Voters will pick new magistrate in Erie's 1st Ward after candidates split nominations
Christine Rush took the Democratic nomination over Paul "P.J." Monella by 594 to 264 votes, or 69.23% to 30.77%, with 100% of precincts reporting, according to unofficial totals the Erie County Elections and Voter Registration Office released at 10:21 p.m. on May 20.
Monella is the only candidate on the Republican ballot. He cross-filed as a Democrat and Republican. He received 175 votes on the Republican ballot, according to the latest totals.
The winner of the race on Nov. 4 will take the seat that opened up with the pending retirement of Sue Mack, the 1st Ward district judge since she was first appointed in 2001. She is retiring at the end of the year after completing her fourth six-year term.
The 1st Ward covers the lower east side.
More: Coverage from the May 20 municipal primary in Erie County
Rush is the longtime district director for state Rep. Patrick Harkins, of Erie, D-1st Dist. Monella is chief of staff for state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-3rd Dist., which includes Millcreek and Fairview townships.
Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com or 814-870-1813.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Rush, Monella to face off in November for 1st Ward district judge seat
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