PRIMARY ELECTION 2025

Everything you need to know about the Central Bucks area May 20 Primary Election

The Central Bucks School District race is a heated one this primary election

Elections (Credit: MediaNews Group)

  • Government

The Primary Election is upon us.

May 20 marks the day where residents will go to the polls to make their voices heard.

There are many different officials up for re-election or first-time residents on the ballot hoping to make a difference in their communities.

Democrats and Republicans alike will head out to various polling locations to make their selections, all of which can be found below.

There are many resources available if you are unsure of where your polling place is, how late the polling places stay open, who can actually vote, etc.

To find out if you are a registered voter, click here.

To locate your district, click here.

Your election ballot status can be found here.

To find your polling place, simply enter your address in this form.

For absentee ballot information, click here.

For mail-in ballot information, click here.

CENTRAL BUCKS SCHOOL DISTRICT

The 2025 Central Bucks School District primary election is shaping up to be a highly competitive and consequential event, with significant implications for the district's governance and educational policies.

There are four open positions on the nine-member school board. The voting area is separated into various regions.

On May 20, in Region 2, there is one four-year term. Region 3 has three positions – two four-year terms and one two-year term.

In Region 2, which covers parts of Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, and Warwick Township, Amanda O’Connor is seeking the four-year term, and is affiliated with Neighbors United, a pro-public education PAC.

Region 3, which includes Chalfont Borough, New Britain Township and Warrington Township, has the following candidates:

  • Daniel Kimicata: Incumbent appointed in 2021; running for re-election
  • Elizabeth “Betty” Santoro: Newcomer, cross-filing for both Democratic and Republican ballots
  • Katrina O. Filiatrault: Newcomer, cross-filing for both Democratic and Republican ballots
  • Roman Szewczuk: Newcomer, cross-filing for both Democratic and Republican ballots
  • Brenda Bagonis: Running for the two-year term; cross-filing for both Democratic and Republican ballots
  • David Comalli: Running for the two-year term; cross-filing for both Democratic and Republican ballots

This election cycle has seen unprecedented spending for a school board race in Pennsylvania. As of October 2023, campaign spending exceeded $600,000, with significant contributions from both sides, according to The Inquirer.

  • Republican-aligned PACs:
    • Bucks Families for Leadership: Received substantial funding from venture capitalist Paul Martino, who donated over $200,000
    • Stop Bucks Extremism: A PAC that mailed literature to district homes, depicting explicit images from books the district pulled from library shelves earlier this year  
  • Democratic-aligned PACs:


This influx of funding has intensified the political landscape, with both sides mobilizing volunteers and resources to sway voter opinion.

 

KIMICATA

What qualifications or experiences do you have that would lend well to the role?
Why do you want this position?

I am a current school board director. I was appointed to fill a vacant seat in September 2024. I initially applied for the vacancy because our district is embarking on several large capital projects, including a major grade realignment plan and substantial upgrades to multiple elementary schools.

As I am an architect, I felt my professional experience with construction and planning could be a valuable perspective for the board regarding these initiatives. I’m also running as a parent of three young children. I want to ensure that Central Bucks stays focused on education and not on distractions driven by culture war issues. I want to focus on providing the best learning environment for our students.

The learning environment consists not only of the instruction provided by our teachers, but also the built environment our students inhabit for hours every school day. In my opinion, both are equally important.

What are the major focal points of your campaign?

I have 5 main areas I want to focus on as a school board director:

1. Improving School Infrastructure: Invest in renovations that improve safety, accessibility, sustainability, and student health. Ensure new construction is designed with longevity in mind.

2. Boosting Academic Achievement: Allocate targeted resources to improve student performance and help students exceed pre-Covid academic levels.

3. Attracting and Retaining Top Teachers and Staff: Academic excellence begins with exceptional talent. I will advocate for competitive salaries for teachers and support staff. I believe it’s essential for the district to remain competitive with surrounding areas and ensure teachers feel supported and trusted in their roles.

4. Expanding Career Pathways: Invest in vocational training, technical education, apprenticeship programs to provide students with real career paths besides four-year degrees.

5. Ending “Splitting” in Feeder Patterns: Our current feeder system separates students from their friends as they move between schools. I believe we can do better. After realignment opens up space in our elementary schools, I want the district to look at our feeder patterns and develop options for ending splitting.

What do you hope to accomplish in the role?

I’m running for school board to bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to the challenges facing Central Bucks. As a parent and architect, I’m deeply invested in creating safe, well-designed schools that support learning and reflect the needs of our community. I believe in making data-informed decisions, listening to diverse perspectives, and ensuring every dollar we spend delivers value for students and taxpayers. My goal is to help the district focus on what matters most: strong academics, inclusive environments, and responsible governance.

All other candidates did not return questionnaires by press time.

 

PENNRIDGE SCHOOL BOARD

In the Pennridge School District, eight candidates are vying for four open spots on the school board.

The Pennridge Democrats have endorsed newcomers Carly Taylor, Thomas Trauger, Dan Bebernitz and Nathaniel Leffever. Pennridge Republicans have endorsed former Republican board member Jonathan Russell as well as newcomers Michael Bongiovanni, Brian McMullen and Daniel Mainieri.

The Democratic-endorsed candidates and Mainieri cross-filed, while the remaining Republican-endorsed candidates are running on the Republican ballot.

Read about the candidates here.

 

PERKASIE BOROUGH COUNCIL

Twelve candidates are vying in the May 20 primary election for ballot spots for six seats on the Perkasie Borough Council in the November general election .

In Ward 1, Republican incumbent David Worthington, Republican Csaba Lorinczy and Democrat Lilli Benner are contending for two seats. In Ward 2, Democrat Jaclyn S. Cornelius, Democrat Heather Armideo and Republican Joel Nieto are contending for two seats. In Ward 3, incumbent Republicans Scott Bomboy and Randy Faulkner and Democrats Joseph Green and Collin Garr are contending for two seats. Also in Ward 3, Democrat Emma Hawkins and Republican Dale Schlegel Jr. are contending for a two-year term.

Read about the candidates here.


author

Tony Di Domizio

Tony Di Domizio is the Managing Editor of NorthPennNow, PerkValleyNow, and CentralBucksNow. Email him at [email protected]. He holds a degree in English/Professional Writing and Electronic Media. He went on to serve as a reporter and editor for various news organizations, including Lansdale Patch/AOL and The Reporter in Lansdale. A fourth-generation Lansdalian and descendant of southern Italian fervor, he has interviewed Jesse Spano, as well as the co-creator of The Joker (before his death. By the way, he LOVED Heath Ledger's performance), and is two degrees of separation from The King (of Rock).


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