Pittsburgh Politics 2022: Major Upheaval Ahead

PITTSBURGH, PA — A governmental changing of the guard will occur in Pittsburgh in 2022, as the city welcomes a new mayor and will elect a new congressman. City voters also will help select Pennsylvania's next governor and U.S. senator.

Here's what you can expect in the coming year:

Ed Gainey, who defeated incumbent Mayor Bill Peduto in the May Democratic primary, will make history in January when he is sworn in as the city's first black mayor. State Rep. Jake Wheatley is expected to resign his House seat to become deputy mayor.

It'll be the end of an era in Congress as Pittsburgh Rep. Mike Doyle is retiring after 14 terms. Progressive state Rep. Summer Lee of Swissvale has launched a bid to succeed him and has the support of the the Justice Democrats, according to CNN. The group aided New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's bid for Congress and has backed a number of other leftist candidates.

Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania also will help decide who the next junior senator from Pennsylvania will be, as Republican Pat Toomey is retiring. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman of Braddock has raised the most money among Democratic candidates, while celebrity physician Dr. Oz brings unmatched name recognition to the Republican slate but doesn't live in Pennsylvania.

Gov. Tom Wolf is prohibited by law from seeking a third term. Current state Attorney General Josh Shapiro is the clear Democratic frontrunner. The host of Republican candidates includes state senate Pro Tempore Jake Corman.

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