La'Tasha Mayes poised to win Democratic nomination in 24th State House District

Reproductive rights activist La’Tasha Mayes is poised to secure the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s 24th State House District.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Mayes had collected 46.7% of the votes counted compared with recently elected state Rep. Martell Covington’s 37.8% and fair housing activist Randall Taylor’s 15.5%, according to unofficial tallies.

Covington, a former legislative aide to state Sen. Jay Costa, had won a special election last month to finish out the state House term of newly elected Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. Mayes and Taylor also sought the Democratic nomination in the special election race, finishing second and third behind Covington.

“In a political season that was full of twists and turns, the voters decided that they would entrust the duty of the office of state representative … to me — the daughter of a single mother, veteran and union member,” Mayes said. “I’m a fearless fighter for all things justice and an out-and-proud Black woman — the first to ever hold this position.”

Mayes, of Morningside, has identified reducing gun violence as her main priority, highlighting violence against members of the LGBTQIA+ community and domestic violence. Mayes said she would work to ensure women still have access to abortion and other health care services if Roe v. Wade is overturned.

Covington’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

There were no Republicans on the ballot on Tuesday.