Pittsburgh Controller Michael Lamb To Run For Allegheny Co. Executive

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb declared his candidacy for Allegheny County Executive on Monday, becoming the first person to enter the race next year to succeed term-limited outgoing county Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

In a move widely anticipated since Lamb earlier this year said he would not run for another term as controller, he announced his candidacy via Twitter.

“As county executive, we will have a county government that is transparent and accessible,” he stated. “County leadership that is committed to making Allegheny County work better for the people it serves.”

Lamb has served as city controller since 2008. He is known for advocating that Pittsburgh’s large non-profits pay their fair share for city upkeep and has been a leader in the fight against privatizing public assets.

To ensure more transparency in city government, he created Open Book Pittsburgh - a website that allows people to search and view all city contracts, and campaign contributions and expenses of all candidates running for office in Pittsburgh.

"In addition to those issues for which I have been fighting, we must have a criminal justice system that keeps people safe while providing real opportunities for those who have made mistakes and not just putting our residents in facilities that are unhealthy and unsafe," Lamb stated.

Lamb is getting a jump on his campaign to succeed Fitzgerald, who will finish his third and final term in 2023. He is prohibited by law from seeking a fourth term.