2017 Allentown mayoral election
The 2017 mayoral election in Allentown, Pennsylvania was held on November 7, 2017, and resulted in the incumbent mayor Ed Pawlowski, a member of the Democratic Party, being re-elected to a fourth term over Republican Party candidate Nat Hyman.[1][2][3]
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Background
Pawlowski had been mayor since 2006.[1]
Campaign
The Republican nominee was Nat Hyman, a jeweler and real estate developer.[4] Hyman was the first Republican candidate to make an Allentown mayoral election competitive in a decade.[1] Common Sense Independent Party candidate John Richard Ingram, also a real estate developer, and Solomon Tembo, the candidate of the King Solomon Tembo party, were also on the ballot.[4][5] Ray O'Connell, the president of the Allentown City Council, also ran as a write-in candidate.[4][5] O'Connell; Siobhan "Sam" Bennett, a bed and breakfast owner; Lehigh County Commissioner David Jones; Joshua Siegel; Charlie Thiel, a member of the Allentown school board; and Nathan Woodring also sought the Democratic Party nomination.[6][7] Luiz Garcia also sought the Republican nomination.[7]
No debates were held during the election; instead the candidates engaged in retail politics. Pawlowski worked to increase turnout among Allentown's Hispanic and Syrian populations.[8]
In July 2017 Pawlowski was the subject of a 54-count indictment that alleged that he conspired to provide municipal contracts in return for campaign contributions, dinners and tickets to sports events.[1]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ed Pawlowski (incumbent) | 1,702 | 28.20% | |
| Democratic | Ray O'Connell | 1,377 | 22.82% | |
| Democratic | Charles F. Thiel | 1,333 | 22.09% | |
| Democratic | Siobhan Bennett | 719 | 11.91% | |
| Democratic | David Jones | 575 | 9.53% | |
| Democratic | Joshua Siegel | 295 | 4.89% | |
| Democratic | Nathan L. Woodring | 34 | 0.56% | |
| Total votes | 6,035 | 100.00% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Nat Hyman | 1,464 | 68.32% | |
| Republican | Luiz Garcia | 679 | 31.68% | |
| Total votes | 2,143 | 100.00% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ed Pawlowski (incumbent) | 4,758 | 39.37% | |
| Republican | Nat Hyman | 4,440 | 36.74% | |
| Independent | John Richard Ingram | 489 | 4.05% | |
| Independent | Solomon Tembo | 200 | 1.65% | |
| write-ins | 2,199 | 18.19% | ||
| Total votes | 12,086 | 100.00% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
Aftermath
Pawlowski resigned in March 2018 following his conviction on corruption charges.[10] The City Council selected O'Connell to succeed Pawlowski later that month.[11]
References
- Opilo, Emily (November 8, 2017). "Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski wins fourth term despite charges". The Morning Call. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- John-Hall, Annette (November 9, 2017). "Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, facing 54-count indictment, wins a fourth term". WHYY. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- "Indicted Pennsylvania mayor elected to fourth term". The Washington Times. November 7, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- Bresswein, Kurt (November 8, 2017). "Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski re-elected despite indictment". The Express-Times. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- Hogan, Alexandra (November 7, 2017). "5 candidates vying for Allentown mayor". 69 News. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- Cassi, Sarah (May 17, 2017). "Allentown mayor's race: Pawlowski claims victory for Democratic nod". The Express-Times. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
- Opilo, Emily (May 17, 2017). "Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski survives primary challenge". The Morning Call. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
- Opilo, Emily; Radzievich, Nicole (November 5, 2017). "Part barnburner, part sleeper, Allentown mayoral race leaves the door open". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- "Lehigh County Election Results". Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
- "Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski Officially Resigns Following Federal Corruption Conviction". NBC Philadelphia. March 8, 2018. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- Opilo, Emily (March 29, 2018). "Ray O'Connell picked as Allentown mayor after 12 rounds of voting". The Morning Call. Retrieved December 19, 2018.