Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein announces run for county executive

One of Pittsburgh’s most veteran public officials announced his candidacy Thursday for Allegheny County executive, joining a large field in the Democratic primary for the region’s top elected official.

Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein spoke in front of a crowd of around 1,000 supporters at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. It was a fundraising event that acted as a social gathering and a rally; it started with a video with a cameo from former KDKA anchor Stacy Smith, a personal friend of Weinstein’s, and ended with dozens of red, white, and blue balloons dropped from the rafters.

Weinstein, a Democrat from Kennedy Township, said his campaign was about bringing together organized labor like the Steamfitters labor union, nonprofits like Animal Friends, and the local business community.

He focused a large section of his speech on public safety and said Downtown Pittsburgh has many problems with crime, homelessness and drug use. He said that workers don’t feel safe going Downtown.

“It is no secret we are facing so many challenges in this region,” said Weinstein, citing rising violent crime rates. “We used to be the most livable city in the United States.”

Weinstein was first elected to the treasurer position in 1999 and has held the position since.

At Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein’s kick-off fundraiser for an (apparent) county executive run. There are easily a thousand people here counting people waiting to get in. Suggested donation was $1000 pic.twitter.com/e40lepLO0X

— Ryan Deto (@RyanDeto) January 12, 2023

He touted his experience as treasurer and his fiscal record, as well as his strong ties to organized labor. Weinstein announced at the event that he has been endorsed by Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council.

“Elected officials are supposed to be fiscally responsible,” said Weinstein. “We haven’t lost one dime of taxpayer income.”

Incumbent Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald is term-limited and will leave office at the end of this year.

Weinstein said that he will not seek re-election as county treasurer, and he’s putting his full focus toward the county executive race.

Weinstein becomes the sixth candidate to enter the crowded race, and he enters already with significant campaign dollars. Weinstein has $128,000 cash on hand, according to 2021 campaign finance reports, the most recent reports available on the county’s website.

That number is certain to rise as about 1,000 attended Weinstein’s fundraiser, which had a suggested donation of $1,000. Weinstein is also known for his fundraising ability for races across the county.

Progressives have aligned early behind the candidacy of state Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Lawrenceville. And Pittsburgh Controller Michael Lamb has a considerable level of political experience, support, and ties to the local Democratic groups.

Innamorato, Lamb, and Weinstein are the early front runners for the county executive race.

The remaining candidates include Allegheny County Councilwoman Liv Bennett from the North Side, trial lawyer and former Allegheny County Councilman Dave Fawcett of Oakmont, and former Congressional candidate Erin McClelland of Harrison.

Supporters in Weinstein’s audience mostly included longtime elected officials and members of the region’s Democratic establishment. Among them were Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, state Sens. Jim Brewster and Wayne Fontana, state Reps. Dan Deasy and Anita Kulik, and Pittsburgh City Council President Theresa Kail-Smith.

Former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, a Pittsburgh native who recently moved back to Pittsburgh after a political career based in Central Pennsylvania, was also in attendance.

Weintein said he has built long and loyal relationships with many leaders in the area and that he believes he is the most qualified person to run the county.

“We need passionate and compassionate leadership,” he said. “I understand county government better than anyone.”

The primary is scheduled for May 16.