Six Dems Vie for Nomination in 35th District

Party to select candidate Saturday for special election March 25

By Jason Togyer
The Tube City Almanac
January 30, 2025
Posted in: Politics & Elections

From top left, in alphabetical order, Tim Eads of Munhall, Rikell Ford of Clairton, Dan Goughnour of McKeesport, Mary Nesby of Homestead, Lou Ransom Jr. of Munhall and Dexel Tolliver of Clairton. (Submitted photos)

The six Democrats vying for the nomination to run for the 35th Legislative District seat in a special election share a common focus on jobs, public safety, education and blight removal.

And the candidates also share a common goal of working with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to advance his legislative agenda, they said during a closed-circuit conference call on Thursday night.

The Allegheny County Democratic Committee will meet Saturday in McKeesport to choose a candidate to run in the special election being held March 25 to fill the remainder of State Rep. Matthew Gergely’s two-year term in office.

Gergely, 45, was re-elected in November but became ill over the holidays and died unexpectedly Jan. 19.

His untimely death was on the minds of everyone on Thursday’s call, said Sam Hans-Greco, county Democratic Committee chair, and the nomination process was delayed until after Gergely’s funeral out of respect for the family.

The 35th District includes McKeesport, Clairton, Duquesne, Homestead, Liberty Borough, Lincoln Borough, Munhall, Port Vue, South Versailles Twp., Versailles, West Homestead, Whitaker, White Oak and portions of West Mifflin.

Although the seat has been won by Democratic candidates comfortably for the past eight elections — in some cases without Republican opposition — members of the county Democratic Party said Thursday they are not taking the special election for granted.

With Gergely’s death and a vacancy in Lancaster County, the state House is currently evenly divided, 101-101, between the Republican and Democratic parties.

“This seat is extremely important to the balance of power in the state, and in the country,” State Sen. Nick Pisciottano said. “It determines who is the Speaker of the House, which determines whether or not Gov. Shapiro has the power to advance bills in the House.”

Filling the two vacant positions with qualified candidates is vital to Pennsylvania, he said: “We need to get back to the work of governing in Harrisburg and moving Pennsylvania forward for the people.”

Members of the Democratic Committee will vote using a ranked-choice system, Hans-Greco said.

Pittsburgh radio station WESA-FM reported on Monday that Republicans will select their nominee privately. In a statement to the radio station, the Republican Committee of Allegheny County said it had been speaking with leaders in the Mon Valley about potential contenders and would announce a nominee soon.

Candidates standing for the nomination this weekend are:

Tim Eads, Munhall
Munhall borough councilman and emergency management coordinator; chief, Homestead Volunteer Fire Dept.

“I have devoted my life to serving both my own community and our neighboring areas. Through these roles, I have gained valuable experience in leadership, crisis management, and community engagement, and I am deeply committed to improving the quality of life for all of our residents. I believe my extensive background in local governance and emergency services uniquely qualifies me to continue Rep. Gergely’s legacy.”

Rikell Ford, Clairton
President, Clairton City School Board; casework supervisor, Allegheny County Department of Children, Youth & Families; adjunct professor, Point Park University

“Dr. Ford’s dedication to her community has earned her numerous accolades. She was inducted into the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Class of 2022 Fab 40 Under 40, and is a participant in Leadership Pittsburgh XXXIX ... Through her work, Dr. Rikell Ford strives to inspire unity, promote equity, and empower others by educating professionals and community members alike, while consistently using her voice to advocate for positive change.”

Dan Goughnour, McKeesport
Captain of Detectives, McKeesport Police Department; McKeesport Area School Director

“He has nearly 20 years’ experience in law enforcement (and) is completing his first term as a board member of the McKeesport School District. Dan is a proud member of Teamster Local 205. Dan worked closely with Matt Gergely, especially in Matt’s capacity as the business manager for the school district and as the city administrator in McKeesport. As close friends and as champions for McKeesport, they worked to make the city and the schools safer and friendlier.”

Mary Nesby, Homestead
Business owner, notary public, vice president, Homestead Council

“My vision for the 35th District is one of economic revitalization, educational excellence, and holistic community well-being. I believe that addressing systemic issues like housing insecurity, food deserts, and access to quality healthcare are critical to creating a thriving district. Moreover, I am committed to fostering transparent and accountable leadership, ensuring that every voice in our community is heard and valued.”

Lou Ransom Jr., Munhall
Borough Manager, Braddock

“The constituents of District 35 are still mourning the loss of Rep. Gergely, who was both an outstanding representative and a good neighbor. We also understand that despite the loss, we need to move forward with the work of the people ... I have worked in the Allegheny County courts for 15 years and I have most recently been the borough manager in the Borough of Braddock ... holding office is about serving the community and I would be honored to serve.”

Dexel M. Tolliver, Clairton
Retired, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

“I grew up in Clairton, and during my youth, I experienced a community that supported all of its residents. When I decided to return to Clairton, my hope was to utilize and possibly incorporate some of my worldly knowledge and learnings to assist in the revitalization efforts in the region. I have lived and worked in many parts of the state; this allowed me to glean a greater knowledge and understanding ... thereby preparing me to make valid contributions to the direction of this region.”

(All information submitted by the candidates)

Originally published January 30, 2025.

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