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Candidate FykeWe want to thank our State Chair, Christian Fyke, for his leadership since the beginning the PA Forward Party. We're going to help him as much as we can as he continues to lead by example. From Renewal to Responsibility: Why I’m Running for Office in New Kensington- Christian FykeSeven years ago, I rediscovered New Kensington,
Pennsylvania. Once the proud home of Alcoa, its industrial legacy
still lined the riverbank, but the downtown had quieted to a whisper.
People used to say you could roll a bowling ball down 5th Avenue any
day of the week and not hit a thing. But beneath the surface, I saw
something deeper—a lingering charm, and more importantly, a community
that hadn’t given up.
As I leaned in, I wasn’t alone. A new mayor had just taken
office. A businessman from a neighboring town had launched a
revitalization vision called “Old Towne Overhaul.” Longtime residents
were chasing bold ideas—from a pay-what-you-can community café to a
vintage shop and specialty bakery. Around that same time, I had
partnered in an organic coffee roasting business that needed more
space and dreamed of opening a café. New Kensington became our
home.
I did the build-out myself with a close friend—who,
candidly, thought I was crazy and worried for my safety. But just a
few weeks ago, I saw him strolling through town, taking in the
progress. Since we moved in, over 30 new businesses have opened. The
energy is different now. Optimism is in the air. People outside New
Kensington are starting to believe again.
But this revival is still fragile. It’s not finished—and
it’s not guaranteed.
After the recent primary, I had coffee with a friend I met
here in town, someone I supported when he ran for state
representative. He mentioned that no one had filed to run for City
Controller or City Treasurer and asked if I’d consider stepping up.
I’ve often encouraged others to run for office, but I hadn’t seen that
path for myself—until that moment.
The idea of serving the city while helping to raise the
visibility of the Forward Party, and promoting a leadership standard
rooted in FACT—Fairness, Accountability, Communication, and
Transparency—stuck with me.
I reached out to a diverse group of friends in the
community and was met with unanimous encouragement. I visited the
mayor—not someone I’d call part of my inner circle, but someone I
respect—and again, found support.
From there, I contacted the Board of Elections, confirmed
the requirements, and began the process. To maintain transparency and
avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, I have taken a
leave of absence from my role as State Chair of the PA Forward
Party.
And now, I’m officially announcing my candidacy for local
elected office in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
Acting Chair ValimontAt a leadership call earlier this week, Benjamin Valimont was made Vice Chair of the PA Forward Party. As such, he will be the acting State Chair during Christian's leave of absence. We ask you the join us in thanking Ben for taking on this responsibility and wish him the best of luck. Join us June 16th at 8pm for our Monthly Statewide call. You'll have things you want to talk about, We will too!
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Forward Party · 1701 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC
20036, United States
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