Allegheny County Democratic Primary Election Guide 2023
Welcome to Pittsburgh City Paper’s 2023 Primary Election Guide! Introduction: DA race pits reform candidate against business as usual incumbent Allegheny County Executive: Theresa Colaizzi, Dave Fawcett, Sara Innamorato, Michael Lamb, William Parker, and John Weinstein Allegheny County Controller: Darwin Leuba and Corey O’Connor Allegheny County Treasurer: Erica Brusselars and Anthony Coghill District Attorney: Matt…
DA race pits reform candidate against business as usual incumbent
As Allegheny County voters prepare to pick a new chief executive after 12 years of Rich Fitzgerald’s leadership, another county-wide leadership position on the ballot is, arguably, just as important, and the incumbent has held office for more than twice as long. This year’s Democratic primary for District Attorney pits six-term incumbent Stephen Zappala against…
District Attorney: Matt Dugan and Steve Zappala
As the county’s chief prosecutor and law enforcement officer, the District Attorney plays the most significant role in setting the agenda for the criminal legal system. The DA’s office has wide latitude to decide which crimes to prosecute. It also has the power to divert people away from the legal system to alternative programs that…
Allegheny County Controller: Darwin Leuba and Corey O’Connor
The controller serves as Allegheny County’s fiscal watchdog, meaning they have the power to review the operations and finances of any local agency that utilizes county funds. The office is also responsible for paying county workers, reviewing new construction projects and developments in Allegheny County, and serving on multiple county-wide boards — including the Jail…
Allegheny County Treasurer: Erica Brusselars and Anthony Coghill
Allegheny County’s treasurer collects income from real estate taxes and other specialist taxes and permitting. The treasurer’s office is also responsible for investing and disbursing these funds. Incumbent John Weinstein is stepping down this year after six consecutive terms to pursue the county executive’s seat. Erica Brusselars Bio: Twelve-year corporate actuary, specializing in pensions. Former…
Allegheny County Executive: Theresa Colaizzi, Dave Fawcett, Sara Innamorato, Michael Lamb, William Parker, and John Weinstein
The chief executive is the most powerful officeholder in the county. In addition to its broad supervisory mandate for overseeing all sectors of county government, the executive drafts the budget, can veto council legislation, and appoints a large proportion of members to powerful agency boards. Theresa Colaizzi Bio: Former business owner. Former Pittsburgh School board president.…
Court of Common Pleas: Anthony DeLuca, Patrick Sweeney, and Andy Szefi
The Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas is tasked with meting out justice in all matters, from injury compensation claims to divorce settlements and homicide charges. Each of its elected judges preside for 10-year terms over one of three divisions — civil, criminal, and family. Once a judge’s term has expired, voters have the option…
