Aerion Abney leads by wide margin in 19th State House District race

Newly elected state Rep. Aerion Abney led by a wide margin Tuesday over the Rev. Glenn Grayson in a Democratic primary race in the 19th State House District.

Abney, 33, of Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood, defeated Grayson, 62, of the Hill District, in an April special election race to complete former state Rep. Jake Wheatley’s term in Harrisburg. Wheatley resigned to become chief of staff for Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey.

Shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday, Abney had collected 64.3% of the votes counted compared with Grayson’s 35.7% in the Democratic primary race to run for a full term representing the district starting in January, according to unofficial results.

No Republicans sought their party’s nomination to run for the seat in November.

“We are excited about what the preliminary results are showing us,” Abney said. “I want to express my gratitude, thank (voters) for believing in me, my vision and what we’re trying to bring to the district. It shows they put their faith in what we’re trying to bring to our community. I am forever, eternally grateful for their votes.”

Grayson declined to comment on the early election returns.

The pair had tied in a Democratic committee vote to determine which of them would be the Democratic nominee in the special election race in April. After randomly drawing names, Abney beat out Grayson. Abney’s name appeared on the ballot in the April special election, which he won to replace Wheatley.