EASTON, Pa. — Sal Panto Jr. appeared to have secured a spot as the next mayor of Easton, his fifth term in a row and seventh overall as one of the city’s most prolific politicians.
As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, Panto had taken a commanding vote lead of nearly two-to-one over city Councilman Peter Melan to essentially secure his position as the Democratic nominee and, being there are no Republicans running against him, the next mayor.
- Sal Panto Jr. has officially declared his victory in the Easton Democratic primary for mayor
- Election results are still coming in as of 10 p.m., though the incumbent mayor has a commanding lead over opponent Peter Melan
- Panto thanked his staff and family for their support, noting this will be his final term as mayor
The incumbent officially declared his victory even earlier, taking to the podium set at the back of River Grille to announce it to the excited crowd of friends, family and supporters.
"I feel really good that we could finish what we started," Panto said. He added with a smirk that he couldn't wait to get back to tending his yard, which had gone into disrepair due to the race.
Panto has been one of the most recognizable faces in Easton politics for decades, serving two terms in the 1980s and early ‘90s before segueing into private enterprise.
Returning to politics, he won the mayoral election in 2008, since serving four terms back-to-back.
State Representative Bob Freeman, who was present at Panto's celebration, commended the incumbent mayor on his latest victory, stating Panto “works hard for the city.”
“I think it’s a tremendous win for Sal. He’s done a really good job as mayor, and I think the numbers show that. People responded to his service as mayor of the city, and winning what looks to be a two-to-one margin is an overwhelming victory,” Freeman said, noting Panto’s “track record, [and] his record of accomplishment” as keystones to the victory.
Panto’s father, Sal Sr., was by his son’s side throughout the evening, sitting next to him as he announced his victory.
“He is just… he’s a winner. He has his heart and soul in the city of Easton. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for Easton,” the elder Panto said.
"I'm feeling good about the future of this city, I'm feeling good about the future of everybody in here."Sal Panto Jr.
Panto has built his campaign for 2024 around his hallmark progress over the past decades, promising to push that momentum further for the benefit of all Eastonians.
Running against Melan — who led a campaign encouraging change and fresh ideas for local government, all the while recognizing Panto’s past success stories — Panto remained confident throughout the race, and at least once acknowledged he had spent little of his funding against his opponent because he did not consider him a challenge.
"I'm feeling good about the future of this city, I'm feeling good about the future of everybody in here," Panto said.
"This is my work. We've worked hard for the past couple of years — I've got my staff here that's done a great job. I just lead the team; they are the team that has really put this city on the map."
