ELECTION 2025: Incumbent Catizone loses bid for Republican nomination; write-ins could shake up Democratic ballot
SHENANDOAH – A two-term Shenandoah councilwoman lost her bid for the Republican nomination on borough council in Tuesday’s primary, and there were nearly enough write-ins cast on the Democratic side to eclipse the top vote-getter.
Former Council President Katie Catizone came in fifth out of five candidates seeking four Republican nominations for Shenandoah Borough Council.
Catizone had been the target of recent mudslinging by the Shenandoah for Better Government contingent and members of the Republican majority on council.
Incumbent Diane Korenda was the top Republican vote-getter with 176 votes.
READ MORE >> Low, but steady turnout for contested northern Schuylkill races
Adolph ‘Ace’ Wychulis came second with 164, followed by Jacob Alinsky with 154 and Mayor Andrew Szczyglak with 149.
Szczyglak ran for council this term after he’d planned to step down as mayor after this term.
On the Democratic side for council, Michael Whitecavage was the top vote-getter with 150 votes. James P. Burke came second with 136 votes followed by Michelle Gulden with 129.
There were 149 write-ins cast, though the specific candidates will not be known for several days. With three Democrats on the ballot for four seats, the write-ins will not knock any off the ballot.
In the race for Mayor, Bob Cook won the Republican nomination with 179 votes to 47 write-ins.
On the Democratic side, 121 write-ins were cast. Ex-Council President Leo Pietkiewicz mounted a write-in campaign, though it remains to be seen if all of the write-ins were his.
About Author
