2 Democrats battle to challenge Kuzma

Dylan Altemara and Kellianne Frketic are seeking the nomination in the 39th District.

Two Elizabeth Township residents will square off again in the May 19 primary election — this time for the Democratic nomination to face state Rep. Andrew Kuzma in the fall to represent the 39th Legislative District.

Dylan Altemara and Kellianne Frketic, who both ran unsuccessfully for Allegheny County Council last fall, are looking to secure the Democratic spot against Kuzma, R-Elizabeth Township.

Kuzma is seeking his third term in the Mon Valley district, which is split between Washington and Allegheny counties. He is unopposed on the Republican ballot.

“Not sure what to expect from those two (running in the Democrat party), but I am hoping and looking forward to a great race in November,” Kuzma said.

State representatives in the General Assembly serve two-year terms. The base salary as of 2026 is $113,591.

The 39th District consists of parts of Allegheny County consisting of the townships of Elizabeth, Forward and South Park and the boroughs of Elizabeth, Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills and West Elizabeth; and part of Washington County consisting of the City of Monongahela; the townships of Carroll (part), and Union; and the boroughs of Finleyville and New Eagle.

About the candidates

Altemara has a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from California University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Southern New Hampshire University, and is pursuing an EdU from Point Park University.

Altemara said the biggest issue facing the 39th district is the rising

Kuzma

cost of living, as people of all backgrounds are having issues with property taxes, utility bills, housing costs, health care, groceries and gas prices.

He added that there needs to be tax relief, investment in infrastructure and essential services and honest, practical leadership focused on opportunity and community stability.

“I support strengthening property tax rebate programs, opposing unfair reassessments during periods of economic hardship and exploring ways to automatically suspend the state gas tax when prices spike above a certain level,” Altemara said. “Too many residents are paying more and getting less — whether it’s aging water systems, deteriorating roads, unreliable utilities or concerns about emergency services and health care access in the Mon Valley.”

Pennsylvania has brought in billions more in revenue than projected, according to Altemara, who said some of that money should go back to the people who are struggling to make ends meet.

He supports stronger oversight of utility companies, advocates for policies that prioritize public safety and long-term stability and wants to find ways for young families and longtime residents to stay in the communities they love.

“I am committed to working with residents to deliver results that truly improve our neighborhoods and lives,” he added. “At the end of the day, my campaign is about restoring trust in the government’s ability to work for regular people — not just insiders, lobbyists or special interests.”

In terms of his leadership, Altemara said he will be consistent and will have open communication and accountability to the community. He added that he will stay focused on practical solutions instead of partisan performance.

With goals of leading with empathy and lived experience, Altemara said that perspective shapes how he approaches public service. If elected, he wants his actions to demonstrate that public office should still be about service, integrity and putting the community first.

“I will show up in every part of the district, not just during election season,” he added. “I want residents to know they’ll have a representative who listens, communicates honestly, and is visible in the community – whether someone voted for me or not, they deserve to be heard and respected. I’m not running to become part of a political club. I’m running to solve problems.”

Frketic believes the biggest issues in the 39th District are affordability, infrastructure/public investment and restoring trust that the government is actually working for working families.

Frketic has a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration with concentrations in marketing and entrepreneurship from Duquesne University, and a Master’s of Business Administration in Operations and Supply Chain Management from Ohio University. She said her advocacy for the community has spanned over years.

She has worked with Allegheny CleanWays, Protect PT and ET, McKeesport Business and Professional Women’s Organization, Pittsburgh Women for Democracy and several other organizations.

“Those experiences shaped who I am and strengthened my belief that the government should work for everyday people, not powerful interests,” Frketic said. “I’ve been involved in advocacy and community organizing for years before I ever decided to run for office, not just here in the Mon Valley, but across Pennsylvania and even nationally. This campaign didn’t suddenly make me care about people or our communities.”

According to Frketic, families across the district are being squeezed by rising costs and are struggling with housing prices, groceries, utilities, childcare and health care. They need real investment, she said, but roads, bridges and sidewalks have been neglected for years.

She also said people are frustrated because they feel ignored by politics. While most politicians show up during election season, Frketic said she is running so people can have someone accessible, transparent and involved.

“In Harrisburg, I would fight for policies that lower costs for working families, protect union jobs, raise wages, expand access to child care and make sure large corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share instead of putting the burden on everyday people,” Frketic added. “I believe we need to bring state dollars back into our communities instead of watching them go elsewhere while residents are told to settle for less.”

Her priorities include the people in the district, especially working families, seniors, students and communities that too often feel overlooked. Leadership means standing up for people even when it is politically difficult, according to Frketic.

If elected, she said she will continue to be visible and accessible, and she wants residents to feel like they can have someone in office who understands their lives and is willing to fight for them every single day.

“At the end of the day, I’m just a local girl who is tired of seeing people being taken advantage of so someone else can grow their bank account,” she said. “I’m a working mother, not a career politician, and I know what families in this district are going through because I live it, too.”