Trans candidate wins Democratic Primary for Erie, Penn., county executive
May 19, 2021 |
Tyler Titus
Transgender candidate Tyler Titus moved one step closer this week to becoming the first openly trans county executive in the U.S. with a victory in the four-way Democratic Primary race for Erie County, Penn., county executive. Titus, president of the Erie School Board, now faces Republican Brenton Davis in the November general election.
Titus, 36, became the first openly transgender person to win any elected office in Pennsylvania when they won their school board race in 2017.
The LGBTQ Victory Fund, which backed Titus in the race, credited the candidate’s “groundbreaking ad detailing their coming out story, struggles with their identity and their path to public service,” “carefully laid out policy plans addressing everything from increasing broadband access to healthcare reform” and “honesty and transparency [that] resonated with voters” for Titus’ win.
The four Erie school directors whose seats are on the primary ballot are not seeking reelection, with three running for other offices
A large field of 10 candidates are seeking Democratic or Republican nominations in primary; six of 10 cross-filed for seats on nine-member board
Four candidates are running as a slate; others on ballot include former Erie School District spokeswoman, former Erie County Council member, school district advisory board panelist
The Erie School Board is getting transformed at the same time the Erie School District continues to remake itself after years of endemic financial woes.
Four seats are up for election on the nine-member School Board in Tuesday s primary, and no incumbents are running. A total of 10 candidates are on the ballot.