Former Erie Democratic chairman Jim Wertz announces run for Erie County Council
Wertz, an Erie resident, will run for council's 2nd District seat, which is held by Democratic Councilman Andre Horton. Horton, who's serving his third term, is term-limited and cannot run again.
He's endorsed Wertz's candidacy.
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'I've never been afraid to take on the issues and policies that often leave many people overlooked and underrepresented in our community, and I'm extremely proud of the work I've done on County Council over the past 12 years,' Horton said in a news release.
'I've also had the privilege of partnering with Jim Wertz on many critical issues over the years. As my term on County Council comes to an end, I know the work must continue and there is no one I trust more to carry out that work than Jim. He shares my commitment to justice, equity and opportunity for all, and I am proud to endorse him as he steps up to lead Erie County toward a stronger future.'
The 2nd District encompasses Lawrence Park township and northern Erie, including the city's first and fourth wards, and parts of the second and third wards.
Wertz, a professor of broadcast journalism and digital media at PennWest-Edinboro, was most prominently the chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party from 2018 to 2023. He's also worked as a news videographer, editor, newscast director and production manager at Erie news stations.
Wertz previously ran for the Pennsylvania State Senate in 2024, losing to incumbent Republican Dan Laughlin.
Wertz is a graduate of Edinboro University and holds graduate degrees from The American University in Washington, D.C. and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
He lives in Erie's West Bayfront neighborhood with his wife, Kim, and their three children.
County government woes: What's Erie County's tax rate? Council, Brenton Davis disagree
A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Democrat Jim Wertz announces run for Erie County Council
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