Newcomer earns most votes in Murrysville council primary

A political newcomer came away with the most votes in the primary election for Murrysville council last week.

Darren Miller, 42, earned 22.4% of more than 7,000 votes cast in last week’s election, leading the field of five candidates running for a spot on the Republican side of the ballot.

“I’m grateful to all my family, friends and fellow residents who came out in support of my campaign for council,” Miller said. “Thank you for allowing my children and I have to have a memorable ‘first’ experience in politics. We will keep Murrysville strong when we all work together.”

Miller has talked about a desire to improve the “walkability” of Murrysville’s downtown area, investing in local infrastructure and using gas well revenue to improve green spaces in town.

He was followed by incumbent Jason Lemak with 21.8%, Michael Korns with 20% and former councilman Loren Kase with 18.8%.

Incumbent Jamie Lingg received 16.5% of the vote.

Council President Dayne Dice ran unopposed for mayor.

Write-in votes will likely play a role in the general election, with 392 Democrats writing in at least one of their candidates for council.

Eighty-one Democrats cast a write-in vote in the primary for the mayor’s seat.

Write-in results will not be made public until the Westmoreland County Bureau of Elections certifies the vote tallies.