BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — An East Stroudsburg University nursing professor, David Holland, is running as a Democrat to join the Northampton County Council, he announced Wednesday.
Along with teaching, Holland works as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. He previously worked as an administrator at county-run nursing homes in Northampton and Monroe counties.
Holland’s current campaign is his first run for public office. He applied to fill an open seat in the council in January 2024. After council members could not agree on who to appoint, a Northampton County judge tapped Jeffrey Corpora for the post.
“I want to be a voice for the voiceless, to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.”
“I’m concerned for the people of Northampton County, especially those at greatest risk, including the elderly, youth, and those struggling with mental illness,” Holland wrote in a statement released Wednesday.
“I want to be a voice for the voiceless, to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.”
In his pitch to voters, Holland promises first and foremost to listen.
“Listening is the number one skill an elected official should possess. Although frequently prolific talkers, the real hard work of elected officials is taking the time to listen to the daily struggles of local citizens and taking action to address those struggles,” he wrote.
A total of five at-large seats on the council are up for grabs this year; Holland is the fourth Democrat to seek the party’s nomination for county commissioner.
So far only one Republican, incumbent John Goffredo, has joined the race.
Three of the council’s other incumbents — Democrats Lori Vargo-Heffner and Jeffrey Corpora, plus Republican John Brown — have not yet announced whether they will run for another term.
Incumbent commissioner Ron Heckman, also a Democrat, announced he will be stepping down at the end of his term in January 2026.
The municipal primary is scheduled for May 20.
