Never mind the premature Christmas decorations: Candidates are putting up 2018 election bunting before Thanksgiving. And state Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Hill District, is already facing a Democratic primary challenge from a familiar foe — Aerion Abney.

“I want people to know I’m really passionate about changing the realities for people struggling in this district,” the 28-year-old Mr. Abney said this week of his early bid for the 19th District seat.

A Philadelphia native who received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Abney worked as a program officer at the Poise Foundation. He has left that job to campaign full time, he said.

Mr. Abney is a former staffer for Mr. Wheatley and ran against him in 2016. But he withdrew after losing the endorsement of party foot soldiers who voted in the Democratic committee endorsement. He also faced a legal challenge to the validity of his nominating petitions.

This time, around, he said, “People are ready for something new.”

With development taking place in district neighborhoods including the Hill District, Hazelwood and Allentown, he said, “There’s concern that people may be displaced from their homes by economics.” Mr. Wheatley, he said, is “unaccountable to his constituents.”

“It’s the people’s seat and we always encourage people who think they have something to offer to run,” said Mr. Wheatley, who confirmed he’d be running for a ninth term. But he added of Mr. Abney’s early launch, “I think people do this to float their name and have a minute a fame.”

Mr. Wheatley, a Detroit native and Marine Corps veteran, has touted neighborhood projects including the establishment of a long-sought Hill District grocery store.

The 19th District stretches from northern city neighborhoods west of the Parkway North through Downtown, and on into Hazelwood and southern “hilltop” neighborhoods such as Allentown.

Mr. Abney appears to have the field to himself so far. Jessica Wolfe, who lost to Mr. Wheatley in the 2016 primary, is not running this time. She is backing Mr. Abney, who, she said, “will undoubtedly be a tireless advocate for us all.”

Former city school board member Mark Brentley, who has run against Mr. Wheatley in the past, demurred when asked about his plans this time.

“I have no comment,” he said. “It’s all so early.” 

Chris Potter: cpotter@post-gazette.com or 412-263-2533.

First Published: November 23, 2017, 12:00 p.m.