West Newton mayor grabs Dem nod in 58th District race

West Newton Mayor Mary Popovich defeated Monessen businessman Charles Mrlack Jr. to win the Democratic primary to replace retiring state Rep. Ted Harhai in the 58th District.

With 65 of 66 precincts reporting, Popovich received 67 percent of the vote. Mrlack took 21 percent.

The results are unofficial until certified by the Westmoreland County Elections Bureau.

James Manderino II of Monessen was on the ballot but withdrew from the race earlier this month. He received 11 percent of the vote.

“I'm so honored that the people believe in me to represent the district. I'm so excited I'll have an opportunity to be another female voice in Harrisburg,” Popovich said. “People are excited for change.”

With her landslide victory, Popovich likely will face Republican Justin Walsh in the November election. Walsh, a businessman from Rostraver, had no opposition in the Republican primary.

Popovich, 62, has served as West Newton's mayor since 2009 and previously sat on borough council for three years. She teaches online safety courses for California University of Pennsylvania.

Her campaign focused on improving education, increasing the minimum wage and supporting the rights of union workers.

Popovich said she wants to raise funds by taxing large, corporate nonprofits — such as hospitals — to channel more money to school districts.

The district includes Monessen, Rostraver, West Newton, East Huntingdon, Sewickley Township, South Huntingdon, Mt. Pleasant, Jeannette and part of Hempfield.

Harhai has represented the district for two decades. He will retire at year's end and not seek an 11th term.

He narrowly won his 10th term in office two years when he defeated Republican Hempfield Supervisor Tom Logan by less than 400 votes.

Rich Cholodofsky is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-830-6293 or rcholodofsky@tribweb.com.