EASTON, Pa. — Northampton County Commissioner Tom Giovanni will launch a campaign for Northampton County executive next month, kicking off a transformative 2025 election cycle for county politics.
Giovanni, a retired businessman from Plainfield Township, said in news release that he is running to end the dysfunction and incompetence of Executive Lamont McClure's administration.
"I will help Northampton County reach a brighter future and continue to be a champion for every resident as I have done as a council member. No matter who Mr. McClure and his allies back in this election continue his failed track record, it will not deter me from working to better Northampton County," said Giovanni, a Republican.
Giovanni tore into McClure's record, blaming him for widespread problems with election machines in 2019 and 2023 and declining care levels at Gracedale, the county-owned nursing home.
"We need an executive who will be working for the people of Northampton County instead of weaponizing the office and leaving the people of Northampton County behind," he said in the release.
Giovanni has not been a vocal lawmaker during his tenure. While the retired IT consultant weighed in on technology improvements to council's meeting room, he's avoided the limelight for much of his six years representing the Slate Belt and northern tier.
He is expected to hold a news conference on his campaign Feb. 6, where he'll be joined by a slate of Republican candidates running for countywide office.
Despite being the focus of the attacks, McClure will not be appearing on the ballot this year. While the Bethlehem Township Democrat had said for years he would seek an unprecedented third term, he announced Tuesday he is changing course and stepping aside.
No Democrats have announced their own campaign for the office.
Reporter Ryan Gaylor contributed to this report.
