Voters are selecting a new Allegheny county executive for the first time in 12 years.
Democrat Sara Innamorato voted as polls opened in Lawrenceville this morning. She feels her approach to inclusivity will win voters over.
“I know that we built a campaign that looks like the county, that talks like the county, that has the diverse experiences of people who live in the county,” said Innamorato.
Meanwhile her opponent Republican Joe Rockey is on the ballot for the first time.
The retired PNC Bank exec. believes his previous experience outside of politics can be an asset.
“I’m a proven leader, I’ve been a problem solver, I’ve led very large organizations in my career and Allegheny County will another one of those and I look forward to the opportunity helping the citizen of Allegheny County have a better life, because of my leadership,” said Rockey.
Polls indicate this race could be more competitive than initially expected.
KDKA-TV Political Expert Jon Delano says that normal off year elections get about 30 to 35 percent voter turnout, but high interest in the Allegheny County Executive race could push those numbers to 40 percent.
For Rockey to win, he’ll have to overcome a large number of registered Democrats.
There are 510,000 registered Democrats in the county and 256,000 Republicans.
135,000 are independent voters.
Delano says for Rockey to win, he’ll need GOP voters to come out in large numbers, Independents and 25 percent of Democrats to join him.