Several Democrats declare candidacies against GOP incumbent state lawmakers – Bucks Round-Up – February 10, 2026
Several Democrats declare candidacies against GOP incumbent state lawmakers
Several Democrats have come forward to challenge Republican members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Bucks County delegation who are seeking reelection in November. State Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-Bucks and Lehigh) will face whoever emerges from the already bitter Democratic nomination battle between Pennrige School District Director Bradley Merkl-Gump, Richlandtown Mayor Wayne Codner, and Juan Vargas. An even more competitive contest promises to take shape in Lower Bucks where Clerk of Courts Eileen Hartnett Albillar (D) gears up to take on Republican Senator Frank Farry. Several Democrats have also announced their candidacies for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives: Dublin Borough Council President Tim Hayes hopes to challenge Representative Shelby Labs (R-Plumsteadville), science teacher Monica Weninger has declared her intention to run against Representative Kristin Marcell (R-Richboro), and former Bensalem Township Councilman Bryan Allen (D) has announced his campaign to challenge Representative K.C. Tomlinson (R-Bensalem).
Wrightstown supervisors greenlight St. Mark’s expansion
The Wrightstown Township Board of Supervisors greenlit St. Mark’s Orthodox Church’s expansion plans at the board’s meeting last week. The church has long eyed the building enlargement in response to gaining significantly more parishioners. St. Mark’s is pursuing a worship space expansion from 1,825 square feet to nearly 4,000 square feet, including a vestibule and a narthex. The church also envisionsa 5,400-square-foot encompassing a parish hall, clergy and staff offices, restrooms, a kitchen and meeting space. Township officials reassured the public that only the church would use the meeting room and that the parish would not rent it out for events.
Bucks County residents receive snow-related scam calls
While the storm that hit Bucks County and the region is in the rearview mirror, scammers are now attempting to use the pesky snow and ice barrage from the final weekend of January to convince drivers they were involved in an auto accident. Mike Bannon, Director of the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection, cited the obvious red flags. “In one case, a driver reported getting the call, but the caller or scammer in this case, never mentioned the driver’s license plate number, home address or even their name, which is clearly a way they are trying to get people to call them back, where they will attempt to further trick you and try to get personal information, whether it’s Social Security, banking or credit card numbers,” he said. Bannon added, it’s obvious that most people know when they are involved in an auto accident, but the snow has people second guessing themselves and then calling the number which he says is a big mistake. Bannon also recommends to consumers who receive the scam calls to the report the phone numbers to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Newtown Township at odds with law firm over signage request
The Newtown Township supervisors voted unanimously to oppose a zoning variance request from the law firm Stark & Stark, signaling a tougher stance on enforcement of local signage regulations. The firm had sought permission to install a sign at 2 Caulfield Place that exceeds township limits for both size and height. While the planning commission recommended the board take no position, supervisors pushed back, citing concerns about precedent and fairness to other businesses. Several officials and residents argued the proposed sign functioned more as advertising than simple identification. After a contentious discussion, the board directed the township solicitor to formally oppose the request before the zoning hearing board, reinforcing its commitment to existing standards.
Man arrested for allegedly assaulting pregnant woman
Warrington Township Police have arrested a local man following an alleged assault on a pregnant woman. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance on Pileggi Road on February 6 and found a woman who reported being pushed and shoved during an argument with 37-year-old Silas Antonia Salazar-Cordero. Police also investigated a prior incident in late January in which the victim said she was struck in the face. Officers observed visible injuries, including bruising and swelling. Salazar-Cordero was arraigned and held on $100,000 bail at the Bucks County Correctional Facility. All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
