Tiburcio Wins 22nd District, Becoming First Latino State Lawmaker from Lehigh Valley

Democrat Ana Tiburcio secures 67% of the vote in special election to fill vacant state House seat.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Democrat Ana Tiburcio won a special election on Tuesday to fill the vacant 22nd District state House seat, becoming the first Latino state lawmaker from the Lehigh Valley. Tiburcio, a last-minute party pick, secured 67% of the vote, defeating her Republican challenger Robert E. Smith Jr. The 22nd District includes parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township.

Why it matters

Tiburcio's victory marks a historic milestone for the Lehigh Valley, which has never before elected a Latino state representative. The 22nd District was redrawn in 2022 to give Latino residents a better chance of electing a candidate of their choice, and Tiburcio's win reflects the growing political influence of the region's Latino community.

The details

Tiburcio, who currently serves on the Allentown School Board, will fill the seat left vacant when incumbent Democrat Josh Siegel resigned to become Lehigh County executive. The race was marked by low voter turnout, with just 7% of registered voters casting ballots. Going into the race, Democrats held a significant voter registration advantage in the district.

  • The special election was held on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Tiburcio will serve until November 30, 2026.

The players

Ana Tiburcio

A Democrat and current member of the Allentown School Board, Tiburcio won the special election to fill the vacant 22nd District state House seat, becoming the first Latino state lawmaker from the Lehigh Valley.

Robert E. Smith Jr.

Tiburcio's Republican challenger in the special election, Smith is a former member of the Allentown School Board.

Josh Siegel

The incumbent Democrat who resigned from the 22nd District state House seat to become Lehigh County executive.

Ce-Ce Gerlach

An Allentown City Council member who complained about the Lehigh County Democratic Committee's selection process for the 22nd District race.

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What they’re saying

“I'm here to fight for our families and to be the voice.”

— Ana Tiburcio (Armchair Lehigh Valley)

What’s next

Tiburcio and Smith both said they plan to run in the primary for the 2027-28 term of the 22nd District seat, which will be decided in the May 19 primary and November 5 general election.

The takeaway

Tiburcio's historic victory in the 22nd District special election highlights the growing political influence of the Lehigh Valley's Latino community and the potential for increased Latino representation in the state legislature.