Field of council candidates in Pittsburgh's North Side shrinks as Swatson bows out

The Democratic field running for a North Side Pittsburgh City Council seat is down to three candidates, including incumbent Councilwoman Darlene Harris.

Quincy Kofi Swatson, 27, of Spring Hill announced Wednesday in a post on Medium that he is withdrawing from the race “to create a united front” that supports challenger Mark Brentley Sr.

Brentley, 62, of Allegheny Center and Bobby Wilson, 36, of Spring Hill remain in the race against Harris for the District 1 council seat.

That means the “marginalized, discounted and ignored residents” of the North Side had two options, “Mark Brentley and myself,” Swatson wrote. “We are at a pivotal point in the North Side’s history where we must unite in taking a stand for justice, equality and economic opportunity.”

Chris Rosselot, 38, of Troy Hill ended his campaign March 21, after Wilson challenged him for failing to file a required statement of financial interest with the city. Rosselot said he would run as an independent in the November general election.

Swatson will also make an independent run if either Harris or Wilson wins, he wrote on Medium.

“The North Side deserves a representative that will stand up against any attempt to dilute the people’s voice,” Swatson wrote.

He called Harris “ineffective at best, and any energy she does expend is only directed towards a select few.”

Harris declined to comment about Swatson’s characterization.

Wilson, who has Mayor Bill Peduto’s support, would be “merely a puppet for City Hall’s political machine,” Swatson wrote.

Wilson’s campaign didn’t address Swatson’s allegation. Wilson’s campaign manager, Schuyler Sheaffer, instead thanked him for “his desire to make the North Side a better place,” according to an email sent to the Tribune-Review.