Here's Who's Running For Mayor Of Newtown In 2021

NEWTOWN, PA — With Newtown Mayor Charles Swartz announcing he will not seek re-election in 2021, several candidates have stepped forward to

Swartz, a Republican who was elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2017, is hoping to pass the torch to John Burke, a borough constable and a former borough councilman.

"Now is the time to pass the leadership to John Burke," Swartz said in a Facebook post announcing he will not seek re-election. "John has served on Borough council and as a volunteer to many committees and organizations. John has the experience to guide council and work with residents to move Newtown into the post COVID-19 era. I encourage residents to support John as the candidate for Newtown Borough Mayor. Thank you for your support."

Burke, 52, lives in Newtown with his wife, Marybeth. Their daughters went to Council Rock schools before heading off to college. A manager of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Burke said his experience in the private sector will help shape his policies when in office.

"My goal as Mayor is simple: bring common sense to our local government and achieve positive results on everyday issues ranging from improving our roads to providing for our police, firefighters and emergency responders, to ensuring our small businesses are able to survive and thrive," he said.

Burke also serves as a youth sports coach for St. Andrews Cross Country and Track & Field teams and has been a supporter of the Shop With A Cop event in Newtown and the Lone Survivor Foundation.

If Burke wins the Republican nomination in the May primary election, he will still have to face a Democratic challenger. So far, only one has stepped forward.

A 27-year resident of Newtown, Rebecca Bancroft is looking to make history as the first female mayor of the borough.

A small business owner, Bancroft has volunteered with Council Rock schools and various borough projects. She is running as a Democrat.

"I grew up watching both of my parents run small businesses while raising a young family," Bancroft said. "My father owned a deli-grocery in Sea Isle City in the seventies while my mother opened and later sold a real estate company...During my time in business management, I enjoyed my work with start-up companies the most. It's exhilarating to watch a new endeavor take off."

The next primary election is on May 18, followed by the municipal election on Nov. 2.

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