Montgomery Township Democtraic Committee endorsed candidates include incumbent Supervisor Beth Staab, second from left, and Eric Pelletier, second from right, tax collector candidate Tina Stoll, far left, and auditor caniddate Winter Morris (Credit: Montgomery Township Democratic Committee)
In the Republican primary, both Steve Fedele and John Dale ran unopposed
In a closely watched Democratic primary, Vice Chairwoman Annette M. Long, JD was, unofficially, unseated by her own party as voters selected Beth Staab and Eric Pelletier to move forward to the November general election for two open seats on the Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors.
Staab, vice chair of the township Democratic Committee, led all Democratic candidates with 2,163 unofficial votes (882 Election Day, 1,281 mail-in), while Pelletier, secretary of the township’s Democratic Committee, followed with 1,789 votes (756 Election Day, 1,033 mail-in), according to unofficial Montgomery County Election Board figures.
Long trailed with 932 votes (327 Election Day, 605 mail-in), placing third in the three-person contest. There were 14 unresolved write-in votes in the Democratic primary.
In an email to North Penn Now, Long wrote that it takes tremendous courage for a candidate to step forward in community service and run for public office.
“These elections are a powerful reminder that every vote really does count,” said Long, who was a candidate for judge for Montgomery County Magisterial District 38-1-18, but was defeated in the May 2017 primary by Andrea Duffy. “As for me, I remain committed to serving our community and will continue to advocate for transparent, sensible, and fiscally responsible government. It has been an honor to serve, and I will dedicate myself fully to the remainder of my term with integrity, honesty, and hard work.”
Long said new doors for service will open for her, and she is faithful that God will guide that path.
“To all candidates — regardless of party — I offer this reminder: you must seek to serve all constituents. Those who are successful in November must make fair, unbiased decisions that treat all residents with respect and reflect the best interests of our entire township,” Long said. “I challenge our future leaders to ensure their decisions benefit the many, not just the few.”
The primary outcome underscores the influence of party endorsements in local politics: Both Staab and Pelletier received formal backing from the Montgomery Township Democratic Committee. Long, despite her incumbent status, did not receive the committee’s endorsement, marking a significant turning point in the primary race.
As a result, Staab and Pelletier will appear on the Democratic ticket in November, facing Republican nominees Steve Fedele and John Dale.
In the Republican primary, both Fedele and Dale ran unopposed. Fedele received 1,123 votes (659 Election Day, 464 mail-in), while Dale tallied 1,110 votes (660 Election Day, 450 mail-in). The race also recorded 33 unresolved write-in votes.
