This is the third in our series highlighting the key mayoral races in the Commonwealth.

The race for mayor of Allentown seemingly was decided in the May primary, when incumbent Matt Tuerk easily defeated Democratic challenger Ed Zucal. But the Allentown City Councilman received enough write-in votes on the Republican side to secure their nomination. “The Republicans had enough faith in me to write me in, it doesn’t change the person I am, for the Democrats as well that wrote me in, I’m still the same person, I’m looking forward to representing the Republicans in the November,” said Zucal.

Matt Tuerk (D)

• Primary: defeated Ed Zucal, 80.6% – 19.4%
• Experience: Mayor, City of Allentown (2022-present); Principal, Equitable Development LLC (2020-21); Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (2013-20); Allentown Economic Development Corporation (2008-13); Controller, Panamerican Management (2004-08).
• Priorities.
  • Vision and Energy. Empower the people of Allentown and engage with regional partners to deliver equitable economic growth through energized leadership.
  • Trust the People. Our city faces unique challenges, and the solutions to those problems should come from people who understand them best: Allentonians.
  • Better Together. Work with our partners across the region and resist the temptation to go it alone.
  • Allentown For All. Give love to every neighborhood and every community in our City.
  • Open For Business. Improve organizational efficiency
• Education: B.S., College of Charleston ’02; MBA, University of South Carolina ’04
• Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Ed Zucal (R)

• Primary: lost to Matt Tuerk in Democratic primary. Received 499 write-in votes to receive Republican nomination.
• Experience: Allentown City Councilman. Deputy Lehigh County Coroner. Retired Allentown City Police Sergeant.
• Priorities.
  • Restoring Trust. Taking on the special interests who cut to the front of the line when it comes to accessing city leadership.
  • Fiscal Responsibility. Work to restore common sense to city budgeting and protect taxpayers from unnecessary tax increases.
  • Accountability. Won’t avoid the tough questions and he’ll always hold himself accountable.
  • Community Policing. Return Allentown to a community policing model and prioritize addressing the quality of life issues that lead to much more serious crimes.
• Education: Penn State
• Links: Website

Debates

• Primary Debate, April 17 (WLVT)

In The News

• Tuerk vs. Zucal: Allentown mayoral race a repeat of primary election (Oct 16, Armchair Lehigh Valley)
• In Allentown, two candidates run quiet campaigns for mayor. What Matt Tuerk, Ed Zucal have to say. (Oct 1, Allentown Morning Call)