A quick Allegheny County election primer
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Supreme Court retention races are sucking up most of the air, but there are other elections next week, too.
Why it matters: Local and statewide contests will shape policy even if you don't see political ads about them.
Two of the state's appellate courts — Superior and Commonwealth — will select one new judge each, and voters will also decide whether to retain Democratic Judge Alice Beck DuBow to a new 10-year term on the Superior Court.
- Superior Court handles criminal, family, and civil cases that are appealed by lower courts.
- Commonwealth Court rules on civil actions involving local and state governments.
- Spotlight PA has a guide.
Allegheny County has to pick eight Common Pleas judges — who serve on trials for civil, criminal, and family courts. There are eight Democrats and five republicans vying for the seats.
- The League of Women Voters has a guide.
An intriguing contest has emerged on Allegheny County Council, where progressives are hoping to take over a Republican-held seat.
- Democrat-turned-independent Alex Rose, listed as Labor Party on the ballot, is challenging Republican Mike Embrescia for an at-large seat the GOP has held for over 25 years.
- Dems currently control the chamber 13-2, with seven other districts competitive this cycle.
The city of Pittsburgh has a mayor's race between Democratic nominee Corey O'Connor and Republican Tony Moreno.
- Dems hold a 5-1 registered voter advantage over Republicans in the city, and Moreno has been vastly outspent by O'Connor.
- WESA's guide here.
Allegheny County voters will also decide whether to re-elect Sheriff Kevin Kraus, a Democrat, or pick Republican Brian Weismantle to replace him.
- Read WESA's guide.
What's next: Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.