The Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown Borough. (Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com)
The Bucks County Democratic Committee has officially endorsed its slate of candidates for county row offices.
The county’s Democratic committee has endorsed Joe Khan for district attorney, Danny Ceisler for sheriff, Neale Dougherty for controller, Robin Robinson for recorder of deeds, and Donna Petrecco for prothonotary.
Bucks County Democratic Committee Chair and State Sen. Steve Santarsiero expressed his support for the candidates in a statement.
“At a time when the very foundations of our democracy are being challenged, it’s more important now than ever that we elect people who are dedicated to upholding the rule of law and the rights of all Bucks Countians. I am proud to stand with this slate of candidates who will do just that,” Santarsiero said.
Khan, the nominee for district attorney, highlighted his background, which includes roles as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia, federal prosecutor, and county solicitor for Bucks County.
Bucks County Solicitor Joe Khan speaking in winter 2022. (Credit: County of Bucks)Khan, a dad who lives in Doylestown, served as the county government’s top lawyer starting in early 2020 after the new Democratic-majority on the Bucks County Commissioners took office. He resigned in April 2023 amid word he was considering running for state attorney general, a race he lost.
The Philadelphia-native ran for city district attorney 2017, but he lost in the Democratic primary to Larry Krasner. Khan came in second place.
Khan’s legal career began in Philadelphia, where he tackled cases involving rape, child abuse, and domestic violence. His efforts continued at the federal level, where he prosecuted corrupt politicians and companies, and as a civil litigator against opioid distributors. His tenure as Bucks County solicitor was marked by significant initiatives, including a lawsuit against social media giants like TikTok for targeting children, and the drafting of new laws to protect residents from fraud and human trafficking.
“I am humbled by this overwhelming support from the Democratic Party, and I am honored to accept this endorsement,” said Khan. “Bucks County needs a district attorney who has a proven track record of fighting crime, corruption and attacks on our rights. That’s what I’ve done for 25 years and that’s what I’ll do as our next district attorney.”
Khan currently serves as a partner at Curtin and Heefner and he co-chairs the firm’s appellate section that deals with voting and environmental rights.
Danny Ceisler (Credit: Submitted/LevittownNow.com)Ceisler, an attorney who is running for sheriff, has a background in public safety. The candidate served on the Special Operations Counter-Terrorism Task Force in Afghanistan, is a veteran of three crisis management teams at the Pentagon, and served as a senior public safety official in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration. Ceisler, who co-owns a brewery and pub, also volunteers with the Bristol Township’s Third District Fire Company. He is married and lives with his wife in Bristol Borough.
Neale Dougherty. (Credit: Submitted/LevittownNow.com)For controller, the Democrats have endorsed Dougherty, a former Bucks County controller and past New Hope-Solebury School Board president, who has a strong background in finance and real estate. He presently works as the Bucks County Planning Commission’s director of sustainability. He lives in Solebury Township with his wife and children.
Then-Recorder of Deeds Robin Robinson displaying one of the preserved deed books in 2019. (Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com)Robinson, a licensed realtor, is seeking election as recorder of deeds. She is known for her efforts in preserving historic county records and has also made a name for herself as a social media influencer as star of “It’s the Rosenthals” on Instagram and TikTok. She served as recorder of deeds from 2018 to 2022 and previously worked in county government. Robinson lives in Warwick Township with her two children and rescue cat, Baby Harriet.
Donna Petrecco (Credit: Submitted/LevittownNow.com)Petrecco, the candidate for prothonotary, was motivated to run for office after a close friend lost their niece in the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting. She has served as vice chair for the Bucks County Housing Authority, Pennsbury School Board member, board member of the Historic Preservation Committee of Falls Township, and deputy chair of membership of the Falls Township Democrats. Petrecco resides in Falls Township with her husband and two daughters.
The Democrats will be on the ballot for the May primary and face off against the Republican primary winners in the November general election.
