Contested races dot area ahead of Tuesday’s Primary

SHENANDOAH – In Tuesday’s Primary election, voters registered to either major party will heavily influence, if not decide, many hotly contested races at the local level.

Seven municipalities and two school districts in the Sentinel area have contested races Tuesday, primarily on the Republican ticket.

Races to Watch

East Union Township

If you’ve driven through the communities in this township, you’ve likely seen signs large and small for either candidate.

On the Republican ticket, voters will find Kyle Mummey, a one-term incumbent and supervisors chairman, and Stefan Gerneth, a law enforcement forensics specialist.

Mummey has campaigned on accomplishments of his administration, including road repairs, park and public safety improvements, and more.

Gerneth has focused on ethics, integrity, and fiscal responsibility.

No Democrats are filed to run, so, barring a write-in challenge, the primary will likely decide the race.

Shenandoah Borough

The last election for Shenandoah Borough Council had the most crowded field in the county and this year’s election is no different.

On the Republican ticket, five candidates are vying for four nominations.

Incumbents Diane Korenda and Katie Catizone, as well as current Mayor Andrew Szczyglak are on the ballot along with Adolph Wychulis and Jacob Alinsky.

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Korenda, Szczyglak, Wychulis, and Alinsky are campaigning as a group while Catizone is campaigning with the three Democrats filed to run.

For the Mayor’s race, Bob Cook is the only name on any ballot, appearing on the Republican ballot, though former Council President Leo Pietkiewicz announced a write-in campaign last week. He had served on council for two decades and resigned in December 2023.

No Democrat is filed to run for Mayor while three Democrats are filed for council — Michelle Gulden, Michael Whitecavage, and William Burke.

Frackville Borough

The Mountain City has one of the most crowded primary election fields in the region as six Republicans are seeking four nominations to serve on borough council.

Incumbents Ed Beneshunas, Stephen Tertel, and Steve Kuzio are running to retain their seats as John Matern, Nicole Russell, and Tylor Blackwell seek a seat as well.

Russell is the wife of incumbent councilman Brian Russell. While Brian Russell was on the ballot in 2023, he campaigned with Blackwell, who mustered a write-in campaign at the time.

For Mayor, longtime incumbent Kim Phillips is facing a primary challenge as John Morgan is seeking the Republican nomination as well.

There are no Democrats filed for either races.

Countywide Races

The races for two county row offices will likely be decided Tuesday.

For County Sheriff, two Republicans are seeking the party’s nomination — Shawn Butler and Frank DiMarco.

Incumbent Joe Groody is retiring, and no Democrats are filed to run.

For District Attorney, incumbent Michael O’Pake, a former Democrat, is seeking the Republican party’s nomination against John Urbanski.

The two engaged in a debate in Mount Carbon Friday night.

Other Local Races

Ashland

Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for Ashland Mayor.

Chrystal Nelson and Lorenda Kutz are running for the post.

The winner will face Antimo Brooklyn Esposito, a Democrat, in the general election.

Black Creek Township

Three are seeking the Republican nomination for one six-year supervisor seat in Black Creek Township:

• George Nause
• Rolland Cheesman
• Joseph Dretzel

In addition, two people are seeking the party’s nomination for the two-year seat:

• Shawn Labuda
• Clint Jason Jastrzebski

No Democrats are filed for either race.

Butler Township

Both township supervisor seats here are contested.

For six year supervisor, Raymond Smith is challenging incumbent Kate Staudenmeier for the Republican nomination.

Smith is also seeking the nomination for the two-year seat against Patrick Coyle.

No Democrats are filed for either seat.

Schuylkill Township

Two are seeking the Republican nomination to serve as a Schuylkill Township Supervisor.

Incumbent Charles Fayash is facing a challenge from ex-supervisor Charles Hosler.

North Schuylkill School Board

Six people are running for five seats on the North Schuylkill School Board, and they are all cross-filed:

• Randy Lattis
• Jeremy Johnson
• Alexandra Trexler
• Jennifer Kowalonek
• Bryan Slotcavage
• Michael Kehler

Hazleton Area School Board

Seven people are seeking four seats on the Hazleton Area School Board. They are all cross-filed:

• Ed Shemansky
• Jared O’Donnell
• Carmella Yenkevich
• Matthew Nause
• Jeffery Kubitz
• Patricia Tomsho
• Wister Yuhas Jr.

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