Allegheny County Democratic Committee chooses Barb Warwick as nominee in election for Pittsburgh City Council seat

The Allegheny County Democratic Committee on Thursday selected Barb Warwick as its nominee for a November special election to fill a vacant seat on Pittsburgh City Council.

Warwick, 45, of Pittsburgh’s Greenfield neighborhood, was chosen by committee members to be the party’s candidate for a special election on Nov. 8 to replace former Councilman Corey O’Connor in representing District 5.

O’Connor, who had served on City Council since 2012, stepped down in July to become Allegheny County Controller.

Warwick became involved in the community when she was fighting against the Mon-Oakland Connector. Mayor Ed Gainey in February scrapped the project’s shuttle program.

Her involvement in that issue spurred Warwick to become increasingly involved in her community and inspired her to run for office, she said.

“My top two things are public transportation and safe streets,” Warwick said.

She said she is also dedicated to increasing funding for city parks and bolstering after-school and summer school programs for the city’s youth.

Warwick said her campaign is “really about communities coming together and working and fighting for the things they need.”

Warwick was competing with Kristi Heidel, Jeffrey McCafferty and Rev. Michael Murray, Jr. for the democratic nomination. Former City Councilman Doug Shields had launched a campaign to regain his former seat, but pulled out of the race.

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“It’s very exciting to see all of that hard work pay off,” Warwick said after earning the party’s nomination.

She said she’s hoping for a “solid turnout” in the November special election, which coincides with the general election date.

City Council District 5 includes Squirrel Hill South, Regent Square, Swisshelm Park, Greenfield, Hazelwood, Glen Hazel, Hays, Lincoln Place and New Homestead.