At a nominating convention Saturday, Allegheny County Republicans named Lori Mizgorski, a Shaler Township Commissioner, their new candidate for the 30th Legislative District. The seat is currently held by Rep. Hal English (R-Allegheny), who announced July 3 that he was not running for reelection. Mizgorski also works in English’s district office.

Mizgorski joins Mary Isaacson, chief of staff to Rep. Michael O'Brien (D-Philadelphia), as behind-the-scenes personnel who after post-primary retirements, are vying for their former bosses's jobs.

Following a sudden retirement two months after the primary, a state House seat in the north Pittsburgh suburbs is now, temporarily at least, without a Republican nominee.

Rep. Hal English (R-Allegheny), a veteran and attorney, announced July 3 that he was not running for reelection. He is the 28th General Assembly member, and the 22nd Republican, to announce his retirement this year.

A 20-year-old college student, a few mothers who want to shake things up, and a lot of people who brand themselves as “not a politician” are just a few of the hundreds of candidates competing next Tuesday just to earn their place on the November midterm ballot.

Below, The PLS Reporter breaks out a few races to watch on May 15.