22-05-2025
King wins Democratic nod for Johnstown mayor, will face GOP's DeBartola in fall
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Deputy Mayor the Rev. Sylvia King and self-described community watchdog John DeBartola are now set to face off in the general election to become the City of Johnstown's next mayor.
DeBartola ran unopposed in the Republican primary Tuesday.
King defeated fellow Councilwoman Laura Huchel for the Democratic nomination. She got 630 votes, or approximately 59% of those cast, compared to 418 for Huchel, according to unofficial results posted by the Cambria County Election Office.
2025 Primary Election | Johnstown
Republican Mayoral candidate John DeBartola talks with Melanie Shiley, Judge of Elections at Seventeenth Ward No. 3 polling place, at Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren on Bedford Street in Johnstown on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
'I'm honored,' King said. 'I'm grateful. My stomach is in knots, but of course I'm very happy. I'm very happy because I feel privileged and I thank God for this awesome opportunity that has been afforded to me. I know that I still have to go on to win in November. I'm praying, of course, for success there, but this was the first hurdle that I needed to overcome.'
King, a Kernville resident, is involved in multiple nonprofit organizations, along with being a community development officer at AmeriServ Financial Bank and pastor at Christ Centered Community Church.
'These things have prepared me to be able to be in this position of servant leadership,' King said.
DeBartola garnered 501 votes, with 71 going to write-ins.
He is a social worker, Keystone Alliance/Gaylife Newsletter president and leader in the Revitalize Johnstown online community who frequently runs for elected office, challenges government officials at public meetings and publishes information gained through Right-to-Know requests.
PHOTO GALLERY | 2025 Primary Election | Johnstown
DeBartola has recently been objecting to council's plan to use American Rescue Plan Act money to remake Central Park.
'It's a shame that for 2 years people have voiced concerns of spending $8 million on Central Park when our area has so many other more important issues,' DeBartola said in a written statement.
'Now city council claims they were misguided by the former city manager. Council needs to listen to the public. Johnstown can only rise again when the people elect community leaders that are incorruptible and honest and transparent in their actions involving the operations of our city.'
DeBartola has an ongoing lawsuit against the city, alleging his rights were violated when he was not given the legally allotted time to speak during courtesy of the floor at a Johnstown Planning Commission meeting.
He is suing all council members, including King, for $1 million apiece.
