Former Allentown School Board Director Mike Welsh is widening the Republican field in the race for Lehigh County executive.
Welsh, an insurance agent who owns AC Thompson Insurance in Allentown, is a past board president of the Liberty Bell Shrine Museum and the Allentown Flag Day Association.
Welsh’s Monday campaign announcement highlighted his community involvement and small business experience.
“I know how to fight on behalf of residents and taxpayers. When I served as one of the few conservatives on the Allentown School Board, I fought against tax increases and wasteful spending while also working with both sides to get things done for students,” the news release stated. “And as a small business owner, I know the challenges that taxpayers and working families are facing in our county.”
Welsh also expressed support for local law enforcement and called for “ending our status as a sanctuary county.”
Lehigh County officials have said “sanctuary county” is an inaccurate representation of their immigration-related policies.
Welsh lives in Allentown with his wife, Nancy; the two are 1985 graduates of DeSales University and have three children. Welsh is also a member of the St. Catharine of Siena Cathedral Choir.
Former Republican state Rep. Justin Simmons also is running for Lehigh County executive, as is Democratic state Rep. Josh Siegel.
