W.O.’s Davis Gets Republican Nod in 35th

Dems choose McKeesport’s Goughnour; official announcement pending

By Staff Reports
The Tube City Almanac
February 03, 2025
Posted in: Politics & Elections

The Republican Committee of Allegheny County announced Saturday that White Oak Councilman Chuck Davis has been nominated to run for the state General Assembly in the 35th District.

A special election is scheduled for March 25 to fill the vacancy left by the death Jan. 19 of state Rep. Matt Gergely.

A lifelong resident of White Oak and a longtime volunteer firefighter, Davis has chaired numerous committees on White Oak council, according to a spokesman, including the borough’s police, fire, public works, health and safety, and planning and zoning committees.

A spokesman said that Davis intends on bringing “a strong vision for economic growth, public safety and government transparency to the voters of the Mon Valley.”

Davis said that improving education also would be a priority.

“I am ready to step up, listen to the concerns of our residents, and work tirelessly to advocate for our community’s needs in Harrisburg,” Davis said in a release.

He said his decision to run came after “careful thought and discussion with the my family and community members” and with “great respect for the legacy of service that Matt Gergely leaves behind.”

“As we move forward, I am committed to running a campaign that is rooted in integrity, inclusivity and solutions,” Davis said. “I invite all residents to join in this effort and share their ideas as we work together to shape the future of District 35.”

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.

Sam DeMarco, chairman of the county’s Republican committee, called Davis “an experienced fighter with fresh ideas who will provide real solutions to the toughest challenges facing voters in District 35.”

The Allegheny County Democratic Committee met Saturday and chose McKeesport police Capt. Dan Goughnour as its candidate from a field of six hopefuls.

Goughnour, who currently serves on McKeesport Area School Board, has nearly 20 years of experience in law enforcement, including 16 years with the McKeesport police.

Goughnour is a graduate of McKeesport Area schools and the Allegheny County Police Academy. He and his wife, Lauren have three children who all attend McKeesport public schools.

An official announcement of Goughnour’s candidacy is pending.

In a statement released on social media, Goughnour said he was “honored to be the Democratic nominee” for state representative.

“Thank you, to the Allegheny County Democratic Committee for your support,” Goughnour said. “With great respect for the legacy of service that Matt Gergely leaves behind, I am committed to ensuring the Mon Valley continues to have a strong voice in Harrisburg and that our needs are heard and addressed!”

Objections to any candidate’s nomination must be filed by Feb. 6. Persons who want to vote in the special election must register by March 10.

Gergely’s district offices in McKeesport, Munhall and Clairton remain open to handle constitutent concerns. For more information, call (412) 664-0035, or visit http://RepGergely.com for assistance.

Originally published February 03, 2025.

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