BETHLEHEM, Pa. \u2014 Voters in Bethlehem will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 4, to decide the city\u2019s next mayor and several city council and county-level positions that will shape local policy.<\/p>\n
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Northampton County.<\/p>\n
Mayor of Bethlehem<\/p>\n
Mayor J. William Reynolds (D) is seeking re-election after defeating City Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith (D) in the May primary.<\/p>\n
No Republican challenger has been announced, positioning Reynolds as the likely winner.<\/p>\n
Reynolds\u2019 campaign emphasizes his vision for Bethlehem, focusing on economic revitalization, housing affordability and sustainable growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur priorities are maintaining a safe community, strengthening city finances, investing in neighborhoods, and expanding access to parks and recreation,\u201d Reynolds said on his campaign website.<\/p>\n
Bethlehem City Council<\/p>\n
Multiple city council seats are on the ballot this year. The candidates include:<\/p>\n
Justin Amann (D) \u2013 executive director of the Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District and director of the theater program at Freedom High School<\/p>\n
Jo Daniels (D) \u2013 Liberty High School graduate and account executive at Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions<\/p>\n
Hillary Kwiatek (D) \u2013 incumbent city council member and marketing and communications director at Lehigh University<\/p>\n
Rachel Leon (D) \u2013 incumbent city council member and host of \u201cLandmarks with Leon,\u201d a weekly WDIY podcast about historic landmarks in the Lehigh Valley<\/p>\n
Joseph Poplawski (R) \u2013 Liberty High School graduate and owner of a construction company<\/p>\n
In 2026, newly elected or re-elected council members will earn $10,650 a year, up from $7,100.<\/p>\n
Bethlehem Controller<\/p>\n
George Yasso (D) is running for city controller, the office responsible for overseeing the city\u2019s financial operations.<\/p>\n
Yasso has served as city controller since 2015. The Office of the Controller is an autonomous office headed by an independently elected city controller.<\/p>\n
Northampton County races<\/p>\n
Bethlehem voters will also vote on several countywide offices, including the race for Northampton County executive.<\/p>\n
Tara Zrinski (D)<\/p>\n
County Council member Tara Zrinski is running on a platform emphasizing collaboration and sustainability.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen County Executive Lamont McClure announced he wouldn\u2019t seek reelection, I knew that stepping up to lead was not just an opportunity \u2014 it was a responsibility,\u201d Zrinski said.<\/p>\n
Her campaign has said she is \u201ccommitted to building a better future for all\u201d through workforce development, affordable housing and responsible growth.<\/p>\n
She has also pledged to \u201cpreserve our environment while embracing smart growth\u201d and keep Gracedale Nursing Home county-owned.<\/p>\n
Tom Giovanni (R)<\/p>\n
Business owner Tom Giovanni is challenging Zrinski, calling for fiscal restraint and greater transparency.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t aim to make headlines or play politics \u2014 I work to do my job by responsibly serving the people of Northampton County,\u201d Giovanni said.<\/p>\n
He also emphasizes protecting seniors, farmland preservation, and \u201cstanding up for taxpayers by rejecting unnecessary tax increases.\u201d<\/p>\n
What\u2019s at stake<\/p>\n
Key issues expected to drive voter interest include housing, economic revitalization, local infrastructure improvements and government transparency.<\/p>\n
Municipal elections often draw lower turnout, but small shifts in participation can shape the outcome of competitive races.<\/p>\n
Voters across Pennsylvania will also decide whether to retain several statewide judges on the Supreme Court, Superior Court and Commonwealth Court. In these retention elections, voters will vote \u201cYes\u201d or \u201cNo,\u201d and judges must receive a majority of \u201cYes\u201d votes to keep their seats. These races can affect how Pennsylvania courts handle major issues, including election law and state policy.<\/p>\n
How to vote<\/p>\n
Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025<\/p>\n
Poll hours: 7 a.m. \u2013 8 p.m.<\/p>\n