With the Municipal Primary approaching on May 19, local groups are urging voters to get involved early in what is shaping up to be a series of competitive and consequential races.
Three Democratic candidates — Tony Nunez, Darian Sundberg, and Kathleen Pratt — have qualified for the 91st House District race to challenge Republic Dan Moul who has held the seat for 18 years. The winner will advance to face the Republican nominee in November. Moul is facing a primary challenge from Littlestown School District President Nick Lovell.
In the 193rd PA House District, Democratic Candidate Todd Crawley is running as a write-in candidate after failing to qualify during the nomination process.
Campaigns are seeking volunteers to fill key roles, including campaign managers, treasurers, communications and fundraising coordinators, and grassroots organizers. Voters can also contribute by helping to raise funds, making phone calls, canvassing neighborhoods, and writing letters of support.
Contacts:
Tony Nunez: tonyforpennsylvania@gmail.com
Kathleen Pratt: prattpa91@gmail.com
Darian Sundberg: dariansundberg@gmail.com
The Adams County Democratic Committee does not endorse candidates in primary elections and does not provide direct campaign support, placing the responsibility — and opportunity — squarely on voters and volunteers to shape the outcome.
“They’ve stepped up to run, and they need your support and help,” said ACDC organizers.
In another sign of enthusiasm from the Democrats, 54 candidates from 33 precincts will be on the primary ballot for positions as Adams County Democratic Committee members.
Rallies Continue
Opportunities to engage extend beyond individual campaigns. The ongoing “Rally for the People” events will be held Saturdays from noon to 1 p.m. on April 4, April 11, and April 25 in Lincoln Square in Gettysburg, with an additional rally scheduled for April 18 in New Oxford.
The April rallies follow the huge “No Kings Event” on Saturday March 28 that drew at least 1400 people to the Gettysburg Square during its 2-hour timeframe.
Organizers stress that rallies are intended to be family-friendly and have asked participants to follow guidelines, including keeping sidewalks and business entrances clear, avoiding the street, and maintaining a respectful tone.
Other upcoming events
A community forum focused on “The Impact of Funding Cuts on Childcare and Education” is scheduled for April 9 at 6:15 p.m. at ACDC headquarters, 24 Chambersburg Street. Speakers will include Jennifer Showers of Adams County Head Start and Gettysburg Area School Board President Alice Broadway.
On Thursday, April 16, Chris Mathias will host a Book Talk at 6:00 PM in Mara Auditorium, Masters Hall on the Gettysburg College Campus, sponsored by the college’s IDS department. Chris will discuss his latest book, To Catch a Fascist, and copies will be available for purchase. Chris is a graduate of Gettysburg High School and has a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. He covered the white supremacy movement for the Huffington Post as senior reporter.
Later in the month, voters will have a chance to hear directly from the 91st district candidates at a forum hosted by Gettysburg Rising on April 29 at 7 p.m. at the Gettysburg YMCA. The event will feature all three Democratic candidates and will be livestreamed by Community Media of South Central Pennsylvania, offering voters an opportunity to compare platforms and priorities before casting ballots.
That same week, Gettysburg Rising will also host its second annual Act Local Fair on April 18 from noon to 2 p.m. on Lincoln Square, bringing together community organizations and volunteer opportunities in a family-friendly setting.
With mail-in ballots set to be distributed before the candidate forum, organizers say participation now — whether through volunteering, attending events, or learning about the candidates — will be critical in shaping the outcome of the primary.