Matt Tuerk claims victory in Allentown Democratic mayoral primary

Matt Tuerk claims victory in Allentown Democratic mayoral primary

By Genesis Ortega

May 19, 2021

All eyes are on the high-profile race for Allentown mayor, and it appears that a first-time campaign candidate is coming out on top.

Former economic development official Matt Tuerk has never run for office. He feels he’ll be the one to advance to the November election ahead of the other seasoned contenders. 

“When I look at the numbers I can’t see how anything totals up in their favor. But we have to wait for the final results, but I’m feeling confident,” Tuerk says. 

So far only Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach has conceded. Tuerk has yet to hear from incumbent Mayor Ray O’Connell or Councilman Julio Guridy. 

Tuerk was the first candidate to announce his bid for mayor last year. Since then he says he’s knocked on over 2,000 doors and has run 480 miles throughout the city getting to know its neighborhoods and residents. 

“The feeling that I have for the people of this city is so deep and genuine,” Tuerk says.

Tuerk says he recognizes the weight that this position holds for the greater community. 

“It’s a big deal. Allentown is a big city and we’re big enough to matter. But the beauty of it is that it’s small enough that you can wrap your arms around it and that means that we can address the issues that we have in a city like Allentown together,” he says.

The county has yet to certify election results. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican challenger Tim Ramos in November. 

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