Shocking Election Twist: Who's Replacing Guridy in the House District Race—and What It Means for You!

In a surprising turn of events, Julian Guridy has withdrawn as the Democratic candidate for the upcoming special election in Pennsylvania's 22nd House District, scheduled for February 24. Citing personal reasons for his decision, Guridy's exit has opened the door for Ana Tiburcio, an Allentown School Board member, who has been appointed to take his place by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party Executive Committee.

“I was raised to believe that leadership starts by showing up for our neighbors, our families, our schools, and the people who often feel unheard. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when communities are supported, and what happens when they’re overlooked,” Tiburcio stated in a Facebook post following her selection.

Ana Tiburcio, 48, has a strong local presence, having been elected to the Allentown School Board in 2023 with the highest vote total among five candidates. A graduate of Dieruff High School in 1977, she has built a career as a tax preparer and has been actively involved in community organizations. Her extensive contributions include being a member of Canary Connections, a parent group at William Allen High School, and serving on multiple school board committees.

The 22nd District encompasses East Allentown and parts of Center City Allentown and Salisbury Township. The vacancy arose when Democrat Josh Siegel resigned to become Lehigh County executive. Bob Smith Jr., a former Allentown School Board member who contested against Siegel in the 2022 election, has been selected by the Lehigh County Republican Committee to run for the same seat.

The winner of the upcoming election will serve until November 30, with another election for a full two-year term set to occur in 2027. The Democratic Party is rallying behind Tiburcio, who also plans to run in the May 19 primary.

Guridy, 27, who served as an aide to state Sen. Nick Miller and is the son of former Allentown City Councilman Julio Guridy, withdrew amid criticism regarding the selection process for the Democratic candidate. Lori McFarland, chair of the Lehigh County Democratic Committee, acknowledged that the decision was made to honor Guridy's privacy at this time.

Critics like Allentown City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach voiced concerns over the selection process, noting that several Democratic precinct positions were vacant during Guridy's selection. Gerlach had advocated for greater public participation in the selection meeting. Upon learning of Guridy's withdrawal, she expressed surprise, stating, "I had to do a double take.” Nonetheless, she affirmed her commitment to focus on the May 19 election, regardless of the evolving candidate landscape.

Smith has expressed respect for Guridy but also indicated that the party's choice of Tiburcio was strategic, aimed at countering Gerlach's campaign in the primary. He labeled her as a "so-called good Democrat" who would align with existing party leadership. Smith hopes that more Democrats will step forward to run alongside Gerlach in the primary election.

Democrat Mike Schlossberg, who currently represents the 132nd House District, voiced regret over Guridy's withdrawal but expressed confidence in Tiburcio's capabilities. "Ana is a member of the Allentown School Board, active in numerous Allentown organizations, and has decades-long roots in this community. Ana will do a wonderful job as State Representative," Schlossberg declared in a supportive Facebook post.

This unexpected shift in candidates has set the stage for a competitive special election. As both parties prepare their strategies, residents of the 22nd District will be watching closely to see how these changes will influence local governance and representation.