Local Government TV

▼

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. 
at

3 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
  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

You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.