Progressive Candidates and Crime Take Center Stage in Pennsylvania’s Local Elections
As the local elections approach in Pennsylvania, all eyes are on Democratic strongholds Philadelphia and Allegheny County. These elections are expected to provide insight into voters’ sentiments regarding progressive candidates and key issues such as abortion and crime, which will undoubtedly impact the 2024 election cycle.
In Philadelphia, the mayoral race is heating up as Democrat Cherelle Parker, a former state legislator, goes head-to-head with Republican David Oh, a former City Council member. With Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney’s term coming to an end, the outcome of this race will set the stage for future elections. Parker, positioning herself as a moderate, managed to secure her party’s nomination in a field of fierce competition. On the other hand, Oh acknowledges the uphill battle of running as a Republican in a predominantly Democratic city but believes that his outsider status can spark much-needed change. Both candidates recognize that crime is a pressing issue in Philadelphia and call for the increased deployment of police officers in neighborhoods. However, they differ on the approach, with Oh opposing tactics like stop-and-frisk and emphasizing the importance of upgrading technology to support law enforcement. Parker, on the other hand, emphasizes the need for a well-trained police force with cultural competency and emotional intelligence. She rejects the notion of slashing police budgets, instead highlighting the importance of reform backed by community input.
Meanwhile, in Allegheny County, which encompasses Pittsburgh, the race for county executive is gaining attention. Progressive Democrat Sara Innamorato, a former state legislator, is vying against Republican Joe Rockey, a former chief risk officer at PNC bank, to replace term-limited Democrat Rich Fitzgerald. Public safety takes center stage in this race, with Rockey advocating for more officers on the street while Innamorato focuses on developing a comprehensive public health approach to address safety concerns. Both candidates also recognize the significance of national issues such as voting rights and abortion access, with Innamorato supporting a shield law to protect women seeking abortions from other states.
The prosecutor race in Allegheny County is particularly notable due to its spring primary results, where progressive candidate Matt Dugan defeated long-term incumbent Stephen Zappala by a significant margin. Now, Zappala is making a comeback in the November elections, running as a Republican after securing write-in votes in the primary. Dugan emphasizes the need for changes in the district attorney’s office, suggesting a focus on connecting low-level, nonviolent offenders with necessary support services instead of pursuing life-altering criminal convictions. In contrast, Zappala remains committed to prosecuting lower-level crimes to prevent further escalation.
These local elections in Pennsylvania’s Democratic strongholds hold great significance for both the 2022 midterms and the 2024 presidential election. They serve as a litmus test to gauge voter preferences regarding progressive candidates and their stances on key issues like crime and abortion. The outcomes will not only shape the political landscape in Philadelphia and Allegheny County but also provide valuable insights for candidates eyeing the battleground state of Pennsylvania in the upcoming presidential contest.
As November 7 approaches, Pennsylvania’s voters eagerly anticipate casting their ballots to make their voices heard and determine the future direction of their local governments. The results will reverberate far beyond state lines, potentially shaping the national political narrative and influencing the strategies of future candidates.
