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Erie Mayor Andrew Moore announced his resignation today, effective November 10, 2026, citing his health and the desire to spend more time on his family and his own career.
His departure creates a sudden legal dilemma less than two months before the Nov. 3 municipal election.
Under Erie’s Home Rule Charter, Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Bell automatically assumes the office. Section 2.06 states that the mayor pro tem serves “until a successor Mayor is chosen by the electors at the next regular municipal election.” Erie’s next regular election is Nov. 3.
However, Moore has set his resignation date for after the election. Erie’s 2026 election is set to cover only three district council seats, with the next scheduled mayoral race set for 2028. Based on these dates, the next mayor will be chosen at the election in 2028, and Bell will serve as mayor for roughly two years.
The succession also interacts with local term limits. Although Bell is listed as term-limited when his District 2 council term expires in January, the town charter treats council members and the mayor as distinct offices. Serving as mayor does not violate his council term limit, though it will require the council to declare his District 2 seat vacant and appoint a new mayor pro tem.
Moore’s resignation follows public criticism regarding council transparency, including complaints from more than 100 residents over recent mineral rights negotiations.
Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Bell and Mayor Andrew Moore, Erie Council meeting