Democrats prepare to pick nominee for Gergely’s seat
Get ready, Allegheny County: Another special election is coming your way — this one for the state House seat vacated by Rep. Marc Gergely.
And although a date hasn’t been set for that contest, Democrats are already organizing the timeline for picking their nominee.
On Monday, the Allegheny County Democratic Committee announced that committee members from the district will gather Nov. 18, at the Penn State-Greater Allegheny campus to recommend a nominee.
That name is submitted to the state party’s executive committee, which typically follows the local committee members’ recommendation.
Those interested in vying for the nomination must notify the committee with a letter by the close of business Friday.
So far, only one Democrat
has publicly expressed interest in the seat: Austin Davis, a top aide to Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and vice chair of the party.
The weekend of Nov. 1819 will be eventful for Democrats: On Sunday, party leaders will be choosing a champion to run in a special election next year to replace Tim Murphy in the 18th Congressional District. But the two districts do not overlap: The 35th District includes communities in the Mon Valley and environs, including Clairton, Duquesne, McKeesport and Munhall, West Mifflin and White Oak.
Republicans had not announced their own timetable for selecting a nominee as of Monday afternoon. At least one candidate, McKeesport Councilwoman Fawn Walker-Montgomery, has announced her interest in the race.
Mr. Gergely, of White Oak, announced his resignation last week, after pleading guilty to corruption charges related to an illegal gambling operation.
House Speaker Mike Turzai has until Nov. 16 to pick a date for the special election to replace him, though statutory limits mean that contest won’t happen until next year.