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GRAVE VICTORY: Deceased Democratic lawmaker gets reelected with 82% of the vote

GRAVE VICTORY: Deceased Democratic lawmaker gets reelected with 82% of the vote

GRAVE VICTORY: Deceased Democratic lawmaker gets reelected with 82% of the vote

In a shocking election day twist, a Pennsylvania Democrat was re-elected with 86% of the vote – despite being dead for nearly a month. The American people have listened to baseless claims that dead people voted in the 2020 election for two years, but this is one of the few times I’ve heard of a dead man getting elected.

85-year-old Tom DeLuca was diagnosed with lymphoma, succumbing to the disease on October 9th. After serving Pennsylvania’s 32nd district for almost 40 years – the veteran lawmaker passed away before his name could be removed from the ballot.

However, that didn’t stop loyal voters in the Pittsburgh suburb DeLuca represented from casting their ballot in his favor – with 98% of the vote counted, nearly 90% of ballots cast went to the deceased state lawmaker.

According to The Washington Times:

“Election officials said it was too late for him to be taken off the ballot for the race in his Allegheny County district, so he ‘ran’ against Green Party candidate Zarah Livingston and won handily with 82% of the vote, according to WPXI, a Pittsburgh TV station.”

After 39 years in the House, DeLuca was its longest-serving active member, having sponsored more legislation than anyone else in the House. DeLuca, who served as the Democratic chair of the House Insurance Committee for 20 years, was hailed by colleagues for being a consumer advocate on insurance issues, an ardent supporter of labor unions, and a strong voice on mental health issues, according to Pittsburgh’s NPR affiliate, WESA.

Following  DeLuca’s passing, Pennsylvania House Democrats released a statement saying:

“DeLuca believed serving as a state representative was a full-time commitment both in the Capitol and in the district and did not have outside employment. While others his age retired and enjoyed their golden years, DeLuca remained deeply committed to his legislative responsibilities – serving his constituents, particularly seniors and families, and being a staunch supporter and defender of labor unions and firefighters. Until just a few days before his death, he remotely participated in House floor sessions and voted on legislation.”

The lifelong Democrat and son of Italian immigrants co-sponsored over 100 bills in the 2021-2022 session alone. DeLuca was a vocal advocate for cancer awareness and early detection after his wife of 66 years, Connie DeLuca, was diagnosed with breast cancer. DeLuca himself battled lymphoma twice before succumbing after a brief battle this year.

“While we’re incredibly saddened by the loss of Representative Tony DeLuca, we are proud to see the voters continue to show their confidence in him and his commitment to Democratic values by reelecting him posthumously,” the Pennsylvania Democratic Party said.

Follow Ty Ross on Twitter @cooltxchick

Ty Ross
News journalist for Occupy Democrats.

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