While 2024’s election was one of the most consequential in recent memory, the coming election next week could shake up to be just as, if not more momentous.
Control of Pennsylvania’s State Supreme Court, currently held by Democrats, is up to a yes-no vote. And many other state and local courts have seats up for election, as well.
There are many, incredibly extensive voter guides The Globe staunchly endorses, particularly those by WESA and the recent collaboration between Pittsburgh City Paper and Public Source.
This guide will cover the biggest issues for students voting under Point Park’s address, namely the election for Pittsburgh’s Mayor, County Council District 13 and City Council District 6.
Students registered to vote under Point Park’s address can vote at the County Human Services Building on 1 Smithfield Street. Other polling places and sample ballots can be found on Allegheny County’s website.
Voting Yes or No to retain State Supreme Court Justices
Democrat State Supreme Court Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht are all up for a retention vote.
Opponents have launched a state-wide “Vote No” campaign, aiming to decimate the Democrat’s 5-2 majority over the Court. They argue the court has become too politicized, among other things.
Advocates for the justices’ retention point to recent federal Supreme Court leanings, namely rumors that justices might strike down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. They argue that Pa.’s Supreme Court — should its justices be retained — could be a major defense against the loss of Section 2.
Pittsburgh Mayor:
Corey O’Connor, the current Allegheny County Controller and Democratic nominee for mayor, is facing Tony Moreno, a veteran, former police officer and Republican nominee.
O’Connor, the son of former mayor Bob O’Connor, beat current mayor Ed Gainey in the Democratic primary for mayor in May, campaigning on looser zoning laws, restoring waning police recruitment and harsher restrictions on local nonprofits.
Moreno, who beat businessman Thomas West for the Republican nomination, is a staunch supporter of improving police recruitment, at one point falsely claiming crime rates are “soaring,” according to Pittsburgh City Paper. He also seeks to cut what he calls wasteful spending in City Council.
City Council District 6
Incumbent R. Daniel Lavelle, a Democrat, is facing off against Republican challenger Jacob Dumont for a seat representing City Council’s 6th District.
Lavelle, of the Hill District, has served on council since 2009 and has been its president since 2024. He supports police reform and has achieved substantial investments for his district’s infrastructure.
Dumont, of North Side, is a heavy equipment operator who runs Northside Action News Media, a Facebook local news group. He’s criticized his district’s existing infrastructure and advocates for more lax zoning laws to allow easier development.
There’s also Lisa Freeman, who is running as a write-in candidate according to Pittsburgh City Paper. Freeman, of Manchester, owns Freeman Family Farm and is a former social worker. She has opposed Lavelle’s relationship with developers, and advocates for policy to prevent displacement and food insecurity.
County Council District 13
Jordan Botta, a Democrat appointed to County Council after the resignation of David Bonaroti, is up against Republican Todd McCollum for a seat serving Allegheny County’s 13th District.
Botta, of Bloomfield, is the executive director of Three Rivers Business Alliance. He said his chief policy concern is affordable housing, according to WESA, and fully supports current County Executive Sara Innamorato.
McCollum, of Perry North, is a retired police officer and current chair of the Pittsburgh Republican Committee. McCollum opposes tax increases, and has said he would have public safety and business-related issues top of mind, according to WESA.
