Lehigh County Commissioner Ron W. Beitler, who changed his political party from Republican to independent in February, citing dissatisfaction with both major parties, announced his affiliation Friday with the Pennsylvania chapter of the Forward Party, an independent third party founded by former presidential candidate Andrew Yang and former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman.
In a press statement, Beitler said the affiliation reflects his style of governing.
“Common sense solutions rarely fit into tidy partisan boxes. Real leadership means focusing on what works for the community, not what fits a party talking point. I was happy to find the Forward Party because it embodies how I have conducted myself for 12 years of public service,” he said.
Beitler was elected as a Republican to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners in 2021 after serving as a Lower Macungie Commissioner for eight years, the last four as board president. He is a vocal critic of the so-called wealth tax idea proposed by County Controller Mark Pinsley, which will be the focus of a public hearing on June 17.
The centrist Forward Party was founded in 2021, and also welcomes center-leaning Republicans and Democrats. Other members include Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler and Berks County Magisterial District Judge Eric J. Taylor, who are both Democrats.