Conversations with Candidates: Andre Horton

Campaigning is hard. Campaigning during a global pandemic is something else. All of the doors that volunteers and supporters promised to knock for candidates are now closed for the foreseeable future. The strategy that people spent months – and in some cases years – developing is now moot. 

This year Pennsylvanians will not only vote for their choice for President of the United States, but they'll also cast ballots for the offices of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the Pennsylvania Treasurer, the Pennsylvania Auditor General, and here in Erie County, they'll vote for a congressional representative, a State Senator and State Representatives as well. 

As campaigns try to figure out what their digital strategies are going to be, we wanted to help inform voters about the candidates who will be on the ballot this spring and, in some cases, to help you learn more about the offices they seek.

Pennsylvania's primary election has been postponed until June 2, 2020. But between now and then, Pennsylvanians have the option to vote by mail for the first time. The process is easy and it's an option we hope you'll consider. First, apply for a mail-in ballot at VotesPA.com. Once you've submitted the application, you'll receive a paper ballot in the mail. Fill it out and drop it back in the mail. You can vote early and safely. The Erie County Board of Elections has even agreed to pay for the postage. 

By participating in the 2020 elections with a mail-in ballot you'll ease congestion at the polls, and you'll be doing your part to help poll workers stay healthy too. It's too easy not to do the right thing. 

So for as long as we're confined to our homes and our screens, we'll try our best to bring our conversations with candidates to you.

Andre Horton is a familiar name in Erie. Like his challenger in the Democratic primary for the 49th district senate seat, Julie Slomski, Horton is a native of Erie. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and a 30-year member of the laborers union. In 2013, Horton was elected to Erie County Council and is now in his second term and serving his second term as president of County Council. In our discussion, he talks about his service, his experience, and why he thinks now is the right time to seek higher office.  

Learn more about Andre Horton and his campaign for the Pennsylvania State Senate at ElectAndreHorton.com.

Jim Wertz is a contributing editor and chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party. He can be reached at jWertz@ErieReader.com and you can follow him on Twitter @jim_wertz.