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Thursday, October 30, 2025

UPDATED: Following the Money - Sam Elias Has More Grassroots Support than Anyone in NorCo Races

I've written about the campaign finances of the five Democrats running for NorCo Council. Five Republicans are in the hunt, too. What about their campaign finance reports? I'll start with Sam Elias, a Bethlehem police officer seeking office for the first time. His job alone makes him popular. So does his Lebanese heritage. There are only about 700 Lebanese families in the county, but they are very vocal and very persuasive.  Sam's report (you can see it here) reveals that he's raised more money, not counting in-kinds, than any of the other County Council candidates. Moreover, he's received more of the smaller ($250 or less) donations than any of the candidates running, including Tara Zrinski. Does this mean he's going to win? No, but it is a very positive sign.

According to his report, Elias started with $2432.52 in June and raised $17,775.00 through June 20, giving him a total warchest of $20,207.52. He's kept $12,164.26 for the final push, which makes sense because many Republicans and independents wait to vote until election day. 

He received $2,000 in donations of $50 or less, and $9,825 in 73 individual contributions of $250 or less. That's two more than Tara Zrinski, who's leading the charge for county Dems as the Exec candidate. 

Elias was the top vote getter in the Republican primary, and I think it is highly likely he wins a seat on Council.  

Updated 9:35 am: In my original version, I reported some large contributions that actually went to another candidate, not Elias. He actually rejected a contribution from the realtors because of their affiliation with and endorsement of Josh Siegel, whose anti-police rhetoric was a staple of his agenda as a member of Allentown City Council. 
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13 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 30, 2025 at 12:56 AM

    Elias - the best man for the job.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 30, 2025 at 6:20 AM

    He might be popular in Bethlehem and Easton but that doesn't mean he is well liked. No way Democrats in either of those towns break their ballot to vote for him. The primary shows, Northern tier of the County don't love the bottom three Republican candidiates. Incumbents followed by Holland and Boulette will be winning Council seats.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 30, 2025 at 10:32 PM

      Keep dreaming. Sam is a shoe in.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousOctober 30, 2025 at 10:38 AM

    i so hope you are wrong and Brownstain at least loses his seat, he has contributed nothing in his last 4 years, similar to his executive run. One term and out

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousOctober 30, 2025 at 12:46 PM

    A candidate with integrity (imagine that). Sam will win without that contribution.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousOctober 30, 2025 at 1:34 PM

    He's worked for it- he's the best candidate running for any office this election cycle- the rest of the R's & Dems should take note.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousOctober 30, 2025 at 4:57 PM

    Elias is an extremist partisan, but sadly, as stated above, he's put in the work. Hopefully "putting in the work" is enough, as another candidate on the other side of the ticket has also been pounding the pavement.

    I hope the folks who have not been putting in the work - one of the county exec candidates, and several of the county council candidates learn that you have to earn the votes of the electorate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 31, 2025 at 2:56 PM

      I agree- besides Elias, none of the R's have put in the work- Cigar parties don't cut it!

      Delete
  7. AnonymousOctober 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM

    If Giovanni wins it will be because of Sam

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousOctober 30, 2025 at 9:21 PM

    I've worked with Elias at Northeast Middle School for years and I can tell you he will be a great County Council member. He is a great roll model for kids. He is honest as the day and has common sense which will come in need while on Council. Good luck Sammy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousOctober 30, 2025 at 9:43 PM

    This blog is a Fact Free Zone.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kyle ShultzNovember 2, 2025 at 7:53 PM

    Sam Elias is a really good guy and would be a much needed new face on council and for the county. Best of luck

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kyle ShultzNovember 2, 2025 at 7:54 PM

    Sam Elias is really a good guy and would be a great council member. Best of luck

    ReplyDelete

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