Tuerk holds fundraising advantage over Zucal in Allentown mayoral Democratic primary
Zucal plans write-in campaign on Republican ballot
Campaign finance reports show that Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk has an advantage over city Councilman Ed Zucal in fundraising ahead of the May 20 primary. Tuerk raised $50,970 while Zucal raised $21,279 from January through May 5.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Tuerk held a press conference criticizing Zucal for running a write-in campaign as a Republican. Zucal’s campaign sent a mailer to residents asking Republicans to write him in as a candidate, which could set up a November rematch. There are no Republicans running in the primary. Zucal needs 100 write-in votes to obtain the GOP nomination.
“He wants to have it both ways – pretending to be a Democrat while running a campaign rooted in MAGA-style politics, tactics and deception,” Tuerk said outside the Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown.
In a statement to The Morning Call, Zucal said that he is a “lifelong Democrat.” He added, “My job as mayor will be to represent every resident of the City of Allentown, no matter their registration, and I’m humbly asking for the support of every Allentown voter.”
Zucal accused Tuerk of being “too woke” for Allentown during the mayoral debate sponsored by Lehigh Valley Live. One of the mailers sent by Zucal’s campaign said “Go Woke, Go Broke” and featured a photo of Tuerk.
In the debate, Tuerk then accused Zucal of using language that sounded like MAGA ideology by “Making Allentown Great Again,” but Zucal defended his record, saying he had been a Democrat his entire life and “does not believe in the MAGA system.”
Allentown mayor faces challenger in Democratic primary
Tuerk’s campaign finances
Tuerk’s campaign started 2025 with a balance of $18,572, bringing his total available to $69,542. He spent $36,561 from Jan. 1 to April 30 and ended the current period with a cash balance of $32,981.
The largest contributors to Tuerk’s campaign were the IBEW Local 375 ($10,000), and Allentown Firefighters, International Association of Firefighters and Plumber Unions Local ($2,500 each). Bruce Waldman, a trustee for the Allentown Art Museum, also donated $2,500. Northampton County Executive LaMont McClure donated $1,000. Tuerk did not list any in-kind contributions.
Zucal’s campaign finances
Zucal brought over $13,347 from his last filing, giving him a total of $34,627. He spent $3,605 and ended the period with $31,022 in cash. He listed in-kind contributions of $4,000.
The largest contributor to Zucal’s campaign was the PA Fraternal Order of the Police PAC, which donated $5,000. The Allentown Fraternal Order of the Police endorsed Zucal, a former Allentown police officer, in January.
The Committee to Elect Jim Martin, the retired Republican district attorney for Lehigh County, donated $250.