The 31-year-old Democrat made the announcement Tuesday at the Allentown headquarters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 375.
State Representative Josh Siegel, who currently serves Pennsylvania’s 22nd House District, has officially declared his candidacy for Lehigh County executive.
“There is broad recognition that we need a new generation of leadership in the executive’s office with the energy, experience, and vision to address new challenges and continue our region’s momentum and success,” Siegel said during the event.
Siegel is the first candidate to enter the race for the position currently held by Phil Armstrong, a two-term Democrat who is barred from running again due to term limits in the county’s Home Rule Charter.
Although recently reelected to a second term in the 22nd District, which includes Allentown’s East Side and parts of Salisbury Township, Siegel said his decision to pursue the executive role stems from dissatisfaction with what he called the Democratic Party’s “ineffective and unresponsive leadership.” He emphasized the importance of local government in rebuilding trust with voters, particularly among working-class communities.
In his campaign, Siegel is advocating for a “One Lehigh” platform, aimed at collaboration between public, private, and nonprofit sectors. His reported agenda includes tackling rising housing costs, creating jobs, protecting farmland, reducing crime, strengthening unions, and addressing social isolation and mental health.
Siegel has garnered endorsements from local Democrats, including outgoing executive Phil Armstrong, state Representatives Mike Schlossberg, Peter Schweyer, and Jeanne McNeill, as well as Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio and Board of Commissioners Chair Geoff Brace.
A native of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Siegel graduated from Seton Hall University and began his political career at 25, serving on Allentown City Council. As a council member, he championed progressive initiatives, such as securing paid parental leave for nonunion city employees.
Before entering state politics, Siegel held roles in Lehigh County government as public information officer and later assistant operations manager. He resides in Allentown with his wife, Sara.
