While the governor’s race will top the Nov. 3 ballot, local voters will decide on a congressional race and several state legislative contests.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Democrats, seek a second term against Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity and running mate Jason Richey, an Allegheny County attorney.
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-2nd dist.) will face Republican Jessica Arriaga.
Rep. Martina White (R-170th dist.) is being challenged by Democrat Rob Gurtcheff. Rep. Pat Gallagher (D-173rd dist.) faces a challenge from Republican Bill Griffin. Rep. Joe Hohenstein (D-177th dist.) faces Republican Robyn Bird.
State Sen. Tina Tartaglione and state Reps. Sean Dougherty, Ed Neilson, Jason Dawkins, Jared Solomon and Anthony Bellmon have no opposition.
Griffin, a retired teacher and principal who worked at Austin Meehan, Kennedy Crossan, John Hancock and Gen. J. Harry LaBrum schools, last week held a fundraiser at Curran’s Irish Inn, in Tacony. City elections commissioner Seth Bluestein and Republican City Committee chairman Vince Fenerty were among those in attendance.
Griffin has been knocking on doors and has heard complaints about crime and quality-of-life issues such as stolen cars, car break-ins, stolen catalytic converters and loud nuisance vehicles. He also faults retail theft for some store closings on Frankford Avenue.
If elected, Griffin said his office will provide constituent services, related to both state and city issues.
“Customer service is customer service,” he said. ••

