Bensalem Democrats Accomplish Sweep Not Seen In Decades

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — For the first time in decades, Democrats swept seats up for grabs in Tuesday's general election for council and the school board.

Democrats took three council seats to claim a 3-2 majority on the board when it reorganizes in January, and four seats on the school board to end the GOP party's 5-4 majority there.

Ed Tokmajian, Jesse Sloane, and Joseph Wenzel Jr. won council seats. Meanwhile, four Democrats were elected to the school board: Kate Pascucci, Leann Hart, Rachel Fingles, and Rodger Allen.

Democratic Auditor candidate Zachary Winters also defeated Republican JP Patel in Tuesday's general election.

All results are unofficial until they are certified at a later date.

Bensalem voters elected their first Democratic School Board majority since the early 1980s, and the first Democratic Council majority in history (Dems held a majority on the former Board of Supervisors in the 1970s).

"Today marks the end of decades of one party, and one individual’s complete control over every facet of our township and school district," said Bryan Allen, chairman of the Bensalem Democratic Organization, regarding GOP Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo's over three-decade leadership. (DiGirolamo was elected once again as mayor on Tuesday.

"Bensalem voters sent a clear message that they are tired of sprawling over-development, politics over education, special interests over residents, and a diminished quality of life here in our community. Our newly elected officials will put our community first, be forward thinking, and be accountable to the taxpayers of Bensalem," Allen said.

Sloane and Tokmajian previously served one term on the Township Council as minority members. They are now joined by Union carpenter Wenzel Jr.

“Jesse and I were very productive during our first term on Council,” Tokmajian said. “We worked to
preserve 25 acres of open space, supported sensible development projects while pushing back on ones that did not benefit residents. We strived to make sure that residents’ tax dollars were put to good use by supporting our first responders and ensuring those services were well-funded. Now that we will have the majority, we can do so much more.”

"The experience Ed and I have working to improve township services, prioritizing the safety and security of our community, combined with Joe Wenzel's energy and work ethic, will be that spark that drives Bensalem forward,” added Sloane. “We’re all raising families here, which is why we are deeply invested in ensuring the brightest possible future for Bensalem."

Speaking on behalf of the Democratic School Board slate, newly elected School Director Leann Hart stated: “We are truly humbled that the community has placed their trust in us. We will never take that trust for granted, and are excited to get to work for the students, educators, and taxpayers of our Bensalem Community.”

Hart, Pascucci, Fingles, and Allen will be joining current board members, Stephanie Ferrandez, Karen Winters, Rebecca Mirra, and Deborah King to form an 8-1 Democratic Majority in December.