Democratic primaries in the Lehigh Valley test progressive versus party power
ALLENTOWN — The candidates in two key Lehigh Valley Democratic primaries agree that housing is too expensive, state services are underfunded, and the minimum wage is too low.
The conflict actually animating these races is more fundamental, and speaks to a larger disagreement playing out among Democrats across the commonwealth and the country: Should the party pursue bold solutions to these big problems, like enacting a graduated income tax, over moderates’ objections? Or should it focus on making incremental progress while protecting unity under a big tent?
On Tuesday, voters will decide.
In the 22nd state House District in blue Allentown, progressive City Councilor Ce-Ce Gerlach is challenging party-endorsed incumbent Ana Tiburcio, running on a platform of “bold, unapologetic change.”
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/05/lehigh-valley-legislative-races-democratic-party-insider-outsider-elections/