(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information and to add photos.)
Christina Vogel was sworn in Jan. 5 as Erie County’s eighth county executive, declaring her commitment to “partnership over politics,” a running theme of her campaign aimed at moving past the political clashes of the past four years.
“Regardless of whether you supported me or supported someone else … I promise you this: my door will be open, my work will be honest and my focus will always be on what is best for Erie County,” Vogel told a packed crowd at her swearing-in ceremony at the Erie County Courthouse.
Vogel, who was administered the oath of office by President Judge John Mead, said her administration would focus on restoring trust in county government and improving collaboration with county employees, municipal leaders, County Council and non-government entities.
“Erie County is strongest when we all work together,” she said. “I believe fiscal responsibility, investing in people and building partnerships that turn ideas into action.”
Christina Vogel is sworn in as Erie County executive during a swearing-in ceremony of judicial and Erie County elected officials at the Erie County Courthouse in Erie on Jan. 5, 2026.
Vogel, 48, defeated one-term County Executive Brenton Davis by more than 19,000 votes in the Nov. 4 election. Davis, a Republican, did not attend the swearing-in ceremony.
A Fairview resident and small business owner, Vogel clinched the Democratic nomination in May after staking her candidacy on fiscal responsibility and a renewed sense of collaboration in county government.
Vogel defeats Davis: Christina Vogel ousts Davis in Erie County executive race, pledges end to dysfunction
At the ceremony, she called county employees “the backbone of the government,” who often work without recognition. “I look forward to working along beside you,” she said, “building trust and creating a culture where professionalism, respect and service are valued.”
Vogel is the owner of two Donatos pizza locations in Erie County and the first independent female franchisee in the company’s history. Originally from Illinois, she moved to Erie County in 2013, where she lives with her husband and three children.
“We chose Erie County as our home. We chose it for its people, for its neighborhoods and for the sense that this is a place where hard work still matters and where neighbors still look out for one another,” she said. “Over the years, Erie County has chose us back. That is a gift that I will not take for granted.”
Vogel has said her first 100 days in office will focus on restoring transparency in county government, rebuilding relationships and putting stalled county assets back to use. Early priorities include issuing requests for proposals for long-idle county-owned farmland in Fairview and Girard, advancing the unfinished tiny home housing project and reviving a café space in the courthouse.
The next county executive will earn an annual salary of $120,459 in the 2026 budget.
Sheriff Campanelli, council members sworn in
Sheriff Chris Campanelli was also sworn in at the Jan. 5 ceremony.
Campanelli, a Democrat first elected in 2021, defeated Republican challenger Jeremy Markham by more than 15,000 votes in the Nov. 4 election.
“It’s an amazing feeling that the people of Erie County have faith in me to do another four years as their sheriff,” Campanelli told the Erie Times-News. “I guarantee I’m going to do the best job I can do.”
Chris Campanelli is sworn in as Erie County Sheriff at the Erie County Courthouse during a swearing-in ceremony of judicial and Erie County elected officials in Erie on Jan. 5, 2026.
Newly-elected Erie County Councilman Jim Wertz was also sworn in.
Wertz, 46, the former chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, secured the 2nd District seat against Republican challenger Renee Vendetti, who died Oct. 11 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. State law required her name to remain on the ballot because ballots had already been printed.
Wertz, a Democrat, succeeds former Councilman Andre Horton, who was term-limited and elected to Erie City Council. The 2nd District district encompasses all of Erie’s First Ward, parts of the Second, Third and Fourth Wards and Lawrence Park Township.
Jim Wertz is sworn in as a new member of Erie County Council at the Erie County Courthouse during a swearing-in ceremony of judicial and elected officials in Erie on Jan. 5, 2026.
Incumbent Democratic Councilman Jim Winarski was sworn in for a second term representing the 4th District, which comprises much of southeast Erie, in addition to Wesleyville Borough and portions of Millcreek Township. Winarski, 62, defeated Republican challenger Kevin Pastewka.
Incumbent Republican Councilman Charlie Bayle was also sworn in for a second term representing the 6th District, which encompasses the bulk of southeastern Erie County. Bayle, 52, defeated Democratic challenger William Dear.
Contact A.J. Rao at arao@gannett.com or 814-440-5080.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Vogel takes office, vows ‘partnership over politics’