LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. – Rachel Cuevas declared victory, as she built a lead over Geoffrey Whitcomb in the race for the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s 187th State House District.
Cuevas still has to face Republican incumbent Gary Day in the November general election.
“I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the support our campaign received tonight. This campaign was built by working families across the Lehigh Valley who are ready for leadership that focuses on lowering costs, supporting workers, strengthening public schools, and protecting healthcare,” Whitcomb said in a Facebook post.
“I also want to thank Geoffrey Whitcomb for running a thoughtful campaign and for his commitment to public service. Tonight is an important step, but now our focus turns to November and building the coalition needed to win this fall.”
Pennsylvania’s 187th House District includes areas in western and northern Lehigh County.
In a news release announcing his candidacy, Whitcomb, an Emmaus High School graduate, said he believes that local people need to be prioritized instead of AI centers, warehouses, and corporations. He said his priorities for the district would include raising the minimum wage, funding public education; protecting drinking water and boating, fishing, and hunting; sustainably funding local EMS services; and maintaining and prioritizing everyone’s rights. He was a part of PA Service Corps and AmeriCorps, and he is part of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) teacher union.
Rev. Dr. Whitcomb is on his 13th year of teaching Music PK‑12, currently at Southwest Middle School in Reading. He also serves as Minister of Music at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Allentown and was the Pastor of Union African Methodist Episcopal Church in Easton from 2018–2024.
Rachel Cuevas is the other Democratic candidate on the ballot. Cuevas grew up in a military family, and after her father’s retirement, he faced challenges finding work. She saw how local leaders supported her family and became aware of the financial pressures many households experience, shaping her interest in public service and workforce issues.
Cuevas later settled in Alburtis and worked as an HR professional at Amazon and Boston Beer, where she helped veterans, women, individuals without a high school diploma, and others seeking employment. She also volunteers for veterans programs that run through the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
She said she has a focus on supporting working families, expanding access to healthcare and essential goods, and evaluating the impact of large corporations, warehouses, and data centers on local communities.