Democrat Bill Petulla wins endorsement of police union in Pittsburgh’s North Hills

An Allegheny County police union has endorsed Democrat William Petulla’s candidacy for the state House of Representatives, a move that boosts Democrats’ hopes of capturing the Republican-friendly 28th District in the city’s northern suburbs.

On Monday, Petulla’s campaign team will announce the endorsement of FOP Local 91, which represents police in more than 100 suburbs outside Pittsburgh. Petulla, a top aide to Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr., said the group’s support speaks to his moderate credentials.

“It’s hugely meaningful to me that the police officers – and I’ve worked with many of them – saw fit to give me their support,” he told WESA. The support, he added, shows that “this is not a red versus blue situation.”

Petulla is running against Republican Jeremy Shaffer for a seat being vacated by Rob Mercuri, who is running for Congress. The district includes affluent suburban communities such as Marshall, Pine, Richland and West Deer townships, as well as parts of Hampton and Bradford Woods. It has long been a Republican stronghold: It was previously held by former Republican Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, and Democrats say it won’t be easy to take.

However, securing Petulla’s endorsement underscores Petulla’s message that he is not running a partisan campaign – which can be a smart move in a district long held by the other party.

“Bill Petulla has shown he can attract support from across the political spectrum,” his campaign said in a statement announcing the endorsement, noting that he had previously been endorsed by Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus, a Democrat, and a local Teamsters union whose members include some police officers.

Petulla said he has contacts with officers not only through his work in the prosecutor’s office, but also through his interest in working with them on a range of issues, including pushing for an increase in cost-of-living allowances for police retirees and developing tax breaks to encourage more people to pursue a career in policing.

“The police in Harrisburg want someone who will not just show up at a grand opening,” he said.

While unions in general typically support Democrats, police unions are often an exception: In fact, Lodge 91 already supported Shaffer when he ran for Congress against Chris Deluzio in 2022.

“I am proud of my support from law enforcement and the members they serve,” Shaffer said. “In the state legislature, I will continue to fully support the men and women in law enforcement and fight to ensure they receive the resources and respect they deserve.”

Both Petulla and Shaffer previously received endorsements from the region’s other prominent police union, FOP Lodge 1, which represents Pittsburgh City Police Officers, endorsed both candidates in their respective primaries. It has not yet taken a position on the general election. But Petulla’s campaign team is already boasting about its “broad coalition of law enforcement in the lead-up to the general election.”