Democrat Sean Dougherty edged Republican Aizaz Gill in the 172nd Legislative District.
“Now the work begins to bring home funding and legislation to benefit the 172nd including funding our schools, protecting women’s reproductive rights, increasing safety in the district and increasing good-paying jobs,” Dougherty said in a statement. “I owe this win to each and every person who voted for me, every volunteer who knocked doors with me and my campaign staff.”
Dougherty led by a count of 12,619 to 12,165, with all 62 divisions reporting. There are probably some mail-in ballots to be counted, but they’d be expected to add to Dougherty’s lead.
Gill won the 58th Ward, with divisions in Bustleton. Dougherty won the 56th and 63rd wards, with the difference in the 56th being decisive.
Dougherty won the mail-in vote, while Gill led among people who voted on Tuesday, but it was not enough.
Dougherty, a lawyer and former basketball player at Chestnut Hill College, is the son of state Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty and nephew of former electrical workers Local 98 boss John Dougherty. He defeated Rep. Kevin Boyle in the primary.
Dougherty’s victory ties the House, with wins by 101 Democrats and 101 Republicans. A race in Cambria County will decide which party controls the House.
Gill, president of the Burholme Civic Association, conceded in a post on Instagram and Facebook.
Gill wrote, “After nearly a year of traversing our Northeast neighborhoods, knocking on the doors of more than 15,000 of our neighbors, listening to people’s concerns and sharing my ideas, this journey has ended and I must concede defeat in the race for State Representative.
“While we fell just short of winning, we were not defeated. Our campaign brought together people of every background and political belief. We brought the Northeast’s most important issues to the forefront. And – most importantly – we made a political machine and the political bosses who normally take us for granted sit up and pay attention. None of these things are defeat…they are the keys to moving our community forward and helping our families.
“Now I must thank so many…
“My family and friends who gave so much of themselves. Thank you.
“Our campaign volunteers who made #TeamGill so strong. Thank you.
“The people of the Northeast who supported my campaign. Thank you.
“Those who supported my opponent – because making that choice is what real democracy is about. Thank you.
“As we move forward, I wish Sean Dougherty the best in this new role and pray that he will answer to the will of local residents first and always. Because the Northeast, and you, deserves a State Representative committed to us.
“Thank you again for your support over the past 12 months. It’s been quite a ride and one I will never forget.”
Meanwhile, all 251 divisions have reported in the 5th Senatorial District. Republican Joe Picozzi leads Democratic Sen. Jimmy Dillon by a margin of 49,912 to 49,016, with an unknown number of mail-in ballots to be counted. ••
