In this collaboration, Pittsburgh City Paper brought its reporting and visuals, while Pittsburgh’s Public Source ensured accuracy through in-depth fact-checking.
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.
Click to see a race
There’s one big difference this time: what’s happening in Washington, D.C. As of 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 fire. 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 Pennsylvania 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.
If you’re not registered to vote, you have until 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 Oct. 28 to request a ballot. And in-person voters, we encourage you to show up at your polling places Nov. 4.
Pennsylvania Superior Court
The state 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 McCaffery was elected to the state 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 McCaffery’s former spot on the bench. Superior Court Judge Alice Dubow, a Democrat, is also up for retention.
Brandon Neuman
Democrat
Bio: Washington County native. University of Richmond undergrad and Duquesne J.D. Former trial lawyer. state rep. (2011-2017) with service on justice committees and chair of the Offense-Related Guidelines Review Subcommittee. Washington County common pleas judge (2018-present).
Philosophy: 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.
Crime and gun control: Authored legislation to clear rape kit backlog. Has presided over criminal and family law. Received three law-enforcement endorsements.
Ethics and independence: Issued decision requiring Washington County to notify voters of errors on mail-in-ballots for correction. Said he will avoid “preconceived opinions” and has reputation as “fair and impartial.”
Endorsements: Pennsylvania Democrats, Allegheny County Democratic Committee (ACDC), Steel City Stonewall Democrats, elected officials including state House Speaker Joanna McClinton and state Sen Jay Costa, unions including state AFL-CIO, FOP state State Lodge, IBEW locals, state State Troopers Assoc., state Sheriff’s Assoc., PSEA, Steamfitters. “Highly Recommended” by state Bar Assoc.
Maria Battista
Republican
Bio: Clarion County native. Clarion B.S. and Pitt Ed.D. Former assistant DA, contract specialist with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, assistant general counsel for state 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 state GOP-endorsed candidate Ann Marie Wheatcraft in 2025 primary. Educator and legal consultant.
Philosophy: 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!”
Crime and gun control: Has said “right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right” per existing legal precedent. Served on Safe & Effective Prescribing Practices opioid-use task force.
Ethics and independence: 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.
Endorsements: Pennsylvania GOP, Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Assoc. Action PAC, Firearms Owners Against Crime, Gun Owners of America state, Conservative Latinos state “Not Recommended” by state Bar Assoc. for failure to participate in questionnaire.
Daniel Wassmer
Independent
Bio: Pike County Resident. Adelphi University 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 state Part-time faculty at Bucks County Community College.
Philosophy: Says judicial independence is “paramount” while opposing special interests. Describes self as “only truly ‘independent’ candidate” in race.
Crime and gun control: Says he is “pro Second Amendment.” In 2022, said he supports ending qualified immunity to combat police corruption.
Ethics and independence: 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.
Endorsements: None listed
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court
The state 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 state Supreme Court overturned. One seat is 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.
Stella Tsai
Democrat
Bio: 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.
Philosophy: Says immigrant background has given her “deep respect” for democracy and rule of law. Highlights experience working on civil and immigrant rights.
Elections: Has ruled in favor of rehab patients seeking to vote and enforcement of distance between poll watchers and election workers.
Ethics and independence: Pledges transparency, independence, and an “open mind.” Says litigants should have a “level playing field” in the Commonwealth Court.
Endorsements: PA Dems, unions including state AFL-CIO, EAS Regional Council of Carpenters, IBEW and Sprinkler Fitters locals, PSEA-PACE. “Highly Recommended” by state Bar Assoc.
Matt Wolford
Republican
Bio: Grew up in Erie. Penn State undergrad and Temple J.D. State deputy attorney general in Philadelphia area, environmental crimes attorney, has worked with state DEP, special prosecutor. Former adjunct professor at Gannon University. Currently in private practice.
Philosophy: Describes philosophy as “conservative.” Self-described “common sense constitutionalist” focused on protecting personal liberties and private property rights while valuing legal precedent.
Elections: Limited public commentary on voting rights.
Ethics and independence: Pledges not to “legislate from the bench.” Says he will “pursue justice in every case” and act fairly toward litigants.
Endorsements: PA GOP, FOP state State Lodge, PA Sheriff’s Assoc. Action PAC, PA State Troopers Association, Conservative Latinos PA. “Highly Recommended” by state Bar Association.
County Sheriff
The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office handles a variety of law enforcement tasks, including executing warrants, pursuing fugitives, transporting incarcerated people, providing court security and holding sheriff’s sales of confiscated property. Democrat Kevin Kraus has held the office since his victory in 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.
Kevin Kraus (Incumbent)
Democrat
Bio: Ohio Twp. resident. La Roche undergrad with training from FBI Nat’l Academy and Harvard. 21-year Pittsburgh police veteran. Chief deputy with Sheriff’s Office 2014–2022. Incumbent.
Priorities: Has prioritized transparency as former police communications officer. Favors required trainings, body-cam use, and K9 support. Touts under-budget operation of Sheriff’s Office since election.
County jail: Serves on Jail Oversight Board but has sent surrogates to meetings. Refused comment on proposed Sheriff’s Office takeover of ACJ medical transports. Supports reinstatement of leg shackles in medical transports.
Federal cooperation: Says he would continue participating in federal task forces involving violent crime. Told media Sheriff’s Office doesn’t have written policy regarding ICE but would be “duty-bound” to assist agents under assault.
Endorsements: ACDC, 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, 19th Ward City of Pittsburgh Democrats, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, unions including Allegheny-Fayette County Labor Council, IAFF, multiple FOP lodges
Brian Weismantle
Republican
Bio: Pittsburgh (North Side) resident. LaRoche and Community College of the Air Force undergrad. 30-year Pennsylvania Air Nationall Guard veteran (retired 2025). Retired Pittsburgh Bureau of Police homicide detective with PI experience. Landlord.
Priorities: Seeks stronger mental health protection for deputies. Sees problems with area police staffing levels. Wants to “restore professionalism.” Says he would be “proactive, not reactive.”
County jail: Says important to have sheriff attend JOB meetings. Says he would “stand up for jail guards.” Gathered signatures to reinstate use of leg shackles.
Federal cooperation: Has criticized labor brokers hiring illegal immigrants for costing locals jobs.
Endorsements: RCAC, Gun Owners of America
Mayor of Pittsburgh
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 the office. 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
Democrat
Bio: Grew up in Squirrel Hill. Son of late former mayor Bob O’Connor. Point Breeze resident. Central Catholic High School and Duquesne University graduate. Pittsburgh City Councilor (District 5) from 2012-2022. Allegheny County Controller since 2022 after appointment to fill Chelsa Wagner’s seat; re-elected to full term in 2023.
Public safety: Said issues with turnover and staffing 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.
Affordable housing: Has campaigned on building more housing and 2017 support of Housing Opportunity Fund, but questions inclusionary zoning. Favors differing approaches to housing construction for different neighborhoods, saying “every market is different.” Wants to update permitting and zoning laws.
Infrastructure: Says more neighborhoods should be built for non-car owners. Said he would “embrace change” and “amplify the expertise of urbanists.”
Taxing nonprofits: 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.
Endorsements: ACDC, College Democrats at Pitt, 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, unions including state Laborers’ Council, Ironworkers Local 3, Int’l. Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Pittsburgh EMTs
Tony Moreno
Republican
Bio: Brighton Heights resident. Army paratrooper veteran. Retired 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.
Public safety: Wants to bring police force back to 1,000 officers 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. Asserted, without evidence, crime rates in Pittsburgh are “soaring.”
Affordable housing: Accuses city leadership of “stealing millions” and says developers are buying off politicians. Wants to implement business-friendly development including housing and increased parking. Calls inclusionary zoning a “control mechanism.”
Infrastructure: Says city’s main focuses should be “public safety and public works.” Seeks to cut wasteful spending. Said he wants “thriving, predictable, reliable” public transit.
Taxing nonprofits: Pledges tax and regulation cuts but has not commented on UPMC.
Endorsements: Gun Owners of America
Allegheny County Council
Seven 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 an independent. Embrescia challenged Rose’s candidacy, but the challenge was rejected at the Pa. Supreme Court. After a contested primary, Democrat Aaron Adams is running against Patrick Provins in District 9 (Mon Valley). In District 12 (West End/South Hills), incumbent Democrat Robert Palmosina faces a challenge from Republican Len Iorio. A special contest in District 13 pits Democrat Aaron Adams against Republican Patrick Provins.
District 1
(Airport/Ohio Valley)
Kathleen Madonna-Emmerling
Democrat
Bio: 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.
Priorities: 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.
Endorsements: ACDC, United Steelworkers District 10, SEIU 668, electeds including state Rep. Arvind Venkat, Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars, Allegheny County Councilor-At-Large Bethany Hallam
Mary Jo Wise
Republican
Bio: Moon resident. Clarion University undergrad. Former communications professional and stay-at-home mom. Legal assistant. Serves on Moon Board of Supervisors (2023-present).
Priorities: Wants to forestall 36% property tax increase. Pledges to “advocate for law enforcement.” Supports small-business tax incentives. Says she would seek “bipartisan solutions.”
Endorsements: RCAC, state Reps. Valerie Gaydos and Jeremy Shaffer
District 3
(North Hills/Allegheny Valley)
Lissa Geiger Shulman
Democrat
Bio: Hampton resident. Pitt undergrad and UM-St. Louis grad degrees. Former teacher and longtime policy consultant. Failed state House candidate in 2020.
Priorities: 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.
Endorsements: ACDC, YDAC, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, unions including AFL-CIO, IAFF, IUPAT, PSEA-PACE, Clean Water Action, electeds including U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, state Reps. Mandy Steele and Arvind Venkat
Chris Lochner
Republican
Bio: Hampton resident. Pitt undergrad and grad degrees. Former Edgewood Borough Manager and longtime Hampton Municipal Manager (1986-2024).
Priorities: 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.
Endorsements: RCAC
District 4
(West Hills)
Patrick Catena (Incumbent)
Democrat
Bio: Carnegie native. Pitt undergrad. Longtime municipal officeholder, Democratic operative and former Borough President. South Fayette assistant manager. Incumbent since 2017 and County Council President since 2020.
Priorities: Touts experience with youth programs and tax reform. Has successfully lobbied for local parks and infrastructure funding. Advocated for county paid sick leave.
Endorsements: ACDC, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, unions including AFL-CIO, IBEW, Iron Workers, Teamsters.
Bob Doddato
Republican
Bio: Sharpsville native and North Fayette resident. Geneva College undergrad. Longtime accountant and financial advisor. Landlord. Foster parent. North Fayette Supervisor since 2012.
Priorities: Wants to “bring fiscal responsibility,” grow economy and improve public safety. Touts experience working with bipartisan supervisors to save North Fayette residents money.
Endorsements: RCAC
District 8
(Plum/Monroeville)
Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis (Incumbent)
Democrat
Bio: Plum resident. Pitt bachelor’s. Longtime nonprofit worker and ED of Women for a Healthy Environment. Incumbent since 2022.
Priorities: Supports greater access to affordable housing. Touts work keeping Monroeville Convention Center open, reopening Shuman and evaluating county property for sale.
Endorsements: ACDC, YDAC, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, unions including AFL-CIO, two FOP lodges, electeds including state Sen. Nick Pisciottano and state Rep. Brandon Markosec.
Michael Dell
Republican
Bio: Plum resident. U Maryland undergrad and Pitt accounting certificate. CPA for 25-plus years. Plum Borough Councilor since 2007.
Priorities: Says growing tax base “central issue.” Says council needs “balance.” Wants to control spending. Correlated rising taxes with rising crime, fewer police, and crumbling infrastructure.
Endorsements: RCAC, Monroeville Republican Committee
District 9
(Plum/Monroeville)
Aaron Adams
Democrat
Bio: Born in Duquesne to family of police officers. Penn State undergrad. Works in engineering. In 2022, elected youngest-ever member of Duquesne City Council at 23.
Priorities: Would seek phased approach to tax reassessment. Says he would “support first responders.” Seeks greater access to mental healthcare programs.
Endorsements: ACDC, unions including AFL-CIO, Pittsburgh Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 91, The Beacon Coalition, electeds including state Sen. Nick Pisciottano and retiring District 9 councilor Bob Macey.
Patrick Provins
Republican
Bio: Elizabeth resident. Navy veteran. Paramedic with 25 years’ experience and business owner. On ballot following successful write-in campaign.
Priorities: Describes property taxes as “most pressing issue” for district and opposes increases. Wants to improve public safety.
Endorsements: RCAC, Firearm Owners Against Crime, electeds including former state Rep. Andrew Kuzma and White Oak Mayor Ina Marton.
District 12
(West Side/South Hills)
Bob Palmosina (Incumbent)
Democrat
Bio: Westwood native. Longtime Pittsburgh public works employee. Current. director public works director for Collier Twp. Chair of Pittsburgh Democratic Party 20th Ward. Basketball coach. Incumbent since 2018.
Priorities: Says public safety is “most important issue” for district. Led negotiations in recent county budget compromise. Supports LGBTQ rights and social welfare programs including addiction counseling.
Endorsements: ACDC, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, 19th Ward Democratic Committee, unions including AFL-CIO, IBEW, Iron Workers, LiUNA, Teamsters.
Len Iorio
Republican
Bio: Heidelberg resident. Former Pitt student. Media strategist with TV and radio experience and founder of advertising firm.
Priorities: Pledges to “stop property tax hikes and reassessments.” Wants to review “bloated” county budget. Seeks more affordable housing and community input in political process.
Endorsements: RCAC, Life PAC.
District 13
(North Side/Central Pittsburgh)
Jordan Botta
Democrat
Bio: Bloomfield resident. Graduate of Pitt and American Public University l. Former IBEW delegate to AFL-CIO. Executive director of Three Rivers Business Alliance. Appointed following David Bonaroti’s retirement; running for full term. First openly gay county councilor.
Priorities: Says he is “committed to expanding affordable housing.” Wants to modernize county tech and services. Supports greater transit access. Pledges to invest in public health infrastructure.
Endorsements: Steel City Stonewall Democrats, electeds including state. Sen. Jay Costa, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Democratic mayoral candidate Corey O’Connor.
Todd McCollum
Republican
Bio: Perry North resident. Waynesburg University graduate. Former Pittsburgh police officer and security manager. Chair of Pittsburgh Republican Committee since 2022.
Priorities: Opposes tax increases. Sees public safety as “top priority.” Pledges to “cut waste” and control spending. Wants to implement business-friendly policies.
Endorsements: RCAC, Turning Point Action’s Healthy Americans Coalition of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Allegheny County Prison Employees Independent Union.
At Large
Mike Embrescia (Incumbent)
Republican
Bio: Mt. Lebanon resident. IUP bachelor’s and Duquesne graduate 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.
Priorities: Wants to “hold the line” on county taxes. Wants to improve air quality. Claims, without evidence, violent crime is “creeping beyond City limits.” Says he is both pro-business and pro-union.
Endorsements: RCAC, unions including Boilermakers, LiUNA, Steamfitters, two FOP lodges
Alex Rose
Labor Party
Bio: Erie native and Pittsburgh resident. Pitt bachelor’s degree. Democratic operative and volunteer. Red Cross supervisor.
Priorities: Hopes to combat “chaos” from federal government. Says county should work more on local sustainability. Wants to bring down housing costs. Seeks broader definition of “first responder.”
Endorsements: Pennsylvania College Democrats, Sierra Club, electeds including U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, state Reps. Jess Benham and Emily Kinkead, County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars
Pittsburgh City Council
There are three contested races for Pittsburgh City Council this cycle. In District 2 (West Side), 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
(West Side)
Kim Salinetro
Democrat
Bio: Lifelong resident of the district. Extensive volunteer experience including AIDS task force and neighborhood groups. Chief of staff for retiring councilor Theresa Kail-Smith (2009-2025).
Priorities: 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.
Endorsements: ACDC, unions including AFL-CIO, FOP, IAFF, LiUNA, electeds including state Sen. Wayne Fontana
Erin Koper
Republican
Bio: Elliott resident. WVU undergrad. Spent 20 years in cosmetics. Spoke at 2024 RNC. President of Allegheny County Council of Republican Women.
Priorities: Says she would pursue hiring “healthy number” of police officers. Wants to “tackle blight” and invest in local businesses. Says she would invest in more youth programming.
Endorsements: RCAC
David Tessitor
Independent
Bio: Penn State undergrad. Longtime political activist.
Priorities: Wants greater community input in politics. Seeks creation of a Dept. of Neighborhoods. Wants rapid rail to the airport.
Endorsements: None listed
District 4
(South Hills)
Anthony Coghill (Incumbent)
Democrat
Bio: Beechview native. Former roofer. Democratic operative and two-term ACDC president (2010-2018). Elected to council in 2017, running for third term.
Priorities: 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.
Endorsements: ACDC, Pro-Housing Pittsburgh, AFL-CIO
Tracy Larger
Republican
Bio: Brookline resident. Penn State bachelor’s degree. Account executive for a media company, background in advertising.
Priorities: Says common sense on council “lacking.” Seeks increases in police staffing. Cites unsupported claims of rising crime as reason to run. Has criticized Coghill’s homelessness policies.
Endorsements: RCAC
Brian Naughton
Independent
Bio: Carrick native. Chef and culinary instructor. Picklesburgh pickle juice drinking contest finalist.
Priorities: 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.
Endorsements: None listed
District 6
(Includes Downtown, Hill District, North Side, Uptown, parts of West and South Oakland)
R. Daniel Lavelle (Incumbent)
Democrat
Bio: Hill District native. Kent State bachelor’s degree. Former chief of staff for state Rep. Jake Wheatley. First elected to council 2009; seeking fifth term. Council president since 2024.
Priorities: Says equity and public safety have been focuses since taking office. Highlights record including police reform, public works upgrades, non-discrimination laws
Endorsements: Steel City Stonewall Democrats, AFL-CIO
Jacob Dumont
Republican
Bio: North Side native. CCAC undergrad. Experience as heavy equipment operator and union shop steward. Citizen journalist.
Priorities: 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.
Endorsements: RCAC
Lisa Freeman (write-in)
Independent
Bio: Manchester resident. Former social worker. Ran Manchester Growing Together Farm (2009-2014). Now runs Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse.
Priorities: Seeks policies to prevent community members being displaced. Food-justice advocate. Has criticized Lavelle for closeness to developers.
Endorsements: None listed
Correction (10/14/2025): The introduction to the Allegheny County Council guide has been updated to include the Republican challengers in District 9 and 12. Dropdown charts featuring all candidates have also been added to these races and District 13.
Clarification (10/8/2025): A description of Geiger Shulman’s work history has been updated to better reflect the nature of her policy consulting.
Colin Williams is news editor at Pittsburgh City Paper.
This guide was fact-checked by Ember Duke and Tory Basile.
Related stories
Gainey’s budget proposal would leave smaller mayor’s office for his successor
O’Connor routed Gainey in 14th Ward and consolidated opposition to unseat Pittsburgh mayor
