The upcoming race for Mayor of Lancaster will feature two men running for their third term. Incumbent Rick Gray [Democrat] will be challenged by former mayor, Republican Charlie Smithgall.
170 voters wrote-in Smithgall’s name during last month’s primary election.
As he has done in the past, Smithgall has accepted the write-in nomination. “Voters deserve a chance,” said Smithgall.
Smithgall will challenge Democrat Rick Gray in the November election. Smithgall served two terms from 1998 to 2006. Then he lost to Gray.
In 2009 Smithgall accepted the write-in nomination looking for a third term as mayor but Gray won his second term.
Last month Smithgall again received the write-in nomination.
“Voters deserve a choice and in this election I got more write-ins than I could ever even imagine that I would get. And I got more than it takes to be put on the ballot. Today a judge combined the votes and I am announcing today that I am running for Lancaster City Mayor,” said Smithgall.
“I plan to focus on public safety. I want to work on crime and boosting the fire department,” said Smithgall. He also said he wants to build on local arts and entertainment to bring more people to the city.
Peter Ruggieri is also seeking office as the Libertarian candidate.