “I have worked together with Dianne for many years in the Borough of West Chester.

“She is smart, kind and caring and is devoted to bringing people together to shape a healthy future for all, especially our children. I will do everything I can to support Dianne as she works toward a general election victory on Nov. 3.

“I also want to thank the other four excellent candidates for stepping up and running thoughtful, strong campaigns. The 156th can be proud to have such dedicated neighbors who are willing to step up and serve. Each will contribute much to our community as we move forward.”

The Herrin nomination is a recommendation and the state Democratic Party will make a final decision on the candidate selected for the ballot position.

Herrin said she will continue to serve as mayor and will take a leave of absence from her full-time job to campaign.