Shocking Twist: Why Lehigh Valley's Julian Guridy Dropped Out of the Race—You Won't Believe the Reason!

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The political landscape of the Lehigh Valley has shifted unexpectedly with the withdrawal of Julian Guridy, a local Democrat who was poised to run in a special election for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Guridy, who was nominated earlier this month to fill the seat of former State Representative Josh Siegel, abruptly dropped out of the race due to a significant constitutional requirement: he had not resided in Pennsylvania for the four years prior to the election.

Guridy, 31, had hoped to leverage his connections and local support to secure victory in the heavily Democratic 22nd House District, which encompasses parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township. His candidacy enjoyed backing from prominent local figures, including Lehigh County Executive Siegel and State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, who expressed disappointment over Guridy's withdrawal. Guridy's experience as an aide to State Senator Nick Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton, further bolstered his profile. However, his recent relocation back to Pennsylvania from Florida, where he lived from mid-2021 to early 2023, ultimately disqualified him from serving in the state legislature.

In a Facebook post announcing his exit, Guridy thanked his supporters but remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind his decision, later describing it as “a big misunderstanding.” He expressed regret over his inability to represent his hometown in Harrisburg, citing the residency requirement as a key factor in his withdrawal. “It’ll be in a different way, but I still want to show up for my community,” he said, indicating his desire to stay engaged despite stepping back from the race.

The Pennsylvania Constitution mandates that state representatives must reside in the state for at least four years before taking office. Guridy's situation left him with about a year short of that requirement had he stood for election next month. His earlier stint in Florida included a notable appearance on a Spanish-language dating show, “Enamorándonos USA,” and a role at American Express before returning to the Lehigh Valley.

In light of Guridy's unexpected exit, local Democrats quickly acted to name a replacement candidate. Ana Tiburcio, an Allentown School Board Director elected in November 2023, was selected to compete for the same seat in the upcoming special election scheduled for February 24, 2026. Tiburcio now faces Republican nominee Bob Smith, who previously ran for the seat in 2022 and served four terms on the Allentown School Board from 2003 to 2019. In her acceptance of the nomination, Tiburcio emphasized her commitment to being “a voice that listens, works and brings people together.”

This swift decision was crucial for the Democratic party, as failing to replace Guridy could have left the party without a candidate in a district that leans heavily Democratic. With the nomination process closing on Monday, the urgency was palpable. Despite her initial absence from the candidate pool, Tiburcio's qualifications and commitment to community service positioned her favorably for the race.

A graduate of Dieruff High School, Tiburcio owns A&M Tax & Services and is a program coordinator for the Fine Feather Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on holistic youth programs and mentorship. Her involvement in local governance and community initiatives reflects her dedication to public service, a quality that could resonate with voters in the upcoming election.

As the political narrative in Allentown continues to evolve, the implications of Guridy's withdrawal and Tiburcio's nomination will likely shape the electoral landscape leading up to the May primary. Guridy's next opportunity to contest for a seat in the state House may not arise until the 2028 election cycle, barring any special elections that may occur in the interim.

For now, the Lehigh Valley's political scene is in a state of flux, with new voices emerging and potential shifts in representation on the horizon.