Former Lt. Gov. candidate Carrie Lewis DelRosso won't run for late state Rep. Tony DeLuca's seat

Carrie Lewis DelRosso will not seek the Republican nomination for representative of the state House’s 32nd District.

The former Oakmont councilwoman and most recently lieutenant governor candidate made her announcement Wednesday.

“After much consideration and many discussions with my family and colleagues, I have decided not to be a candidate for the 32nd District special election,” DelRosso’s statement read. “While I am humbled by the outpouring of support I have received, and I feel I am highly qualified and have the most experience for the position, it’s not the right time for me to run.”

A Republican nomination meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the committee’s Monroeville Victory Center, 339 Haymaker Road.

A special election is set for Feb. 7.

“I will work to support the Republican Party nominee selected by the party and hope whomever is selected can serve the people and represent them in Harrisburg.”

The 32nd District has been represented by Tony DeLuca, D-Penn Hills, for nearly 40 years. He died of lymphoma Oct. 9 at home. He was 85.

DeLuca’s name still appeared on the November ballot, and he was reelected by more than a 6-to-1 margin.

The 32nd Legislative District includes Oakmont, Verona, Plum and most of Penn Hills. Democrats hold a more than 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Republicans in the district.

Steve Schlauch, Plum Republican Committee chair and a DelRosso supporter, found out about her decision Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s definitely disappointing, but I’m sure Carrie weighed all the variables and circumstances involved,” he said. “I totally respect and support the decision. In the end, she’s got a family and a life, and just came off a grueling lieutenant governor campaign across the state. Either way, Carrie DelRosso’s got a bright future in politics.”

DelRosso, 47, was elected to Oakmont Council in 2017. She then unseated incumbent 33rd House District Rep. Frank Dermody by 938 votes in 2020, when Dermody held the Democrats’ top post in the state House as minority leader.

She also worked in public relations for Riverview and Penn Hills school districts as well as Verona and Plum boroughs.

DelRosso said she looks forward to spending more time with her family.

“My three kids all play basketball for Riverview School District, and I’ve been an active community member,” she said. “This year, I sacrificed my time away from them running a statewide race (and) had to miss some of their activities. I’m putting my family first.”

Schlauch said he knows of one person who submitted a letter of interest and two other people who have expressed interest in becoming the Republican nominee. He declined to release their names.

Joe McAndrew of Penn Hills won the Democratic nomination earlier this month.

McAndrew is a former executive director of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. He worked on the 2022 campaign for Congressman-elect Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall. He has experience in Harrisburg and worked for former Democratic House Minority Leader Frank Dermody from 2012-14.