Luzerne County Council elections

American elections

A map of municipalities in Luzerne County. Each council member represents the entire county.

The Luzerne County Council is elected by the voters of the county. The governing body consists of eleven members. Nearly half the council is up for election every two years. It rotates between five and six seats. Each council member is elected at-large (to a four-year term). Councilors may serve no more than three consecutive terms.[1]

In the May primary, the major political parties (Democratic and Republican) select their top candidates for the general election. For example, those who place in the top five or six become the nominees of their party. Third party (or independent) candidates may also join the race. In the November general election, all political parties/candidates square off on the same ballot. Those who place in the top five or six will be elected or re-elected to council.

## Background

[edit]

On Tuesday, November 2, 2010, Luzerne County adopted a home rule charter by a margin of 51,413 to 41,639.[2][3] The following year (in 2011), the first election for the new government was held. On Monday, January 2, 2012, the previous government (the board of county commissioners) was abolished and replaced with the new form of government (council–manager government). The first members of the Luzerne County Council were sworn in that same day. The council chair, who is appointed by his or her fellow council members, is both the highest-ranking officer on the council and the head of county government for ceremonial purposes.[4] The first council chair was Jim Bobeck.[5]

## 2011 county council election

[edit]

The first primary elections for Luzerne County Council were held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011. Eleven Democratic nominees and eleven Republican nominees were selected in the primary elections.

2011 Luzerne County Council Democratic primary election[6] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Stephen A. Urban | 12,170  | 5.24
| Democratic | Linda McClosky Houck  | 11,019  | 4.74
| Democratic | Jim Bobeck  | 10,548  | 4.54
| Democratic | Edward A. Brominski  | 10,325  | 4.44
| Democratic | Jane Walsh-Waitkus  | 9,507  | 4.09
| Democratic | Eileen M. Sorokas  | 9,377  | 4.04
| Democratic | Salvatore Licata  | 8,992  | 3.87
| Democratic | Tim McGinley  | 8,975  | 3.86
| Democratic | Michelle Bednar  | 8,840  | 3.81
| Democratic | M. Theresa Morcavage  | 8,130  | 3.50
| Democratic | Elaine Maddon Curry  | 7,884  | 3.39
| Democratic | John Adonizio  | 7,608  | 3.27
| Democratic | Michael G. Collins  | 7,532  | 3.24
| Democratic | Brian K. Overman  | 7,192  | 3.10
| Democratic | Frank Sorokach  | 6,957  | 2.99
| Democratic | John Livingston  | 6,879  | 2.96
| Democratic | Joseph M. Padavan  | 6,835  | 2.94
| Democratic | John T. Nadolny  | 6,743  | 2.90
| Democratic | Michael A. Chrobak  | 6,445  | 2.77
| Democratic | Wil Toole  | 6,164  | 2.65
| Democratic | Michael McGlynn  | 5,765  | 2.48
| Democratic | Bruce J. Simpson  | 5,581  | 2.40
| Democratic | Fred Stuccio  | 5,550  | 2.39
| Democratic | Wayne Wolfe  | 5,278  | 2.27
| Democratic | Harry W. Skene  | 5,257  | 2.26
| Democratic | Stanley Knick Jr.  | 5,083  | 2.19
| Democratic | Thomas F. Rovinski  | 4,986  | 2.15
| Democratic | Thomas Mark Rome  | 4,885  | 2.10
| Democratic | Casey Evans  | 4,679  | 2.01
| Democratic | Mario J. Fiorucci Jr.  | 4,571  | 1.97
| Democratic | Michael S. Giamber  | 4,190  | 1.80
| Democratic | Thomas W. Ksiezopolski Sr.  | 4,174  | 1.80
| Democratic | Robert G. Webb  | 3,259  | 1.40
| Write-in | 944  | 0.41
Total votes | 232,324  | 100.00
2011 Luzerne County Council Republican primary election[7] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Stephen J. Urban  | 8,877  | 8.02
| Republican | Rick Morelli  | 8,774  | 7.93
| Republican | Kathleen M. Dobash  | 8,089  | 7.31
| Republican | John Ruckno  | 7,886  | 7.13
| Republican | Harry Haas  | 7,760  | 7.02
| Republican | Blythe H. Evans III  | 7.089  | 6.41
| Republican | William Bell James  | 6,757  | 6.11
| Republican | Eugene L. Kelleher  | 6,677  | 6.04
| Republican | Gina Nevenglosky  | 6,610  | 5.98
| Republican | Joyce Dombroski-Gebhardt  | 6,594  | 5.96
| Republican | Michael Cabell | 6,591  | 5.96
| Republican | Linda J. Urban  | 6,356  | 5.75
| Republican | William McIntosh  | 6,195  | 5.60
| Republican | Moderno Butch Rossi  | 5,947  | 5.38
| Republican | Edward Warkevicz  | 5,753  | 5.20
| Republican | Joseph A. Gorko  | 3,675  | 3.32
| Write-in | 988  | 0.89
Total votes | 110,618  | 100.00

The first general election for Luzerne County Council was held on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. The first eleven members were elected, consisting of six Democrats, four Republicans, and one independent. The first councilmen were Rick Morelli, Stephen A. Urban, Jim Bobeck, Stephen J. Urban, Tim McGinley, Edward Brominski, Harry Haas, Rick Williams, Elaine Maddon Curry, Linda McClosky Houck, and Eugene Kelleher. The top six vote getters in the general election were given four-year terms. The rest were given two-year terms.[8] The newly elected government was sworn in on January 2, 2012.

Seats after the election

Party | Number of seats
| Democratic | 6
| Republican | 4
| Independent | 1
2011 Luzerne County Council general election[9] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Rick Morelli  | 25,026  | 5.25
| Democratic | Stephen A. Urban | 23,657  | 4.97
| Democratic | Jim Bobeck  | 23,412  | 4.91
| Republican | Stephen J. Urban  | 22,598  | 4.74
| Democratic | Tim McGinley  | 21,654  | 4.54
| Democratic | Edward A. Brominski  | 21,630  | 4.54
| Republican | Harry Haas  | 21,299  | 4.47
| Independent | Rick Williams  | 20,359  | 4.27
| Democratic | Elaine Maddon Curry  | 19,593  | 4.11
| Democratic | Linda McClosky Houck  | 19,375  | 4.07
| Republican | Eugene L. Kelleher  | 18,867  | 3.96
| Democratic | Eileen M. Sorokas  | 18,811  | 3.95
| Republican | John Ruckno  | 18,594  | 3.90
| Democratic | Jane Walsh-Waitkus  | 18,419  | 3.87
| Republican | Kathleen M. Dobash  | 17,556  | 3.68
| Democratic | Michelle Bednar  | 17,532  | 3.68
| Democratic | Salvatore Licata  | 16,601  | 3.48
| Republican | Blythe H. Evans III  | 16,261  | 3.41
| Republican | William Bill James  | 15,611  | 3.28
| Republican | Joyce Dombroski-Gebhardt  | 14,723  | 3.09
| Democratic | M. Theresa Morcavage  | 14,299  | 3.00
| Republican | Gina Nevenglosky  | 13,849  | 2.91
| Republican | Michael Cabell | 12,855  | 2.70
| Libertarian | Michael A. Lacey  | 11,108  | 2.33
| Independent | Jeremy Packard  | 11,095  | 2.33
| Libertarian | Tim Mullen  | 10,770  | 2.26
| American Independent | Charlie "Bible Buck" Hatchko  | 6,309  | 1.32
| Libertarian | Brian R. Bergman  | 3,734  | 0.78
|  | Write-in | 862  | 0.18
Total votes | 476,459  | 100

## 2013 county council election

[edit]

The second set of primary elections were held on Tuesday, May, 21, 2013. Five Democrats and five Republicans were nominated. Democrat Elaine Maddon Curry did not seek re-election.

2013 Luzerne County Council Democratic primary election[10] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Eileen M. Sorokas  | 13,360  | 23.02
| Democratic | Linda McClosky Houck (incumbent)  | 12,214  | 21.05
| Democratic | Renee Ciaruffoli Taffera  | 11,094  | 19.12
| Democratic | Richard "Kick" Heffron  | 10,920  | 18.92
| Democratic | Michael Giamber  | 9,924  | 17.10
| Write-in | 520  | 0.90
Total votes | 58,032  | 100.00

2013 Luzerne County Council Republican primary election[11] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Harry Haas (incumbent)  | 6,555  | 18.79
| Republican | Sue Rossi  | 6,511  | 18.66
| Republican | Eugene Kelleher (incumbent)  | 6,413  | 18.38
| Republican | Kathy Dobash  | 6,295  | 18.04
| Republican | Paul F. Defabo  | 4,405  | 12.63
| Republican | Alex Milanes  | 4,382  | 12.56
| Write-in | 327  | 0.94
Total votes | 34,888  | 100.00

The second general election was held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. Five seats were up for election. Councilwoman Linda McClosky Houck was the top vote-getter (with 18,980 votes). Eileen Sorokas and Kathy Dobash were both newly elected to council. Eugene Kelleher was the only incumbent to lose his seat in the general election. In the end, the number of seats per political party remained the same—six Democrats, four Republicans, and one independent.

Seats after the election

Party | Number of seats
| Democratic | 6
| Republican | 4
| Independent | 1
2013 Luzerne County Council general election[12] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Linda McClosky Houck (incumbent)  | 18,980  | 10.18
| Democratic | Eileen M. Sorokas  | 18,287  | 9.81
| Republican | Kathy Dobash  | 17,829  | 9.56
| Republican | Harry Haas (incumbent)  | 17,552  | 9.41
| Independent | Rick Williams (incumbent)  | 17,226  | 9.24
| Republican | Sue Rossi  | 17,147  | 9.20
| Democratic | Richard "Kick" Heffron  | 16,929  | 9.08
| Democratic | Renee Ciaruffoli Taffera  | 16,560  | 8.88
| Republican | Eugene L. Kelleher (incumbent)  | 16,339  | 8.76
| Democratic | Michael Giamber  | 15,345  | 8.23
| Republican | Paul M. Defabo  | 13,586  | 7.29
|  | Write-in | 688  | 0.37
Total votes | 186,468  | 100

## 2015 county council election

[edit]

The third round of primary election were held on May 19, 2015. Six Democrats and six Republicans were nominated. Democrat Jim Bobeck and Republican Rick Morelli did not seek re-election.Democrat Robert Schnee lost the Democratic nomination, but won the Republican nomination with 384 write-in votes. Former councilman Eugene Kelleher also won a Republican nomination via write-in votes.[13]

2015 Luzerne County Council Democratic primary election[14] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Tim McGinley (incumbent)  | 13,385  | 14.50
| Democratic | Jane Walsh-Waitkus  | 10,864  | 11.77
| Democratic | John Gadomski  | 10,599  | 11.48
| Democratic | Edward A. Brominski (incumbent)  | 10,509  | 11.39
| Democratic | Stephen A. Urban (incumbent)  | 10,166  | 11.01
| Democratic | Anthony J. Rostock  | 9,678  | 10.49
| Democratic | Robert J. Altavilla  | 9,476  | 10.27
| Democratic | Robert Schnee | 8,189  | 8.87
| Write-in | 744  | 0.81
Total votes | 92,303  | 100.00
2015 Luzerne County Council Republican primary election[14][15] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Stephen J. Urban (incumbent)  | 7,366  | 25.56
| Republican | Marc Dixon  | 7,077  | 24.56
| Republican | Mark A. Rabo  | 6,245  | 21.67
| Republican | Ray Gustave  | 6,189  | 21.48
| Write-in | Gene Kelleher  | 448  | 1.55
| Write-in | Robert Schnee | 384  | 1.33
| Write-in | Other write-in candidates | 1,107  | 3.84
Total votes | 28,816  | 100.00

The third general election was held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Six seats were up for election. In the November general election, Robert Schnee and Jane Walsh-Waitkus were both newly elected to council. Even though Robert Schnee won the election as a Republican, he would serve as a Democrat. Stephen J. Urban was the only incumbent to lose his seat in the general election.

Seats after the election

Party | Number of seats
| Democratic | 7
| Republican | 3
| Independent | 1
Note: Robert W. Schnee won
the general election as a Republican,
but served as a Democrat.
2015 Luzerne County Council general election[16] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Tim McGinley (incumbent)  | 23,892  | 10.37
| Democratic | Edward A. Brominski (incumbent)  | 21,066  | 9.14
| Democratic | Stephen A. Urban (incumbent)  | 20,967  | 9.10
| Republican | Eugene L. Kelleher  | 20,331  | 8.82
| Democratic | Jane Walsh-Waitkus  | 20,287  | 8.80
| Republican | Robert W. Schnee | 19,487  | 8.46
| Republican | Stephen J. Urban (incumbent)  | 19,117  | 8.29
| Democratic | John Gadomski  | 18,214  | 7.90
| Democratic | Anthony J. Rostock  | 17,661  | 7.66
| Republican | Marc Dixon  | 17,577  | 7.63
| Republican | Ray Gustave  | 16,491  | 7.16
| Republican | Mark A. Rabo  | 14,898  | 6.46
|  | Write-in | 486  | 0.21
Total votes | 230,474  | 100

## 2017 county council election

[edit]

The fourth set of primary elections were held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. Five Democrats and five Republicans were nominated. Republican Kathy Dobash and Democrat Eileen Sorokas did not seek re-election.[17]

2017 Luzerne County Council Democratic primary election[18] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Shelia Saidman  | 9,332  | 13.90
| Democratic | Linda McClosky Houck (incumbent)  | 9,318  | 13.88
| Democratic | Wendy Cominsky  | 8,472  | 12.62
| Democratic | Matthew Vough  | 8,143  | 12.13
| Democratic | John Gadomski  | 7,706  | 11.48
| Democratic | Anthony J. Bartoli  | 7,169  | 10.68
| Democratic | Phil Gianfarcaro  | 6,237  | 9.29
| Democratic | James D. Watkinson Jr.  | 5,567  | 8.29
| Write-in | 398  | 0.59
Total votes | 67,120  | 100.00
2017 Luzerne County Council Republican primary election[18] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Harry Haas (incumbent)  | 9,018  | 21.50
| Republican | Chris R. Perry  | 8,503  | 20,27
| Republican | Marc Dixon  | 8,368  | 19.95
| Republican | Stephen J. Urban  | 8,363  | 19.94
| Republican | Gregory S. Wolovich Jr.  | 6,958  | 16.59
| Write-in | 729  | 1.74
Total votes | 41,939  | 100.00

The fourth general election was held on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Independent councilman Rick Williams, who as an independent did not appear on any primary ballot, did not seek reelection.[19] Sheila Saidman, Matthew Vough, and Chris R. Perry were newly elected to council.[20] The Democratic majority grew from seven seats to eight.

Seats after the election

Party | Number of seats
| Democratic | 8
| Republican | 3
2017 Luzerne County Council general election[21] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Sheila Saidman  | 21,415  | 10.92
| Democratic | Matthew Vough  | 20,393  | 10.39
| Democratic | Linda McClosky Houck (incumbent)  | 20,380  | 10.39
| Republican | Harry Haas (incumbent)  | 20,328  | 10.36
| Republican | Chris R. Perry  | 20,138  | 10.26
| Republican | Stephen J. Urban  | 19,770  | 10.08
| Democratic | Wendy Cominsky  | 19,375  | 9.88
| Republican | Marc Dixon  | 19,125  | 9.75
| Democratic | John Gadomski  | 18,349  | 9.35
| Republican | Gregory S. Wolovich Jr.  | 16,631  | 8.48
|  | Write-in | 278  | 0.14
Total votes | 196,182  | 100

## 2019 county council election

[edit]

The fifth round of primary elections were held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. Six Democrats and six Republicans were nominated. Democrat Edward Brominski, who was up for re-election that year, resigned in January due to health issues.[22] By February, the council appointed Patrick Bilbow to serve out the remainder of his term.[23] Republican Eugene Kelleher, also up for re-election in 2019, resigned in August. His seat was filled by Rick Morelli, who did not seek election to a full term.[24] Democrat Stephen A. Urban did not seek re-election.

Only four Republicans appeared on the ballot, the other two nominations were secured via write-in vote. Lee Ann McDermott had 454 write-in votes, and Councilman Robert Schnee received 417 write-in votes. Because Schnee had also won a Democratic nomination, he became the only candidate in council history to appear on the November ballot as both a Democrat and a Republican.[25]

2019 Luzerne County Council Democratic primary election[26] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Tim McGinley (incumbent)  | 13,089  | 17.91
| Democratic | Joseph C. Sebastianelli  | 11,253  | 15.40
| Democratic | Jane Walsh-Waitkus (incumbent)  | 11,026  | 15.09
| Democratic | Patrick M. Bilbow (incumbent)  | 11,001  | 15.06
| Democratic | Robert Schnee (incumbent)  | 9,303  | 12.73
| Democratic | Anup K. Patel  | 8,731  | 11.95
| Democratic | Martin Dartoe  | 7,874  | 10.78
| Write-in | 7.92  | 1.08
Total votes | 73,069  | 100.00
2019 Luzerne County Council Republican primary election[27][25] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Stephen J. Urban  | 9,308  | 25.29
| Republican | Walter L. Griffith Jr.  | 8,969  | 24.37
| Republican | Kendra M. Radle  | 8,238  | 22.38
| Republican | Gregory S. Wolovich Jr.  | 7,915  | 21.50
| Write-in | Lee Ann McDermott  | 454  | 1.23
| Write-in | Robert Schnee | 417  | 1.13
| Write-in | Other write-in candidates | 1,508  | 4.10
Total votes | 36,809  | 100.00

Following the November 5 general election, the balance of power shifted for the first time in council history with Republicans securing the majority. Republicans Lee Ann McDermott, Walter Griffith, and Kendra Radle were newly elected to council. Former Republican Councilman Stephen J. Urban, who lost his seat four years earlier, was also elected. Incumbent Democrats Patrick Bilbow and Jane Walsh-Waitkus lost their seats. Although Schnee secured both the Democratic and Republican nominations in 2019, he was sworn in as a Democrat.[28]

Seats after the election

Party | Number of seats
| Republican | 6
| Democratic | 5
Note: Robert Schnee secured both
Democrat and Republican nominations,
but was sworn in as a Democrat.
2019 Luzerne County Council general election[29] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic/Republican | Robert W. Schnee (incumbent) | 28,588 | 11.02
| Republican | Lee Ann McDermott  | 25,752  | 9.93
| Republican | Walter L. Griffith Jr.  | 24,314  | 9.37
| Republican | Stephen J. Urban  | 24,246  | 9.35
| Democratic | Tim McGinley (incumbent)  | 23,909  | 9.22
| Republican | Kendra M. Radle  | 22,950  | 8.85
| Democratic | Joseph C. Sebastianelli  | 22,622  | 8.72
| Democratic | Patrick M. Bilbow (incumbent)  | 22,263  | 8.58
| Democratic | Anup K. Patel  | 21,575  | 8.32
| Democratic | Jane Walsh-Waitkus (incumbent)  | 21,483  | 8.28
| Republican | Gregory S. Wolovich Jr.  | 20,931  | 8.07
| Write-in | 727  | 0.28
Total votes | 259,360  | 100.00

## 2021 county council election

[edit]

The sixth round of primary elections were held on Tuesday, May 15, 2021. Five Democrats and five Republicans were nominated. Democrat Linda McClosky Houck and Republican Harry Haas were prevented from running again due to term limits.[30]

2021 Luzerne County Council Democratic primary election[31] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Matthew Vough (incumbent)  | 18,309  | 21.77
| Democratic | Shelia Saidman (incumbent)  | 18,020  | 21.43
| Democratic | Jane Walsh Waitkus  | 16,131  | 19.18
| Democratic | Maryann V. Velez  | 15,853  | 18.85
| Democratic | Jimmy Sabatino  | 15,154  | 18.02
|  | Scattered | 254  | 0.30
Total votes | 84,094  | 100.00
2021 Luzerne County Council Republican primary election[32] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | John Lombardo  | 11,747  | 14.78
| Republican | Gregory S. Wolovich Jr.  | 10,508  | 13.22
| Republican | Chris R. Perry (incumbent)  | 10,379  | 13.06
| Republican | Brian Thornton  | 8,810  | 11.09
| Republican | Kevin Lescavage  | 8,603  | 10.83
| Republican | Ronald D. Knapp  | 8,546  | 10.75
| Republican | Carl G. Bienias III  | 8,383  | 10.55
| Republican | Michael G. Vacendak  | 6,607  | 8.31
| Republican | Martin L. Dartoe  | 5,444  | 6.85
|  | Scattered | 279  | 0.35
Total votes | 79,470  | 100.00

The sixth general election was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Incumbent Democrats Sheila Saidman and Matthew Vough were defeated for re-election. Republicans swept all contested seats in the election; the party's majority grew to 10. Democrat Robert Schnee had previously change his affiliation to Republican in June 2020. Councilman Tim McGinley was left as the only Democrat on council.[30] Incumbent Councilman Walter Griffith, who was not up for re-election, was elected as county controller in 2021. He remained in his council seat until the end of the year.[24] He was replaced by Carl Bienias III in February 2022.[33]

Seats after the election

Party | Number of seats
| Republican | 10
| Democratic | 1
Note: Robert Schnee switched
from Democrat to Republican
in June 2020.
2021 Luzerne County Council general election[34] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | John Lombardo  | 31,314  | 12.00
| Republican | Chris R. Perry (incumbent)  | 30,296  | 11.61
| Republican | Brian Thornton  | 28,787  | 11.04
| Republican | Kevin Lescavage  | 27,280  | 10.46
| Republican | Gregory S. Wolovich Jr.  | 26,610  | 10.20
| Democratic | Matthew Vough (incumbent)  | 25,622  | 9.82
| Democratic | Sheila Saidman (incumbent)  | 24,600  | 9.43
| Democratic | Jane Walsh Waitkus  | 22,704  | 8.70
| Democratic | Jimmy Sabatino  | 22,433  | 8.60
| Democratic | Maryann V. Velez  | 20,530  | 7.87
| Write-in | 674  | 0.23
Total votes | 260,850  | 100.00

## 2023 county council election

[edit]

The seventh round of primary elections were held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Six Democrats and six Republicans were nominated. Republican Robert Schnee resigned after winning a special election for state representative. He was replaced by Matthew Mitchell in June 2022.[35] Republican Kendra (Radle) Vough did not seek re-election.[36][37] Democrat Tim McGinley was term limited and prevented from running again; he was the last remaining inaugural member on the council.[36] Republican Carl Bienias III lost re-nomination.[38]

2023 Luzerne County Council Democratic primary election[39] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Joanna Bryn Smith  | 14,034  | 15.96
| Democratic | Patricia Krushnowski  | 13,378  | 15.21
| Democratic | Brittany Stephenson  | 13,042  | 14.83
| Democratic | Michelle Rothenbecker  | 12,896  | 14.66
| Democratic | Jimmy Sabatino  | 12,596  | 14.32
| Democratic | Maryann Velez  | 12,421  | 14.12
| Democratic | Damon Saxon  | 8,552  | 9.73
| Write-in | 1,019  | 1.16
Total votes | 87,938  | 100.00
2023 Luzerne County Council Republican primary election[40] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Stephen J. Urban (incumbent)  | 9,915  | 11.27
| Republican | Lee Ann McDermott (incumbent)  | 9,568  | 10.88
| Republican | Harry Haas  | 8,744  | 9.94
| Republican | Thomas Dombroski  | 8,032  | 9.13
| Republican | Kimberly Platek  | 8,010  | 9.11
| Republican | Matthew Mitchell (incumbent)  | 7,535  | 8.57
| Republican | Gregory W. Griffin  | 7,376  | 8.38
| Republican | Anthony Corrado  | 6,865  | 7.80
| Republican | Carl Bienias III (incumbent)  | 6,377  | 7.25
| Republican | Richard Tihansky  | 5,717  | 6.50
| Republican | Ronald D. Knapp  | 4,874  | 5.54
| Republican | Vivian Kreidler-Licina  | 4,320  | 4.91
| Write-in | 634  | 0.72
Total votes | 87,967  | 100.00

The seventh general election took place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Incumbent Republicans Stephen J. Urban and Matthew Mitchell lost re-election.

Seats after the election

Party | Number of seats
| Republican | 7
| Democratic | 4
2023 Luzerne County Council general election[41] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Lee Ann McDermott (incumbent)  | 28,356  | 8.93
| Democratic | Jimmy Sabatino  | 28,176  | 8.87
| Democratic | Joanna Bryn Smith  | 27,993  | 8.82
| Democratic | Patricia Krushnowski  | 27,018  | 8.51
| Republican | Harry Haas  | 26,878  | 8.46
| Democratic | Brittany Stephenson  | 26,429  | 8.32
| Democratic | Michelle Rothenbecker  | 25,651  | 8.08
| Democratic | Maryann Velez  | 24,322  | 7.66
| Republican | Thomas Dombroski  | 24,035  | 7.57
| Republican | Stephen J. Urban (incumbent)  | 24,024  | 7.57
| Republican | Matthew Mitchell (incumbent)  | 23,701  | 7.46
| Republican | Kimberly Platek  | 23,459  | 7.39
| Write-in | 3,759  | 1.18
Total votes | 317,560  | 100.00

## 2025 county council election

[edit]

The eighth general election for Luzerne County Council will take place in November 2025. The primary happened on May 20, 2025. Five Democratics and five Republicans were nominated. Incumbent Chris Perry did not seek reelection.[42] Incumbent Kevin Lescavage lost renomination.

2025 Luzerne County Council Democratic primary election[43] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Denise Williams  | 14,771  | 18.64
| Democratic | Dawn Simmons  | 12,582  | 15.88
| Democratic | Chris Belles  | 12,156  | 15.34
| Democratic | Steven M. Coslett  | 11,606  | 14.64
| Democratic | Tony Perzia  | 10,699  | 13.50
| Democratic | Emily Singh  | 8,845  | 11.16
| Democratic | Johnny Price  | 8,137  | 10.26
| Write-in | 453  | 0.57
Total votes | 79,249  | 100.00
2025 Luzerne County Council Republican primary election[44] | Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | John Lombardo (incumbent)  | 12,123  | 15.73
| Republican | Brian Thornton (incumbent)  | 9,888  | 12.83
| Republican | Stephen J. Urban  | 9,093  | 11.80
| Republican | Jackie Scarcella  | 9,041  | 11.73
| Republican | Greg Wolovich (incumbent)  | 8,675  | 11.26
| Republican | Kevin Lescavage (incumbent)  | 8,379  | 10.87
| Republican | Thomas Dombroski  | 8,061  | 10.46
| Republican | Ronald D. Knapp  | 6,669  | 8.65
| Republican | Rob Viars  | 4,766  | 6.18
| Write-in | 376  | 0.49
Total votes | 77,071  | 100.00

## References

[edit]

1. ^ The Editorial Board. "Our choices for Luzerne County Council". www.citizensvoice.com.
2. ^ Voters say 'yes' to home rule - News. Standard Speaker (2010-11-03). Retrieved on 2013-07-23.
3. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2018-01-11. Retrieved 2017-10-20.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
4. ^ "Luzerne County : Home Rule Charter". Archived from the original on 2018-02-04. Retrieved 2018-02-12.
5. ^ "Luzerne County Council members sworn in - The Times Leader reports" - via www.youtube.com.
6. ^ Luzerne County 2011a, p. 39.
7. ^ Luzerne County 2011a, p. 3.
8. ^ Learn-Andes, Jennifer (December 12, 2023). "Luzerne County officials honor McGinley in special ceremony". Times Leader. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
9. ^ "Municipal Election November 8, 2011". Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. November 15, 2011b. p. 2. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
10. ^ Luzerne County 2013a, p. 67.
11. ^ Luzerne County 2013a, p. 2.
12. ^ "11/05/13 General & Municipal Elections". results.enr.clarityelections.com. Retrieved 2019-09-09.
13. ^ Buffer, By Michael P. "Schnee, Kelleher win write-in nominations for county council". www.citizensvoice.com.
14. ^ a b "May 19, 2015 Primary Election". Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. May 29, 2015. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
15. ^ "Write in Winners (PDF)". Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. p. 3. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
16. ^ "Municipal Election 11/03/2015". results.enr.clarityelections.com. Retrieved 2019-09-09.
17. ^ Wellock, Bill. "Luzerne council seats will be open". www.standardspeaker.com.
18. ^ a b "Municipal Primary Election - May 16, 2017". Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. May 22, 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
19. ^ Leader, Times (August 16, 2017). "Luzerne County Councilman Rick Williams won't run again". Times Leader.
20. ^ Leader, Times (December 29, 2017). "Luzerne County Council chairmanship decision Tuesday". Times Leader.
21. ^ "Municipal Election - November 7, 2017". results.enr.clarityelections.com. Retrieved 2019-09-09.
22. ^ "Luzerne County Councilman Brominski resigning". January 2019.
23. ^ "Pittston Area principal appointed to vacant Luzerne County Council seat". 20 February 2019.
24. ^ a b Learn-Andes, Jennifer (November 7, 2021). "Luzerne County Council must pick another Republican when Griffith vacates council seat". Times Leader. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
25. ^ a b "Write-ins decide council, DA races".
26. ^ "County Council - Dem". Luzerne County, PA May 21, 2019 Municipal Primary. May 24, 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
27. ^ "County Council - Rep". Luzerne County, PA May 21, 2019 Municipal Primary. May 24, 2019. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
28. ^ "2 incumbents, 4 others win county council seats". 6 November 2019.
29. ^ "County Council". Luzerne County, PA General Election November 5, 2019. November 12, 2019. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
30. ^ a b Learn-Andes, Jennifer (November 3, 2021). "McGinley will be lone Democrat on Luzerne County Council". Times Leader. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
31. ^ "County Council (Dem)". Luzerne County, PA May 18, 2021. June 17, 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
32. ^ "County Council (Rep)". Luzerne county, PA Primary Election May 18, 2021. June 17, 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
33. ^ "Carl Bienias III announces run for Luzerne County Council". Times Leader. March 5, 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
34. ^ "2021 Official General Election Results". Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. November 19, 2021. p. 3. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
35. ^ Learn-Andes, Jennifer (June 14, 2022). "Kingston resident appointed to Luzerne County Council". Times Leader. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
36. ^ a b Learn-Andes, Jennifer (August 29, 2023). "Luzerne County Democrats announce general election endorsements". Times Leader. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
37. ^ Learn-Andes, Jennifer (April 21, 2023). "Luzerne County Council to receive top 3 manager finalists". Times Leader. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
38. ^ Learn-Andes, Jennifer (November 12, 2023). "Election outcome will change Luzerne County Council dynamics". Times Leader. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
39. ^ Luzerne County 2023a, p. 3.
40. ^ Luzerne County 2023a, p. 14.
41. ^ "County Council". Luzerne County, PA General Election November 7, 2023. scytl.us. November 27, 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
42. ^ Mark, Eric (December 23, 2024). "Candidates starting to line up for Luzerne County Council race next year". The Citizens' Voice. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
43. ^ "County Council (4 Year Term) (DEM)". Luzerne County, PA Primary Election May 20, 2025. June 3, 2025. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
44. ^ "County Council (4 Year Term) (REP)". Luzerne County, PA Primary Election May 20, 2025. Retrieved 10 June 2025.

## Sources

[edit]

* "2011 Municipal Primary May 17, 2011" (PDF). Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. May 24, 2011a. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
* "2013 Municipal Primary May 21, 2013" (PDF). Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. June 3, 2013a. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
* "Election Summary Report Luzerne County OFFICIAL RESULTS May 16, 2023 Closed Primary" (PDF). Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. June 13, 2023a. Retrieved 26 January 2024.