ALLENTOWN, PA — In a sudden political pivot ahead of a closely watched special election, Pennsylvania Democrats have selected Ana Tiburcio as their nominee for the February 24 race to fill House District 22, a seat left open by the retirement of former Rep. Josh Siegel.
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party Executive Committee, working with local Lehigh County leaders, made the decision Saturday after the party’s original nominee, Julian Guridy, withdrew from the race Friday for personal reasons.
Tiburcio, a longtime Allentown School Board member and community advocate, now becomes the Democratic standard-bearer in a contest that could help determine the balance of power in Harrisburg.
“While this was unexpected, I am looking forward to this new opportunity to serve my community,” Tiburcio said in a statement. “Since I was first elected to the Allentown School Board, I have worked as hard as I can to make the lives of Allentown’s families better. I look forward to listening to the residents of this district in Allentown and Salisbury to hear their concerns and ideas on how to make our community even stronger.”
House District 22 covers parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township and became vacant when Siegel stepped down after being elected Lehigh County Executive. With Democrats holding a narrow majority in the state House, party leaders have cast the race as pivotal.
Tiburcio brings more than a decade of public service to the campaign. On the Allentown School Board, she has focused on boosting parent and teacher engagement and expanding educational opportunities for students. She currently serves as chair of the board’s Education Committee and as vice chair of the Allentown Public Library Board.
She also pointed to the construction of the new Allentown Middle School on the city’s East Side as a major accomplishment, calling it an example of the kind of progress she hopes to carry to the state Capitol.
Her campaign priorities include supporting students in the Allentown and Salisbury school districts, pushing for more affordable housing, creating high-quality jobs with local businesses and labor groups, and working with Gov. Josh Shapiro to rein in the rising costs of health care, electricity, and everyday goods.
“Better jobs, better schools, lower costs, and opportunity for everyone will be what guides my decisions in Harrisburg,” Tiburcio said.
Leaders of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee signaled strong backing for their new nominee, calling the situation unexpected but praising Tiburcio for stepping forward.
“The PA HDCC is fully committed to supporting Ana,” the group said. “We look forward to protecting our humble Democratic majority on February 24th.”
With less than two months until Election Day, Tiburcio now faces a fast-paced campaign in a district that could play an outsize role in shaping Pennsylvania’s legislative future.
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