There are three contested races for Pittsburgh City Council this cycle. In District 2 (West End), Democrat Kim Salinetro will face Republican Erin Koper and independent David Tessitor. In District 4 (South Hills), incumbent Democrat Anthony Coghill faces challenges from Republican Tracy Larger and independent Brian Naughton. In District 6, incumbent Democrat R. Daniel Lavelle is being challenged by Republican Jacob Dumont and write-in candidate Lisa Freeman. And in District 8, councilor Erika Strassburger is running for reelection unopposed.
| District 2 | |||
| Issues | Kim Salinetro | Erin Koper | David Tessitor |
| Bio: | Lifelong resident of the district. Extensive volunteer experience including AIDS task force and neighborhood groups. Chief of staff for retiring councilor Theresa Kail-Smith (2009-2025). | Elliott resident. WVU undergrad. Spent 20 years in cosmetics. Spoke at 2024 RNC. President of Allegheny County Council of Republican Women. | Penn State undergrad. Longtime political activist. |
| Priorities: | Wants to improve quality of life through blight mitigation and more parks funding. Seeks to hire police and modernize fire trucks. Wants more investment in mixed-income housing and West End development. | Says she would pursue hiring “healthy number” of police officers. Wants to “tackle blight” and invest in local businesses. Says she would invest in more youth programming. | Wants greater community input in politics. Seeks creation of a Dept. of Neighborhoods. Wants rapid rail to the airport. |
| Endorsements: | ACDC, unions including AFL-CIO, FOP, IAFF, LiUNA, electeds including Pa. Sen. Wayne Fontana | RCAC | None listed |
| District 4 | |||
| Issues | Anthony Coghill (i) | Tracy Larger | Brian Naughton |
| Bio: | Beechview native. Former roofer. Democratic operative and two-term ACDC president (2010-2018). Elected to council in 2017, running for third term. | Brookline resident. Penn State undergrad. Account executive for a media company, background in advertising. | Carrick native. Chef and culinary instructor. Picklesburgh pickle juice drinking contest finalist. |
| Priorities: | Initially ran on “Back to Basics” including paving, parks, and public works. Says shrinking tax base and police force are “significant challenges.” Touts work renegotiating contracts to save city money. | Says common sense on council “lacking.” Seeks increases in police staffing. Cites unsupported claims of rising crime as reason to run. Has criticized Coghill’s homelessness policies. | Wants to extend sidewalk maintenance program into district. Seeks implementation of a Vacancy Tax. Says he would “realign tax burden.” Seeks more parks funding and youth programs in district. |
| Endorsements: | ACDC, Pro-Housing Pittsburgh, AFL-CIO | RCAC | None listed |
| District 6 | |||
| Issues | R. Daniel Lavelle (i) | Jacob Dumont | Lisa Freeman (write-in) |
| Bio: | Hill District native. Kent State undergrad. Former chief of staff for Pa. Rep. Jake Wheatley. First elected to council 2009; seeking fifth term. Council president since 2024. | North Side native. CCAC undergrad. Experience as heavy equipment operator and union shop steward. Citizen journalist. | Manchester resident. Former social worker. Ran Manchester Growing Together Farm (2009-2014). Now runs Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse. |
| Priorities: | Says equity and public safety have been focus since taking office. Highlights record including police reform, public works upgrades, non-discrimination laws. | Says he would invest in “failing” infrastructure. Wants to cut “red tape” for small businesses. Seeks greater local access to community programs for youth and seniors. | Seeks policies to prevent community members being displaced. Food-justice advocate. Has criticized Lavelle for closeness to developers. |
| Endorsements: | Steel City Stonewall Democrats, AFL-CIO | RCAC | None listed |
This article appears in Election Guide Oct. 8-14, 2025.
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