Ballot Challenges Thrown Out, Seven Running For 8th District

After wading through challenges, the ballot is officially set for the 8th District City Council race. According to the acting supervisor of elections, voters will chose among seven Democratic candidates to pick a successor for retiring Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller in May. 

Carmen Seminara  Wednesday and affirmed that challenges to Andrew Lofton, William Durham and Robin Tasco were denied by Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Chris Wogan, due "to untimely service to the county board of elections."

Additionally, he confirmed that both Jordan Dillard and Fay Dawson withdrew their candidacy after failing to securing enough petitions to be placed on the May 17 primary ballot.

No challenges were filed to petitions submitted by Greg Paulmier, Cindy Bass, Verna Tyner and Howard Treatman.

Though Seminara said Wednesday he couldn't confirm who filed challenges against the three candidates, he said local Democratic committee members probably filed them on behalf of another candidate.

Miller, who has served the district that includes Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill and Germantown since 1996, announced her decision to retire .