Popovich tops Democrats in 58th
For the first time in more than 50 years, the 58th Legislative District will not be represented by a Monessen resident.
West Newton Mayor Mary Popovich will face attorney Justin Walsh in the November election. Walsh, of Rostraver Township, was unopposed on the GOP ticket.
They will seek the seat currently held by State Rep. R. Ted Harhai. The Monessen Democrat announced earlier this year that he is retiring from the House. He was first elected in 1998.
Popovich received 6,019 votes, topping Chuck Mrlack Jr. who had 1,937 votes and James Manderino II, who received 1,048 votes, according to unofficial totals in Westmoreland County.
Although he suspended his campaign earlier this month, Manderino’s name still appeared on the ballot.
The 58th District includes the City of Monessen, Rostraver Township, Mount Pleasant Borough, North Belle Vernon Borough, West Newton Borough and a portion of East Huntingdon Township.
“I’m thrilled and just so honored that the people believed in me to do the right for the 58th District,” Popovich said.
Popovich alluded to the fact that the district has become known as “The Monessen District,” without specifically naming the city.
“I want to be a voice for everyone across the district, not just one area,” said Popovich.
Popovich, though, vowed to build unity in the party and the district. Asked how she would approach the November election, Popovich said, “Hard work and more hard work.”
“If the Democrats want to keep this seat for the Democrats, we have to work together,” said Popovich. “I can’t do it myself. It will take all of the voters.”
Mrlack said the campaign was “an education” for him.
“I got to see the difference between front-door support and back-door support,” Mrlack said.
Mrlack said he met a lot of great people along the campaign. When he learned the seat was going to be open on Jan. 30, he decided to run and “winged it the whole way.” Mrlack said he would not rule out another run for office.
Popovich said the key to campaigning is to “run like your losing.”
“Just give it your all,” Popovich said. “When I do something, I give it 100 percent. It is the people who will decide.
“I’m so excited because it is a new challenge for me.”
Popovich said she decided to run for the state House seat because through her experience in local government she wanted to do the right thing for the people.
“I’ve seen so many injustices — especially in women’s issues among other things,” Popovich said. “There needs to be more equity — women to men — in the state legislature.”
Popovich said women too often are caregivers, and “sometimes not fulfilling their own dreams.”
Popovich said during the campaign so far, she has learned “how many wonderful and diversified the district is.”
“There seems to be a sense of urgency to get these communities in this district back and revitalize them, and I will work to do that,” Popovich said.