Pennsylvania’s municipal primary election is Tuesday and some of the most important races take place for mayor of Keystone State cities, boroughs and towns.

PoliticsPA will count down to the May 20 election by previewing the key races throughout the Commonwealth.

• May 12: Scranton
• May 13: Allentown
• May 14: Harrisburg
• May 15: Erie
• May 16: Pittsburgh
• May 19: Lancaster
• May 20: Bethlehem

Today, we take our final look at the state’s mayoral races – this time in Bethlehem.

Incumbent Democrat J. William Reynolds is running for reelection and faces a primary challenger in City Councilwoman Grace Crampsie-Smith.

No Republicans have filed for the race, indicating that the primary winner has a clear path to the office in November.

J. William Reynolds

• Party: Democrat
• Experience: Mayor, City of Bethlehem (2022-present); City Council (2007-22); Legislative aide to Rep. Steve Samuelson (D-Northampton)
• Priorities: Making significant investments to improve neighborhoods; creating a comprehensive parks and recreation master plan; creating a Complete Streets Plan that will design even more streets to be even safer for our walkers and bikers; a five-year strategic path to help the most Bethlehem residents access safe and affordable housing; attract and retain good business in Bethlehem
• Education: Moravian University ’03
• Quotable: “What separates us — between our teachers, our principals, our nonprofit leaders and our other elected officials — is the idea that we work together; people don’t care about who gets the credit. And that’s really the success that we have here in the city, is that nobody cares who’s shooting the ball and who’s passing the ball.”
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Grace Crampsie-Smith

• Party: Democrat
• Residence:
• Experience: VP, Bethlehem city council (2019-present); chair of finance committee
• Priorities: New building in Bethlehem must balance progress with preserving our history; ensure growth is transparent, fiscally responsible, and prioritizes the needs of Bethlehem’s communities; Transparent Funding; Rebuilding Trust in Bethlehem’s Government.
• Education: B.A., Bloomsburg; M.Ed., Lehigh University
• Quotable: “As both a resident and a qualified candidate, I am committed to leading Bethlehem toward a future that balances smart development with the preservation of our rich history and unique neighborhoods.”
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Media

• Campaign costs in Bethlehem mayoral race top $95,000 | Armchair Lehigh Valley
• In Bethlehem, friction defines mayoral race | Armchair Lehigh Valley
• Housing, taxes, partisanship: Takeaways from the Bethlehem mayoral debate | Allentown Morning Call
• Bethlehem mayoral candidates host debate regarding campaign platforms | The Brown and White
• In reelection campaign, J. William Reynolds touts ‘promises kept’ | Allentown Morning Call
• City Council member Grace Crampsie Smith has a different vision to tackle affordable housing | Allentown Morning Call
• ‘We’re all in this together’: Bethlehem mayor declares bid for 2nd term | LehighValleyNews
• Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith announces candidacy for Bethlehem mayor | LehighValleyNews

Debate