13-05-2025
Chambersburg borough has one contested race in the 2025 primary
All Chambersburg Borough Council incumbents whose terms end this year are running opposed for re-election, but only one race will be on the ballot in Tuesday's primary election.
Incumbent Tom Newcomer will face real estate agent Austin Rosenbaum in the Republican primary on May 20.
Rosenbaum would take steps to cut spending, address inefficiencies, increase transparency and address rising crime in the borough, according to his campaign website. In particular, he said he opposed the borough's $4.5 million purchase of the Southgate Shopping Center and wants to develop a plan to sell it while still ensuring the property supports growth and revitalization in the downtown.
Those who follow local government may recognize Rosenbaum's name, as he has presented information on real estate projects and shared his views during public comment time. He is also involved as a board member of the borough's planning and zoning and shade tree commissions, as well as the Chambersburg Area Education Foundation and Franklin County Planning Commission.
As a previous second ward councilperson and mayor, Newcomer is not a newcomer to borough government. He is seeking a second consecutive term this time around.
The winner of the Republican nomination in Chambersburg's second ward will go on to challenge Democrat Shannon M. Jackson in November.
CASD school board primary: Meet the candidates for Chambersburg school board, Region 4: Amy Weibley and Gary Piper
CASD school board election: Meet the Chambersburg school board, Region 1 candidates: Faye Gaugler and John Patterson
Other Chambersburg borough candidates on primary ballots are (all Republicans listed are incumbents):
Ward 1: Republican Allen Coffman and Democrat David R. Wilson
Ward 3:: Republican Dom Brown and Democrat Curtis N. Shoup
Ward 4: Republican Stacy Short and Democrat Lucinda Butler, and Republican appointee Jamie Boden is the lone candidate for a two-year term.
Ward 5: Republican Weston Waytow and Democrat Amdrew Kilbride.
Also unopposed in the Republican primary, Mayor Kenneth Hock is running for re-election to a second term. Pending any successful write-in candidates, he will face the sole Democratic candidate, former second ward councilperson John "Sean" A. Scott III.
On Election Day on May 20, polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by the Voter Registration Office at the Franklin County Administration Building (272 N. Second St., Chambersburg) by 8 p.m. May 20.
Amber South can be reached at asouth@
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Chambersburg primary election: Boro's only race is in the second ward
