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![\"Julian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TMC-L-JulianGuridy-01-1.jpg\")
Julian Guridy, an Allentown native who works for state Sen. Nick Miller’s office, is running for state representative in the 22nd District. (Photo courtesy of Julian Guridy)<\/p>\nDemocrat Julian Guridy and Republican Robert Smith will face off next month for the chance to fill the remainder of Josh Siegel\u2019s term in the state House\u2019s 22nd District.<\/p>\n
Both candidates were chosen by their respective county parties Saturday.<\/p>\n
Guridy is a constituent services representative with state Sen. Nick Miller\u2019s office and was a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
\nJulian Guridy, an Allentown native who works for state Sen. Nick Miller’s office, is running for state representative in the 22nd District. (Photo courtesy of Julian Guridy)<\/p>\n
Smith has been in the health field for more than 25 years, assisting people with intellectual disabilities and brain injuries. He served on the Allentown School Board for 16 years.<\/p>\n
Guridy was selected by an ad-hoc committee of elected Democratic precinct committee members at a closed meeting Saturday morning, according to Lehigh County Democratic Committee Chair Lori McFarland. Other candidates included City Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach and Allentown residents Erlinda Aguilar and Lewis Shupe. Siegel resigned from the Legislature in December after his election as Lehigh County executive, for which he\u2019ll be sworn in Monday.<\/p>\n
According to McFarland, 17 members of the committee cast votes for Guridy, one cast a vote for Aguilar, one cast a vote for Gerlach and one was absent from the Saturday meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am honored by the confidence local Democrats have placed in me to be their candidate,\u201d Guridy said in a news release. \u201cThis is only the beginning. I will fight for every vote, and when I arrive in Harrisburg I will fight every day to ensure a better future for Allentown and Salisbury.\u201d<\/p>\n
The special election will take place Feb. 24. Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Joanna McClinton also lauded Guridy\u2019s nomination.<\/p>\n
\u201cJulian brings deep roots in the Lehigh Valley, a strong commitment to working families, and the kind of steady, servant leadership our communities deserve. His experience in state government constituent services will ensure that HD-22 continues to receive the people-driven service they\u2019ve come to expect from their representative,\u201d McClinton said.<\/p>\n
The 22nd District includes parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township, where Democratic voters outnumber Republicans.<\/p>\n
![\"Robert](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TMC-L-ASDRobertSmith1-1.jpg\")
Robert E. Smith Jr. is the Republican candidate for state representative in the 22nd District. (Photo courtesy of Robert E. Smith Jr.)<\/p>\n
In a statement, the Lehigh County Republican Party criticized Democrats for their leadership, and said the special election \u201cis an opportunity for real change.\u201d Smith was chosen from three candidates, the party said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs our nominee, Robert Smith brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong network of support from all parts of the community and political divide,\u201d the party said. \u201cRobert will bring respect, honesty and unity to District 22.\u201d<\/p>\n
The GOP also hinted at \u201cinternal fighting\u201d among the district\u2019s Democrats.<\/p>\n