Goughnour wins big in special election

His victory restores a narrow edge for the Democrats in the Pennsylvania House.

Democrat Dan Goughnour will fill the seat of the late state Rep. Matthew Gergely in the 35th Legislative District.

The Associated Press declared Goughnour the winner at 9:22 p.m. Tuesday. He led the way with 63% of the votes, Republican Chuck Davis earned 35% and Libertarian Adam Kitta obtained 1%, according to unofficial election results.

Dozens of supporters, family members and friends celebrated with Goughnour at the Cro’s Nest in McKeesport.

As retired state Sen. Jim Brewster put it, the night was bittersweet for many in attendance — just two months removed from Gergely’s death.

“This is difficult and emotional, but from a political perspective, these things always go on no matter how tragic it may be,” Brewster said. “Dan is going to be a good replacement for Matt. He and Matt were friends, so it’s a difficult time for all of us.”

Matthew’s brother, former state Rep. Marc Gergely, joined Goughnour on stage at the party.

“Matt Gergely was a friend of all of ours,” Goughnour said. “His family had a tremendous loss, and we wish he was still here with his beautiful family. Throughout the last couple months, I know Matt Gergely has made fun of me from heaven. He would say, ‘Danny, they’re making you do it, too.’” McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko also believes Goughnour will be a good replacement for Matthew Gergely.

“I think we all know who’s looking down on us,” Cherepko said, drawing applause from the crowd. “But I could not think of anyone, anyone that could try to step up and fill those shoes and carry on the legacy of the late Matthew Gergely. No one is better to do that than Dan Goughnour.”

Goughnour’s win means the Democrats have regained a one-seat advantage in the state House.

“We now have the guy whose one vote can turn the tide on bills,” Brewster said. “This is not just some regular House election. This will change the history of the state.”

Goughnour’s victory comes as no surprise, as Democrats have held office in the 35th District since 1969.

Goughnour currently serves as the McKeesport Police Department’s captain of detectives and is a member of the McKeesport Area School Board.

“I just want everyone in this room to know that District 35 is going to have a strong voice in Harrisburg,” Goughnour said. “Not just one community, all 14 of the communities are going to have a strong voice in Harrisburg.”

The 35th Legislative District includes McKeesport, White Oak, West Mifflin (Districts 3, 4 and 15), Clairton, Duquesne, Homestead, Munhall, Liberty, Lincoln, Port Vue, Versailles, West Homestead and Whitaker.