Chaos In Democratic Lehigh Valley

Over the weekend it was announced that the chosen Democratic candidate for the state special election in the 22nd District, Julian Guridy, has withdrawn for personal reasons. Meanwhile, articles about how Julian Guridy was chosen over the other candidates two weeks ago still linger on the local media pages. 

To me, the big news is that Ce-Ce Gerlach was once again passed over, and a new Allentown School Board member, Ann Tiburcio, was chosen as the replacement candidate. Mike Schlossberg acted as the spokesman to confirm the candidate switch, and along with Matt Tuerk, provided endorsements. Tiburcio was not even an announced candidate prior to this snap appointment.

While Mike may be acting as spokesman, an important person behind the curtain is his former boss, Jennifer Mann. Jenn is still a discreet Democratic kingmaker in the valley. Apparently, Ce-Ce doesn't fit Jenn's profile for a local state representative. That slur hasn't deterred Ce-Ce from campaigning for the regular May 19th primary. Knowing Ce-Ce's work ethic, I believe that in November of 2026, she will be elected the new state representative for the 22nd District.

above a billboard from 2014, showing an independent candidate and blogger