Black Women Command the Ballot in Pennsylvania’s May 20 Primary

In a commanding show of civic leadership, Black women across Pittsburgh made history in Pennsylvania’s May 20, 2025 Primary Election. From judicial seats to school board leadership, their victories weren’t just wins for individual candidates—they were a powerful response to calls for equity, inclusion, and stronger representation.

Among those advancing to the general election is Judge Quita Bridges, who earned the Democratic nomination for the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Her legal acumen and community-first approach resonated with voters seeking fairness and reform within the judicial system.

Pittsburgh School Board candidate Erikka Grayson secured the nomination in District 3, running on a platform rooted in equity, academic access, and culturally responsive curricula. In District 1, Tawana Cook Purnell also clinched the nomination, bringing decades of educational leadership and community advocacy to the ballot. Meanwhile, Tracey Reed retained her nomination in District 5, continuing her legacy of service and policy-driven progress on the board.

Advertisement

These victories speak to a larger movement that prioritizes not just political participation but purposeful leadership that centers families, education, and justice. Black women in Pittsburgh have long shaped the soul of the city, but now they are also shaping its future—seat by seat, ballot by ballot.

As the November general election approaches, voters across Allegheny County are watching closely. The success of these candidates is not just symbolic—it is substantive, and it signals that Pennsylvania’s political fabric is evolving to better reflect the people it serves.