Unpacking The Results: Onward to November

LVSU and WFP members at WFP’s Election Captains Poll Greeting Training

When the federal government fails to deliver for working people, it’s clear that local leaders need to step up or step back. That’s why our chapters conducted a rigorous endorsement process, hosting town halls and interviews to select candidates who will prioritize affordable housing, stand up for LGBTQ+ rights, create a Citizen Review Board, protect immigrants’ rights, and organize against austerity measures from Congress.

Just yesterday, we made hundreds of calls to working-class voters across race and place about the primary election. We know that folks are working extra hours to afford the rising costs of living, and with so much in the news, it can be overwhelming to pay attention to local elections. The extremely low voter turnout numbers painfully demonstrate this. Even so, our organizers had meaningful conversations about what is at stake to move people into action to vote. 

A voter in Scranton was curious when she received a missed call from me, so she called me back and we had a great conversation about the need for transitional housing and funding for mental health and substance use disorders in the city. She said she doesn’t usually vote in general and she’s a homeowner, but hopes that one day, if she ever needs assistance, the city will help her, and knows how important schools are, so I helped her find her polling place and she voted for our candidates!

So, what are the results of these and many conversations leading up to Election Day?

Endorsed candidates with contested primaries who beat their primary opponents:

Let’s take a closer look at our losses. 

Our Scranton City Council candidates did not make it through, competing against political dynasties Flynn and McAndrew, though Pousley trailed by only 1.1% behind the top vote getters. We are incredibly proud of first time runs for Frankie Malacaria and Todd Pousley. This sets up the political players we will have to powermap for our local housing campaigns. Many of our losses speak to the importance of long-term, sustainable organizing. In NEPA, we continue to position ourselves to build more power to win for working people.

Vincent Derek Smith fought hard in his campaign for Lancaster City Council, but low name recognition proved to be a tough hurdle this time. Despite the outcome, his dedication and strong work ethic inspired many, and the experience has laid a solid foundation for future efforts. With continued community engagement and growing support, there’s real optimism for what’s possible next time around.

A closer look at our wins:

Our members voted to endorse Amos Stoltzfus because he signed our Stop the Sweeps Pledge, clearly stating his intention to end the forced relocations of our unhoused neighbors. Stoltzfus has a long history of helping our unhoused neighbors. He has truly given them a seat at the table and responded to their needs through initiatives like SoWe’s free locker program. As a local director for the housing non-profit Tenfold and in his current role as a Lancaster City Planning Commissioner, Amos is positioned to make a difference in the ongoing housing crisis. In a crowded election where housing is generally accepted as the biggest issue, we are excited that a candidate with the political will and courage to expand affordable housing won in his bid for Lancaster City Council.

Natalie is championing affordable housing, workers’ rights, LGBTQ+ and immigrant protections, and climate justice. She was the youngest person elected to council in 2021, and we are thrilled to see her re-elected to continue working with City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach to fight for working class Allentown residents. Natalie ran as part of a joint slate of candidates – with Patrick Palmer and Ben Stemrich – who are endorsed by the progressive Working Families Party. While our other two candidates did not make it through the primary, they exercised their ability to run as a joint slate in order to get enough power on the council to form a working class bloc.

Tara Zrinski wins her primary for Northampton County Executive with 57% of the vote, beating out former Congresswoman Susan Wild-backed & former Senator Bob Casey Staffer Amy Cozze, who received donations from developers. This is a big win for environmental protection over warehouse proliferation. Zrinski ran on her record as a member of the county council, helping deliver $18 million in COVID-19 relief to the county, keeping the Gracedale nursing home under county ownership, voting for a property tax cut, investing in affordable housing projects, and preserving 2,400 acres of open space and 50 farms. We are excited to continue to support Tara Zrinski as she faces her GOP opponent, Thomas Giovanni, in the General election in November.

Too close to call:

A true nail biter – Berks Stands Up member & City Councilman Jaime Baez Jr is down just 6 votes, trying to edge out the current Reading City Council President Donna Reed. They will face Republican Evelyn Morrison, who ran unopposed in her party’s primary election. Baez has worked with us to support opportunities to expand affordable housing and has called on the PA legislature to raise the minimum wage. We will await to see if there will be a recount.

In solidarity,

Maria Andrews

Director of Powerbuilding