Allentown and the Lehigh Valley will play a pivotal role in Pennsylvania’s May 19 primary. Competitive congressional races and economic pressures are likely to shape voter’s decisions.
In a state that often determines national political balance, primary elections matter.
On May 19th Pennsylvanians will select party nominees for Congress, the entire state House, and key local offices ahead of the general election in November. In Allentown the focus is immediate and local: affordability, growth, and representation in a rapidly changing city.
At the center of attention is Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, which includes Allentown and has become one of the most competitive districts in the country.
Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie is unopposed in the primary.
Democrats are choosing from a crowded field competing for the chance to challenge Mackenzie in November. He won his seat after narrowly defeating democratic incumbent Susan Wild in 2024.
THE CANDIDATES
Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure has a background as a Lawyer, and 18 years of experience in local government. His is the longest political resume, making him the establishment candidate for district 7.
Former federal prosecutor and Marine Ryan Crosswell came to prominence after he made national headlines for resigning in protest from the Justice Department. He later testified before congress on the same issues.
Union Firefighter Bob Brooks’s campaign has benefitted from major progressive endorsements, including a nod from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
Carol Obando-Derstine, is the whose career has seen her in various public and private roles including former PA Governor Wolf’s Latino Advisory Committee. She’s obtained the backing of prominent democrats like Susan Wild and Bob Casey. She is bilingual and immigrated to the United States from Colombia.
While the candidates have different resumes and represent different communities, their campaigns have converged on most issues.
There is one issue that all the candidates are hoping to address in particular: affordability.
In Allentown, affordability is an important issue. Immigration and the expansion of warehouse and logistics are bringing new residents and rising property value, but also financial strain. Population growth leads to higher rents, increased strain on public services.
Aside from the congressional race, voters will also vote in down-ballot contests that directly shape education funding, healthcare access, and housing policy.
The 22nd congressional district is of particular interest. With a 2.5 – 1 Democratic majority, the election will likely be decided in the primary showdown between Allentown City councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach and democratic incumbent Ana Tiburcio.
Tiburcio won her seat in a special election after incumbent Josh Siegel resigned to become Lehigh County Executive. Ana is the Lehigh Valley’s first Latino state legislator and the newest member of the PA Legislative Latino Caucus.
At the top of the ticket, the gubernatorial primary is expected to be quiet. Governor Josh Shapiro faces little opposition for the Democratic nomination and can expect wide margins of support in the Lehigh Valley where he recently secured a major corporate investment deal from Ely Lilly
Voters needed to be registered or have updated their party affiliation by May 4, and mail‑in ballot applications are due by May 12. Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 19.