Tara Zrinski Makes History as Northampton County’s First Female Executive

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Tara Zrinski declared victory Tuesday night in the Northampton County executive race, becoming the first woman to hold this position since the county adopted an executive-council government format in the late 1970s. With 100% of precincts reporting, Zrinski led her opponent, Republican Giovanni, by more than 15,000 votes, with unofficial results showing 51,406 to 35,621.

Zrinski, a 50-year-old Democrat from Bethlehem, previously served six years on County Council and was elected county controller in 2023. She will succeed Executive Lamont G. McClure, a Democrat who chose not to seek a third term. Following her victory at McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub in Bethlehem, McClure personally congratulated her.

The county executive’s role includes managing a large budget and overseeing operations like elections and the county jail. Zrinski’s annual salary will be $105,000, following a 23.5% pay increase approved by the council. She is now subject to a two-consecutive-term limit due to a voter referendum in 2023.

Democratic candidates also fared well in the race for the five County Council seats. Council President Lori Vargo Heffner was the top vote-getter, followed by David Holland, Jason Boulette, Theresa Fadem, and Nadeem Qayyum. Together, they secured an 8-1 Democratic majority on the council.

Zrinski’s campaign focused on economic equity and government transparency. “I think I really connected with voters and my community, and I think that really made the difference,” she said during her celebration. Her grassroots approach received praise from local leaders like Rep. Steve Samuelson, who noted the importance of her hands-on engagement with residents.

Attendees at the watch party included young local activists like Shadwick Yoder, president of the Lehigh Valley Young Democrats, who expressed hope for the future of youth involvement in politics, saying, “It shows there’s still an appetite for common-sense, liberal policies in our community.”

Zrinski’s victory is seen as a significant step for representation in Northampton County politics. “It does break some sort of glass ceiling for individuals,” Zrinski said, reflecting on the historical nature of her win.