ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Democratic primary for Allentown mayor will be a head-to-head contest after City Councilwoman Cynthia Mota reset her electoral aim.
Mota is circulating nominating petitions to retain her seat on Allentown City Council instead of seeking signatures to run for the city’s top executive role, she confirmed Wednesday night to LehighValleyNews.com.
She said she was not prepared to speak about the reasons behind that change.
Mota in November said she would launch a campaign for mayor, joining Councilman Ed Zucal in challenging Mayor Matt Tuerk in 2025.
“We need a leader who can bridge the divides and partner with anchor institutions. I believe I could be that person."Councilwoman Cynthia Mota in November
She said she felt it was “time for different leadership” in the city and pledged to “prioritize prosperity and inclusion and economic opportunities for every resident.”
But Mota did not offer many details last fall about her mayoral campaign, saying she thought it was “too premature” to explain her platform.
She said she was excited to speak to voters and felt “very hopeful” of her electoral chances against Tuerk and Zucal.
“We need a leader who can bridge the divides and partner with anchor institutions. I believe I could be that person,” Mota said in November.
Instead, she will work to secure her place on the Democratic ballot and re-election to council.
Mota has been on council since 2012. She’s served as its president for two of the past three years, and held the role of vice president between leadership stints.
She again is council’s vice president in 2025.
The council race also includes political newcomers Jeremy Binder, Ben Stemrich and Cristian Pungo; former candidates Luis Acevedo and Patrick Palmer; and incumbent Councilwoman Natalie Santos.
