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The desk of Rep. Matt Gergely, D-Allegheny, at the start of the state House's two-year legislative session, Jan. 7, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa.
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Allegheny County Democrats release candidates for Matt Gergely seat

AP Photo/Marc Levy, File

Allegheny County Democrats release candidates for Matt Gergely seat

Both parties have until Monday to file paperwork for special election, set for March 25

The sudden death of state Rep. Matt Gergely has Allegheny County Democrats and Republicans scrambling to find nominees for a special election to fill his seat in the 35th district, but leaders of both parties say they’ll have a candidate by week’s end for a race that will determine which party controls the state House of Representatives in Harrisburg.

On Tuesday evening, the county’s Democratic committee released candidates for the seat. They are:

• Tim Eads, of Munhall, a borough councilman.

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• Rikell S. Ford, of Clairton, a social worker with Allegheny County.

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• Daniel E. Goughnour, of McKeesport, who works in the city’s police department.

• Mary E. Nesby, of Homestead, who serves on the borough council.

• Louis Ransom Jr., of Munhall, who is borough manager for Braddock.

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• Dexel M. Tolliver, of Clairton, who has worked with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an employment officer.

The committee will hold an election from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the McKeesport Palisades Event Center. The six candidates had until Tuesday evening to declare, including a $250 filing fee with the party.

John Schnaedter, executive director of the county’s Republican committee, said the committee’s leadership will meet in the coming days and vote on and publicly announce its nominee. He declined to say who was running, but added that three to four Republicans have shown interest.

Both parties are reacting after Gergely died earlier this month. He had recently suffered from a medical emergency and had missed his swearing-in on Jan. 7. He had previously served in McKeesport government and in the area school district before winning a special election in 2023 for the House’s 35th district, and then winning re-election in 2024.

The 35th district includes McKeesport and several other communities in the Mon Valley, including part of West Mifflin, Homestead, West Homestead, Clairton, Duquesne, Lincoln and many others. 

It’s described by political observers as a working-class district, due to its history with the steel industry and manufacturing, and many tight-knit communities along the Monongahela River. Democrats hold well over a 2-to-1 voter registration edge against Republicans there.

Despite those numbers, Mr. Schnaedter said a likely low-turnout election and the momentum of President Donald Trump’s victory could give Republicans a chance in March.

“I would classify them as sort of blue dog Democrats down there ... [and] just because they’re registered Democrat doesn’t mean they’re going to pull that lever,” he said. 

Whoever wins the seat in the March election will give the Democrats or Republicans the advantage in the state House in Harrisburg, which is currently deadlocked at 101-101.

The county’s Democratic committee will hold a candidate forum on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Those interested can email info@Alleghenydems.com to receive a link to attend.

First Published: January 29, 2025, 12:28 a.m.
Updated: January 29, 2025, 7:17 p.m.

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