Voters in Berks County, Pennsylvania, are heading to the polls on Tuesday (May 20) for the 2025 primary elections, where they will decide on key positions including city council president and county judge. The winners will advance to the general election in November.
In Reading, the city council president race features three Democrats and one Republican. Current president Donna Reed faces challenges from fellow council members Vanessa Campos and Jaime Baez Jr. Republican Evelyn Morrison is running unopposed. The city council president plays a crucial role in adopting Reading's $118 million budget and managing city affairs. Reed, Campos, and Baez each bring unique experiences and priorities to the race. Baez, for instance, focuses on income stability, homelessness, and rising rent costs, aiming to engage directly with residents and connect them to vital services.
Meanwhile, the race for a new Berks County judge has three candidates vying to fill a vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey Sprecher. The candidates have cross-filed, appearing on both Democratic and Republican ballots. Judges serve 10-year terms and earn $227,411 annually. Candidate Lehman, with 14 years of legal experience, emphasizes fairness, integrity, and respect in her judicial philosophy. She advocates for expanding diversionary and treatment-focused programs to address root causes of criminal behavior.
The primary election is critical for shaping the future leadership in Berks County.