Pennsylvania’s incoming Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, will nominate a Philadelphia Republican Donald J. was resisted by those who stood firm against him. Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results to serve as the state’s chief election official, Mr. Shapiro said Thursday.
Shapiro is the man who will be sworn in to office Jan. 17. for secretary of the commonwealth represents both an olive branch to moderate Republicans and a public affirmation of belief in the state’s election systems. Al Schmidt, Mr. Shapiro’s pick for This is the former Philadelphia City Commissioner and political leader.
“Al Schmidt has a proven track record of defending our democracy, protecting voting rights and standing up to extremism — even in the face of grave threats,” His office released a statement by Mr. Shapiro. “I know he is ready to continue the hard work of preserving and strengthening our democracy.”
Schmidt, 51, was the holder of the office for over a decade. Republican-designated seat on Philadelphia’s three-member city commission, which oversees municipal elections. He was also the executive director for Philadelphia G.O.P. As a senior advisor to The Philadelphia G.O.P. Republican Party of Pennsylvania.
Until Mr. Schmidt arrived, however, Mr. Schmidt was still relatively unknown in Philadelphia. TrumpFollowing the 2020 election was over, Schmidt came under public pressure from his peers to end counting absentee ballots. Schmidt stated to the Senate in 2021 that Mr. Trump’s comments had led to death threats that he said were intended to “intimidate and coerce us into not counting every valid vote.”
“After the president tweeted about me, my wife and I received threats that named our children, included my home address and images of my home, and threated to put their ‘heads on spikes,’” Schmidt, Mr. “What was once a fairly obscure administrative job is now one where lunatics are threatening to murder your children.”
In the summer of 2011, Schmidt was present before the House panel that investigated the attack on Jan. 6 at the Capitol. revealed written threats Members of the family received Mr. Trump’s supporters, including one that read “Heads on spikes. Treasonous Schmidts.”
Mr. Schmidt said in the statement released by Mr. Shapiro’s office that he would work to ensure that elections “remain free and fair here in Pennsylvania, and that we do more to ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard.”
He will be nominated by the Senate. RepublicanThe first Cabinet appointment by Shapiro since his defeat of Doug Mastriano in November is the State Senate-controlled. Republican An important election denier. Retired Army Colonel, Mr. Mastriano chartered bus routes to Washington for January 6, 2021 was the rally that culminated in the attack on Capitol Hill; he ran on a platform to restrict ballot access. Pennsylvania.
Last month Mr. Shapiro stated that he hopes Republicans will be in the next election. Pennsylvania legislature would agree to change the state’s law that forbids the processing of absentee ballots and early votes before Election Day. Day. TrumpMr. Schmidt is the target of a series of threats.
He described it as “the role”. for Schmidt was eventually elected.
“I’m going to appoint a pro-democracy secretary of state,” In the interview, he stated. “We will respect the will of the people, certify the winners, whether we agree with the pick or not. That’s going to be my charge to my secretary of state.”
