By Sean Guay
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — A primary election surprise has reshaped the municipal election in Derry Township, with four candidates now vying for six-year terms on the Board of Supervisors, setting the stage for a showdown in the November general election for two open seats.
Supervisor Natalie Nutt and Supervisor Dominic Giovanniello won the Republican primary election each with more than 1150 votes. They were the only candidates whose names appeared on the May 20 ballot in Dauphin County.
The Democrats did not run candidates on the ballot for six-year terms. Instead, behind the scenes, the Derry Township Democrat Committee successfully coordinated a write-in campaign totaling 684 votes cast for former Supervisor Sandy Ballard, and 580 votes for candidate Rob Myers. They both secured enough votes to win the Democrat nomination and their names will appear on the general election ballot.
Two open seats for six-year supervisor in four-way race
The successful write-in election surprise has reshaped the campaign dynamic with four candidates now vying for two open six-year seats, featuring two Democrats and two Republicans. Although the Republican candidates are incumbent supervisors, Democrats voters turned out nearly 3:2 compared to Republicans in the May 20 election in Derry Township, setting the stage for a fierce showdown in the general election.
Republican Dominic Giovanniello was appointed to the Derry Township Board of Supervisors in September 2024. Supervisor Natalie Nutt is currently the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. She has served since 2020.
Democrat Sandy Ballard served on the Board of Supervisors from 2009 to 2015. Candidate Rob Myers ran several unsuccessful bids for elected office including a 2018 primary election loss to Jill Linta in Pennsylvania, and he lost a bid for Derry Township Board of Supervisors in the 2021 general election.
One Democrat, One Republican seek two-year term
Bruno Bellucci III won the Democrat primary election for a two-year term on the Derry Township Board of Supervisors with 1896 votes, and Andrew AJ Somma won the Republican nomination with 1281 votes. Both were uncontested on the primary ballots.
These candidates will face off in the November general election to fill a two-year seat.
GOP No-Show
With no candidates appearing on the Republican ballot for several seats in Derry Township, the Dauphin County GOP failed to organize campaigns for tax collector and auditor.
Louis Paioletti received 1595 votes to earn the Democrat nomination for Tax Collector. Rogette Harris received 1843 uncontested votes for Derry Township Auditor. Both will advance to the general election.
Upcoming filing deadlines:
• August 1 is the last day to circulate and file nomination papers.
• August 8 is the last day to file objections to nomination papers.
• October 20 is the last day to register to vote in the November election.
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Write in SEAN GUAY for auditor in Derry Township
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