An Allegheny County judge has booted an independent candidate for Pittsburgh City Council from the November ballot.

Quincy Swatson, who is attempting a run at the District 1 seat now held by Councilwoman Darlene Harris, said he will likely appeal the decision.

“We feel strongly about an appeal. We believe the basis of the challenge that was granted was shaky,” Swatson said Wednesday.

Swatson, of East Allegheny was one of four council candidates who had their nominating papers challenged. Senior Judge Joseph James denied challenges against the other three.

Swatson’s nominating papers were challenged by three North Side residents who alleged he failed to file a required statement of financial interest with the city clerk by Aug. 1. Swatson said he filed the statement before the deadline and it is available.

“The judge incorrectly ruled it invalid,” he said.

Swatson initially opposed Harris as a Democrat in the primary, but bowed out before the election “to create a united front” against Harris, he wrote in a Medium post. Harris, a Democrat, was defeated by Bobby Wilson of Spring Hill in the primary.

Wilson also faces challenges from Chris Rosselot, who is running as an independent, and Malcolm Jarrett, a member of the Socialist Workers Party. Both live in East Allegheny and will appear on November election ballots.

The district represents the city’s North Side neighborhoods.

The three other candidates whose papers were challenged are running in District 9, which represents East End neighborhoods including Homewood, Lincoln-Lemington and Larimer.

Barbara Daniels of Homewood, B. DeNeice Welch of East Hills and Randall Taylor of East Liberty are challenging Democrat Ricky Burgess, who is seeking re-election.

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