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 a look at another of the state’s mayoral races – this time in Lancaster.

Incumbent Democrat Danene Sorace is not running for reelection and two Democrats are seeking for the nomination to replace her – Jaime Arroyo and Janet Diaz.

No Republicans are running in this year’s mayoral primary. Whichever Democratic candidate wins the primary election will face former home rule commissioner Tony Dastra, who announced his plans to run as a Green Party candidate in the Nov. 4 general election.

Jaime Arroyo

• Party: Democrat
• Residence:
• Experience: Vice President of Lancaster City Council (2024-present); Chief Executive Officer at ASSETS (2022-present); Chief Strategy Officer, Community Action Partnership (2020-22)
• Priorities. Driving equitable growth, empowering small businesses, and creating opportunities that strengthen our community; Leading with integrity, accountability, and action to meet the needs of every resident and build trust in our city’s future; Ensuring safe streets, quality housing, and a community where every person has the tools they need to succeed.
• Endorsements: Lancaster City Democrats. Lancaster County Democrats Latino Caucus; Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace; Rep. Nikki Rivera, Rep. Izzy Smith Wade-El, former state Rep. Mike Sturla.
• Education: B.S., Millersville University ’10; MBA, Drexel University ’16
• Quotable: “I believe in the future of this city. We need a mayor who can bring people together, make smart choices, and help make sure progress reaches everyone. We need a mayor you can trust. We need a mayor who shows up.”
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Janet Diaz

• Party: Democrat
• Residence:
• Experience: Member, Lancaster City Council (2017-present); Chair, PA Dems Latino Caucus; Medical analyst at Lancaster General Health
• Priorities. Committed to making debt reduction and fiscal responsibility a top priority. Create opportunities for revenue generation through strategic investment in local businesses and economic development. Promote environmentally friendly city planning by expanding green spaces and supporting sustainable building practices. Work towards expanding access to quality healthcare by partnering with local providers, particularly in underserved areas.
• Endorsements: Rep. Mary Jo Daley
• Education: Lancaster Bible College
• Quotable: “Lancaster City is a vibrant, growing community, but with growth comes the responsibility of maintaining a strong financial foundation. ”
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Media

• Lancaster mayoral candidates Jaime Arroyo, Janet Diaz talk employment and education at NAACP virtual town hall | LNP
• Campaign finance reports show large support for Arroyo, few local donors for Diaz in Lancaster mayor race | LNP
• Lancaster mayoral candidate Jaime Arroyo goes solo at debate; Janet Diaz doesn’t show | LNP
• Lancaster Mayoral Candidates Share Key Campaign Points Ahead of Tuesday’s Primary Election | CBS 21

Forum

• Lancaster NAACP Town Hall
• May 8