Jeannette's Langdon wins 2 races, will serve as mayor

There is expected to be an opening in Jeannette city government after one candidate won two different seats in Tuesday’s election.

Westmoreland County Elections Bureau Scott Ross said Michelle Langdon will be notified of her victories for mayor and council once results are certified later this month. Langdon will have to pick which position she wants to accept, he said.

Langdon said Wednesday she intends to serve as mayor.

“I’m really excited to get started and it’s going to be a lot of work but I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

The mayor oversees the police department.

Langdon, 68, had 52% of the vote for mayor, besting incumbent Curtis Antoniak, 66, who was seeking his third term. He finished with 39% of the vote, according to unofficial returns.

“I’d just like to thank the voters of the City of Jeannette, the ones that came out and voted for me, but even the ones that didn’t vote for me,” Langdon said. “When people use their voices, we always get better government.”

Langdon also was the top vote-getter for city council in a narrow race, securing a reelection bid for the seat she’s held the last four years. She had 33.65% of the vote followed by Denise Ward, 67, who got 33.46% of the vote, according to unofficial returns. Six votes separated the candidates.

Donald Johnston Jr., 53, rounded out the field with 31.44% of the vote.

It will be up to council or city officials to fill the vacancy expected to be left behind on council when Langdon officially accepts the mayoral position.

“The next person in line doesn’t get elevated,” Ross said, referring to candidates who got fewer votes.

City manager Ethan Keedy said council will accept letters of interest and fill the open position within 30 days of the vacancy being created. Council members will be tasked with appointing someone someone to join them for a two-year term. The seat will appear on the ballot in 2027 for a two-year term.

An accountant, Langdon previously worked five years for the city in varying roles including chief fiscal officer and clerk. She was on the Democratic ticket for both races.

Council members are paid $1,125 annually. The mayor is compensated $2,400 per year.

Staff writer Rich Cholodofsky contributed.