In the City of Pittsburgh, the 43rd district includes 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 29th, 30th and 31st wards and Mount Oliver. Neighboring the City, the District includes Edgewood, Swissvale, Rankin, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Forest Hills, Churchill, Wilkins Township, Wilkinsburg, Penn Hills, Verona and Oakmont.
Endorsed by ACDC
Tracy C Baton LCSW (she/her) is a Black, LGBTQ nana. She grew up in Pittsburgh’s Hill District and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods. Following her Bachelor’s at Pitt, she moved around the country and the world for study and research. After more than two years of living in rural South Africa, Tracy returned to the 14th Ward to raise her family in Park Place, where she served her church and community garden and served local non-profits as a stay-at-home parent. Tracy has a history of bringing communities together to defend democracy. As Director of Indivisible Pittsburgh and Women’s March Pittsburgh, she has led teams that mobilized more than 100,000 people into the streets of Pittsburgh in peaceful social protest. She serves on the board of the Steel City Stonewall Democrats, the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee, and the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. Tracy is a supervising clinical social worker and an alumnus of Pitt, where she earned a BA and an MSW. In addition, she is an alumnus of the University of Florida, where she earned a Master's in Medical Anthropology and another in African History. Among her honors are the William J. Fulbright (IIE) Fellowship, the Linda S. Vance Award for Historical Writing on Women, and two “Best of Pittsburgh” awards. She loves growing her own food and repurposing. She is passionate about justice, democracy, the environment, getting out the vote, and Pittsburgers. She is delighted to be the mother of three Pittsburgh girls and the nana of two Pittsburgh grandchildren.
Endorsed by ACDC
I am running for Pa State Democratic Committee (PSDC) in the 43rd Senatorial to help re-elect Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, and other Democrats. Democrats must lay a strong Democratic foundation in Pennsylvania in 2026. The path to victory in the next Presidential election will run through Pennsylvania, and to win, we must start now. My commitment to Democratic success includes serving as a member of the ACDC and the PSDC. As additional outreach, I volunteer for the executive committee of PSDC, the New Ethnic Committee of PSDC, and Treasurer of the Catherine Baker Knoll Democratic Women’s Club. From door knocking to fundraising, I have contributed my time and effort to Democratic candidates and policies and will continue to do so. I respectfully request your vote.
Endorsed by ACDC
Sam Gibson is a lifelong community advocate, philanthropist, and founder of We The Ppl 412, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit rooted in the Homewood community. His work centers on harm reduction, violence prevention, and creating systems of care that honor dignity, safety, and healing for people most impacted by inequity. For decades, Sam has been deeply engaged in community advocacy, long before formal titles or organizations. Earlier in his journey, he ran for judge, an experience that—while not resulting in election—strengthened his commitment to justice, accountability, and systemic change. He later channeled that passion into nonprofit leadership, working directly with individuals and families affected by violence, loss, and trauma, and building trust through consistent, on-the-ground presence. Through We The Ppl 412, Sam leads harm reduction and street outreach efforts, including overdose prevention education and the distribution of life-saving Narcan kits. He also organizes Pre-Mother’s Day events, which are designed to honor and uplift Black excellence in Pittsburgh, creating intentional spaces to celebrate history, resilience, community leadership, and the often-unrecognized labor of Black women and caregivers. Sam is also actively involved in Toys for Tots, ensuring families in underserved neighborhoods experience joy, dignity, and support during the holiday season. Beyond his public work, Sam is a single father who has supported his daughter through significant challenges, including helping her navigate motherhood after the premature birth of her child. Today, both mother and child are thriving, a reflection of family strength, perseverance, and unwavering support. Through compassion, consistency, and deep love for his community, Sam Gibson remains a trusted voice and enduring force for change in Pittsburgh.
Endorsed by ACDC
I am a life-long resident of the City of Pittsburgh, specifically in the Lincoln Place neighborhood of the 31st Ward. After attending Central Catholic High School, I went on to Duquesne University where I earned degrees in History and Accounting. From there, I attended Duquesne University School of Law and was admitted to the bar in 2012. While in law school and after graduating, I worked for the City Controller’s Office in various capacities, including Solicitor. In 2022, I was named Chief Legal Counsel in the Allegheny County Controller’s Office. In addition to my work in local government, I maintain a small, private practice that focuses primarily on civil and real estate matters, co-Chair the Governance Committee on the Duquesne University Alumni Advisory Council, volunteer with the Central Catholic Football Coaching staff, and, what I am most proud of: for the last 10 years I have served as the President of the 31st Ward Community Action Group On the political side, I am Treasurer of the 31st Ward Democratic Committee, the Secretary of the City of Pittsburgh Democratic Committee, and have assisted on numerous campaigns locally and statewide in a variety of capacities. I have served two terms on State Committee for the 43rd District and am running again because I believe the job of a state committee member is too important to not continue. We are at a crossroads, not only in this country but, more immediately, in this state. From critical rights to investments in communities and infrastructure, it is important that we endorse statewide candidates that not only embody our ideals and stand firm against corruption and hatred but that can also win.
Endorsed by ACDC
Dr. Tracey Holst is a dedicated public servant, community leader, and HR professional with more than 15 years of experience in local politics and civic engagement. She is running for the Pennsylvania State Committee to bring practical leadership, organizational expertise, and a deep commitment to grassroots democracy to the state level. Tracey’s public service includes having served as Secretary of the Oakmont Democrats, where she has helped strengthen local party operations, support candidates, and engage voters. Previously, Tracey served as a member of Oakmont Borough Council, gaining firsthand experience in municipal governance, budgeting, and policy development that directly impacts residents’ quality of life. She is currently a Committee Member for Penn Hills, working to ensure the voices of residents are represented in party decision-making. She also serves as the Secretary of the Penn Hills Community Development Corporation, supporting initiatives that promote sustainable growth, equity, and opportunity. She is currently a Vice-President of Human Resources for WesBanco and maintains a small Human Resources Consulting firm where she works with local municipalities and non-profit organizations to support their people operations. She is an adjunct Professor at Point Park University where she teaches Human Resources classes also. She resides in Penn Hills with her husband, Al, a military veteran, and their 3 dogs. They have raised 2 daughters who are both married and currently have a 4-year-old grandson, Arlo. With a career rooted in service, collaboration, and accountability, Tracey Holst is committed to strengthening the Democratic Party from the ground up and advocating for transparent, inclusive, and effective leadership on the Pennsylvania State Committee.
Endorsed by ACDC
Eileen Kelly has been an active member of the Democratic Committee for the past 40 years. She has served from Democratic Committee Member to that of City of Pittsburgh Democratic Chair and Allegheny County Democratic Chair as well as serving as a Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee Member.
Eileen has been active during this time in every Presidential Campaign as well as the campaigns of numerous Federal, State and Local office holders.
She serves as the Executive Secretary to Pittsburgh City Controller Rachael Heisler as well as having served in that capacity to the two prior Controllers.
Eileen’s most satisfying achievement was organizing the County wide Democratic Committee Endorsements during the difficult COVID years which produced many successful Democratic Candidates.
When Allegheny County had their first Property Re-Assessment in decades, Eileen in her governmental capacity organized the Assessment Appeal Outreach program which conducted dozens of public meetings which helped thousands of homeowners to successfully appeal their unfair Real Estate Taxes.
Eileen Kelly has truly lived by the Democratic Principles that provide opportunity for all.
Endorsed by ACDC
Lifelong Democrat - helped elect tens of western PA candidates 50 years, all levels. Oakmont resident 34 years, active with Oakmont Dems since 2016, Secretary 5 years. We’ve elected almost all Dems, many women. If you select me for State, I’ll:
-Collaborate to keep Democratic issues front and center.
-Protect Pennsylvanians’ rights to vote, speak, worship, learn.
-Promote 21st Century green jobs and protect public health.
-Fight for quality education and fair funding of our schools.
-Seek reform of criminal justice system for victims and offenders
-Seek candidates whose platforms honor government’s purpose.
-See that our elected officials keep their promises to the voters.
I’ve championed seniors’ rights for Congress; healthcare for all, and the ERA. At Pitt Law, I brought Ralph Nader and women judges to speak. I analyzed child abuse and neglect cases as judge’s clerk. For 30 years in law, I helped average citizens; advocated for natural resources and hosted an environmental affairs radio show; prosecuted and defended cases in criminal and family courts. To resolve disparate treatment by race, gender, and class, I sought a Ph.D. in Criminology, evaluating our County Mental Health Court; and taught college students complexity faced in criminal justice careers. A loving godmother to three, I lobbied to equip public schools for all students and teachers and protect academic freedom as School Director and Legislative Delegate.
Endorsed by ACDC
Ian Price (he/they) started organizing for LGBTQ+ rights as part of the University of Florida’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) in 2001, and has been a proponent and organizer for those rights ever since. He came to Pittsburgh as a PhD student graduating from the University of Pittsburgh. He is committed to community building and, after the 2016 election, he shifted his volunteering into leadership. His current mission is advocating for the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and, to that end, he has organized rallies, spoken in front of council, and coordinated events to bring visibility to the community. He is currently serving his community as President of the Steel City Stonewall Democrats, a member of the board of governors for the National Federation of Stonewall Democrats, a member of the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee LGBTQ+ caucus for one term, a member of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee as Treasurer for Pittsburgh’s 8th ward, and a volunteer for Indivisible Pittsburgh. When not organizing, Ian enjoys riding his bicycle, and has peddled to raise money for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in the California AIDS Life/Cycle and the Florida Smart Ride, with the North East Cycle for the Cause upcoming in 2026. He also enjoys rowing, and helps as a board member of the Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ rowing team, Qrew. Ian married his very supportive partner Will Wenger in 2016, without whom he could not accomplish half of what he does.
Endorsed by ACDC
Lyon Anthony Zeibak is the Chair of the Penn Hills Democratic Committee, the largest Allegheny County Committee after the city of Pittsburgh. With a career background in sales, marketing and consulting, Lyon wants to join the state committee to serve. He hopes to help strengthen voter turnout and registration, and increase the marketability and favorability of the Democratic Party. He also wants to promote and advocate for more representation in our district and region. Lyon co-founded the Allegheny River Democrats with other area committee Chairs to form a regional group for larger Democratic Party events and rallies. He was President of the College Democrats chapter at Edinboro University and attended the 2004 DNC Convention in Boston. Lyon (pronounced LEE-OWN) is proud of the strides the Penn Hills committee team has made in Penn Hills, increasing turnout and Democratic votes substantially in the last few years. Lyon is past president and a volunteer of the Crescent Hills Civic Association, an active member of the Penn Hills Community Development Corporation, and a volunteer at the Penn Hills Service Association Food Bank. Lyon served as Director of the Pittsburgh Slovak Heritage Festival for 6 years. He is principal of Blue Keystone Strategies, a political consulting company.
Will Anderson is a lifelong resident of the district and the grandson of Evelyn D.Richardson, the longest serving member of the Democratic National Committee. He is a community activist and has owned his Auto Body Shop for 33 years which was recently the victim of racial attacks. Despite these adversities, he has continued the people's work. He is currently the chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Black Caucus and Chief of Staff for the Democratic National Committee Black Caucus. He is the father of two daughters and grandfather of two. He is committed to forwarding Democratic Values, both through his local and national work. He is the first African American male elected to the State Committee, keeping the promise he made to his grandmother before she passed away in 2015...to not give up on her beloved Democratic Party.
Dr. Reinthaler is a dedicated family physician and community leader who has spent his career advocating for the health and well-being of his neighbors. Raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, his journey was defined by early academic excellence, beginning at the prestigious Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High School. He continued his high-achieving trajectory at Florida State University, where he graduated Cum Laude before earning his Medical Doctorate from the FSU College of Medicine. Attracted by the world-class medical landscape of Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Reinthaler moved to Pittsburgh for his residency at Shadyside Presbyterian Hospital. Today, he serves as a full-time Family Medicine physician at UPMC. In the exam room, his focus is clear: ensuring that people from all backgrounds have the resources and care needed to achieve their best possible health. This commitment to equity and service is the cornerstone of his professional life. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Reinthaler is a proven organizer. For six years, he served as President of the Pittsburgh Seminole Chapter, successfully revitalizing the organization and building a robust professional network for local graduates. Now a proud resident of Churchill, he is eager to translate his experience in healthcare and community leadership into public service, championing the values of the Democratic Party and the needs of his district. A former football and soccer athlete, Dr. Reinthaler is an avid fan of all things Black and Gold. He is a devoted family man who lives in Churchill with his wife, Valerie, their two children, and their puppy, Stanley. Whether he is on one of the region’s challenging golf courses or enjoying the outdoors with his family, his roots in Pennsylvania run deep, and his commitment to its future is unwavering.
Ross Tedder is a community organizer and political consultant active in Western Pennsylvania since 2020. A graduate of Winchester Thurston School, Tedder is a self-described “field nerd” who began his political career working on grassroots campaigns and issue advocacy. Tedder got his political start in 2020 with then-State Representative Summer Lee, serving as Organizing Director for her first re-election campaign. He later worked as Deputy Campaign Manager for the Alliance for Police Accountability’s (APA) 2021 ballot initiative campaign, which resulted in the ban of solitary confinement at the county level and the passage of Breonna Taylor’s Law in the City of Pittsburgh. As a consultant, Tedder has advised and supported candidates including Magisterial District Judge Jehosha Wright, Shaler Area School Director Elizabeth Dunn-Taylor, and former MDJ candidate Weldianne Scales, among others. He has also contributed to nonpartisan advocacy efforts, including a successful campaign opposing the proposed annexation of Wilkinsburg into the City of Pittsburgh in 2021. In 2023, Tedder worked with Pittsburgh-based political media nonprofit 1Hood Power to develop informational programming focused on countywide judicial and executive races. In 2024, he helped lead a voter registration and turnout effort in Erie, Pennsylvania, registering more than 650 new voters over six weeks while managing a canvassing team of 25 organizers. Tedder currently serves as Director of Civic Engagement and Voter Contact at the Alliance for Police Accountability, where he develops organizing programs focused on engaging infrequent voters across Allegheny County’s historically underserved communities.
