The Democratic slate of candidates for Erie City Council includes four familiar faces who bring varying levels of experience when it comes to local government.
Jasmine Flores and Maurice Troop, both of whom were first elected in 2021, are each seeking their second four-year terms on the seven-member panel.
Andre Horton is a longtime member of Erie County Council who cannot seek re-election to County Council because of county term limit rules.
Shown are the Democratic candidates for Erie City Council. Top row, from left: Maurice “Mo” Troop and Jasmine Flores. Bottom row, from left: Marilyn Pol and Andre Horton.
And Marilyn Pol is a retired deputy city clerk who spent more than 40 years working in city government. For many of those years, Pol helped City Council members prepare for meetings by assembling agendas and conducting research and she assisted both city officials and the public when it came to accessing municipal records.
The four Democrats are favorites to capture the four open seats in the Nov. 4 municipal election, largely because of the city’s more than 2-1 Democratic voter registration edge.
May primary: Democrats Horton, Troop, Flores, Pol win Erie City Council nominations in primary
Prior to the May primary, according to the Erie County Voter Registration Office, there were 31,093 registered Democrats in the city of Erie, compared to 13,850 registered Republicans.
Four Republicans are on the ballot: Yevet Anderson, Anita Fay, Tina Hiotis and Kimberly Hunter.
No Republican has been elected to Erie City Council since Denise Robison in 1989;Â the last Republican to serve on City Council was John Evans, a CPA and certified financial planner who did so as an appointee between June 2012 and December 2013.
Council members who’ve served 12 months or less earn $6,000 a year; the salary is $8,000 for members who have served between 12 and 24 months. Members who have served between 24 and 36 months receive $10,000 annually; those who’ve served 36 months or more earn $12,000 a year.
Council’s president receives an additional $2,000 a year.
Here are the Democratic candidates for City Council’s answers to the same question asked of all eight candidates. The Erie Times-News reserved the right to edit the candidates’ answers for length and clarity.
Jasmine Flores (Incumbent)
Erie City Councilwoman Jasmine Flores.
Occupation: Home health aide for clients with autism/intellectual disabilities
Education: PA Cyber Charter School; Great Lakes Institute of Technology
Family: In a relationship
Question: What sets you apart as a candidate for Erie City Council, and describe specifically how you would be an effective legislator?
Answer: What sets me apart as a candidate for Erie City Council is my commitment to grassroots leadership, my diverse cultural perspective, and my unwavering love for our city. As a proud product of Erie, born and raised here, I’ve seen the challenges and the potential this community has. Being half Mexican and Puerto Rican has given me a unique lens through which I approach issues — one that values inclusivity, resilience, and understanding.
As a volunteer grassroots community organizer with Erie County United in the past, I’ve always believed in the power of people. I’m not here to push top down policies, I’m here to listen, to connect with our neighbors, and to create solutions that reflect the needs of our people. I’ve worked with families, organizations, and businesses across our city, building relationships that are rooted in trust and collaboration. My goal has always been to elevate the voices of those who often go unheard, and I plan to continue doing that as your city councilmember.
Specifically, my experience as a community organizer has taught me how to bring people together, build consensus, and drive meaningful change, all while being fiscally responsible. Whether it’s fighting for affordable housing, supporting local businesses, or pushing for better educational opportunities, I understand the importance of making decisions that are informed by both data and the lived experiences of our city residents.
What makes me an effective legislator is that I don’t just make decisions behind a desk. I’m out there in our community in the neighborhoods, listening to people, understanding their struggles, and finding practical solutions. I bring a collaborative approach to policy making, one that builds coalitions that focus on the real needs of the people of Erie.
This isn’t just about a job for me, it’s about a lifetime of service to the city I love. I’m committed to keeping Erie a place where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
More: Erie County voters’ guide to the races in the November 2025 municipal election
Maurice Troop (Incumbent)
Occupation: School principal
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Westminster College; Master’s degree/ Pennsylvania school principal’s certification from Penn West Edinboro
Family: Married with three children
What sets you apart as a candidate for Erie City Council, and describe specifically how you would be an effective legislator?
One of the things that sets me apart as a candidate for Erie City Council is that I come from a family that is well known for service to the people of Erie. This includes my late uncle, Attorney Larry Meredith, who was a former member of Erie City Council. The lessons learned from him and other family members inspired me to lead community projects that have benefited the people of Erie.
I would be an effective legislator because I have four years of current experience on council. I possess a great ability to get groups of people to work as a team and I help talented people maximize their skill sets.
Andre Horton
Democrat Andre Horton.
Occupation: Semi-retired laborer; current member of Erie County Council.
Education: Strong Vincent High School graduate, U.S. Air Force veteran
What sets you apart as a candidate for Erie City Council, and describe specifically how you would be an effective legislator?
The day I walk into City Hall as a member of City Council, I’ll be the most experienced legislator there with the exception of (current City Councilman) Ed Brzezinski. I’ve been involved with good government, my record and experience speaks for itself.
It was 12 years ago when I ran for County Council and I ran on a platform of promise and vision. I think I accomplished most of the things I wanted to accomplish. I was an issues-oriented person and whether you voted for me or didn’t vote for me, whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, once elected I represented everyone. I represented the landlord and the tenant. The store owner and the homeless person hanging out in front of that store. I think that’s given me a broader perspective on what leadership is. Leadership is about more than just a title. I’ve appoined all types of people to boards, authorities and commissions, diveres groups of people. I’ve given all types of people a seat at the table. And I think that sets me apart.
Marilyn Pol
Democrat Marilyn Pol.
Occupation: Retired city of Erie deputy clerk
Education: Twin Tech graduate
Family: Three children, four grandchildren
What sets you apart as a candidate for Erie City Council, and describe specifically how you would be an effective legislator?
I have an understanding on the day to day operations of City Hall from my experience as a long-term employee. Starting out in Traffic Court, Public Works, Police, Fire departments and retiring as the Deputy City Clerk.
If I’m elected to City Council I will help to move the city forward. There are going to be important decisions to be made and it will help for council to have an open dialogue with the mayor’s office. I hope to support council with my experience working in various departments over the course of 40-plus years.
Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNflowers.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Meet the four Democratic candidates in race for Erie City Council