6 candidates will face off for 4 Fox Chapel council seats this fall

A Fox Chapel council incumbent appears to have been ousted in the May primary election.

According to unofficial results from the Allegheny County Office of Elections, council member Fred Leech did not earn enough votes to secure a spot on the Republican ballot in November.

There were seven nominees vying for four open positions on May 18, albeit two Democratic newcomers ran uncontested. Both Sarah Hanna and Jessica Demoise automatically secured spots on the fall ballot.

On the Republican ticket, the top vote-getter was newcomer Mike Pohl with 567. Following him were incumbent Harrison Lauer with 458 votes, newcomer Brad Harrison with 429, incumbent Andrew Bennett with 378 and Leech with 334.

“The results from the primary election are proof that hard work pays off,” Pohl said. “Winning the most votes of any Republican candidate for borough council in all five voting districts is an incredible start.

“It is proof that my words are true — I know Fox Chapel, I was able to connect with residents and I am in touch with the issues that concern them.”

Pohl said the months leading up to November’s general election will be filled with many more hours of work from members of his campaign.

He thanked his family and friends who spent countless hours fundraising, knocking on doors, writing letters, standing outside the polls and getting residents out to vote.

Hanna, the top vote-getter on the Democratic ticket, said the turnout in the primary was impressive.

“I am encouraged by our community’s participation in the democratic process,” she said. “I see this as a sign that our residents desire enhanced communication and collaboration between council and community members, which is exactly why I am running.”