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Allegheny County Election Guide 2023
Welcome to Pittsburgh City Paper’s 2023 Election Guide! Election Matchups: Allegheny County Controller: Corey O’Connor vs. Bob Howard Allegheny County District Attorney: Matt Dugan vs. Stephen Zappala Allegheny County Executive: Sara Innamorato vs. Joe Rockey Allegheny County Treasurer: Erica Brusselars vs. Herb Ohliger Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania: Matt Wolf vs. Megan Martin Superior Court of…
Allegheny County Executive: Sara Innamorato vs. Joe Rockey
Progressive incumbent Sara Innamorato faces off against Joe Rockey, a Republican and former PNC bank executive, in this high-stakes race. Both will vie to replace longtime officeholder Rich Fitzgerald after his retirement. The executive oversees all sectors of county government, including drafting the budget and appointing members to powerful agency boards. The electee can also…
Allegheny County District Attorney: Matt Dugan vs. Stephen Zappala
The District Attorney serves as the county’s chief prosecutor and law enforcement officer. This election sees 25-year incumbent Stephen A. Zappala Jr. running against former county chief public defender Matt Dugan. During May’s primary election, Zappala, a longtime Democrat, lost to Dugan while successfully campaigning for the Republican nomination. High-profile donors means this race serves…
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania: Dan McCaffery vs. Carolyn Carluccio
The state’s highest appellate court has had a vacancy since Justice Max Baer died in Sept. 2022. Of the remaining six justices, four are affiliated with the Democratic Party. Vying for a 10-year term in Baer’s open seat are Republican Carolyn Carluccio, a Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas judge, and Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge…
Superior Court of Pennsylvania: Jill Beck, Timika Lane, Maria Battista, Harry Smail
The Superior Court hears high-level criminal appeals and family cases. This 15-member high court is currently split 7-7 between Democrats and Republicans with one vacancy. With two judges reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, November’s election will fill two vacant seats — Republicans need to win both to gain the majority, while Democrats would…
Allegheny County Treasurer: Erica Brusselars vs. Herb Ohliger
The county treasurer is charged with managing billions of dollars per year, collecting revenue, and investing and disbursing these funds on behalf of the county. Incumbent John Weinstein will vacate the office after nearly 25 years, leaving a contest between Democrat Erica Rocchi Brusselars and Republican Herb Ohliger. Erica Brusselars Bio: Corporate actuary for 14…
Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania: Matt Wolf vs. Megan Martin
The Commonwealth Court is the state’s highest court of appeals in civil and regulatory matters. Currently dominated by conservative judges, the court issues opinions on tax matters, state agencies, zoning, and voting. There are currently five Republicans and three Democrats on the bench, with one seat vacant. Voters can choose between Republican and former secretary-parliamentarian…
Allegheny County Controller: Corey O’Connor vs. Bob Howard
The Allegheny County Controller oversees the operations and finances of any agency that uses county funds. Democratic incumbent Corey O’Connor — appointed to the role in July 2022 after Chelsa Wagner became a judge — faces Republican Bob (Robert) Howard, appearing on the ballot after a successful write-in campaign. Corey O’Connor Bio: Appointed by Gov. Tom…
Pennsylvania’s complicated court system affects daily life — and it’s on the ballot in November
Like many things in Pennsylvania, our court system is complicated. Whether your legal issue is simple — say, a speeding ticket — or something more complicated, the state’s multi-tiered court system offers differing levels of access and differing forms of redress. At the top, as with most U.S. states, is the Supreme Court. Like the…
Allegheny County Executive race is a generational decision between Rockey and Innamorato
Sara Innamorato and Joe Rockey grew up during starkly different eras for the Pittsburgh region, a fact that shows in their visions as they compete in the hottest race for Allegheny County executive in decades. Rockey, 59 and the Republican nominee, was born well before the collapse of the steel industry and witnessed it firsthand…
Carl Redwood and Sam Schmidt want Allegheny County voters to dream big
Carl Redwood and Sam Schmidt are running as Independents for Allegheny Council. They’re united by a background in community organizing, leftwing ideology, and a bold vision for the future of the county.
