News Summary
Pennsylvania has recently appointed four mayors from Generation Z, all under 30. These young leaders bring innovative ideas and fresh priorities to their communities. The mayors include Sam Bigham of Carnegie, Joar Dahn of Darby, Dylan Stevens of Westover, and Matt Zechman of Cleona. Their elections signal a growing trend of younger individuals engaging in local governance despite the overall aging political landscape in the state. They aim to address issues ranging from community engagement to revitalizing local economies and highlighting the importance of youth participation in politics.
Pennsylvania’s New Wave: Four Gen Z Mayors Take Office
Pennsylvania is currently experiencing a significant shift in its local governance as four individuals from Generation Z, all under the age of 30, have recently assumed mayoral offices across the commonwealth. These young leaders bring fresh perspectives and priorities to their respective communities. This trend highlights a growing, though still rare, engagement of younger generations in local politics, with a 2021 survey indicating that only 3% of Pennsylvania’s local elected officials were under 35, and the average age was approximately 61.
The Incoming Mayors and Their Visions
The new Gen Z mayors beginning their first terms this month include Sam Bigham of Carnegie, Joar Dahn of Darby, Dylan Stevens of Westover, and Matt Zechman of Cleona. Each brings a unique background and a commitment to their communities.
Sam Bigham, Carnegie (Allegheny County)
At 23 years old, Sam Bigham has become the youngest active mayor in Pennsylvania. A long-time resident of Carnegie with deep family roots, Bigham graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2024. His extensive background in public service includes serving as a junior councilperson, interning for both a state representative and a congressman, and working as a Democratic organizer. Bigham currently serves as the executive director of the Carnegie Community Development Corporation, a role he plans to continue alongside his mayoral duties. His priorities for Carnegie include investing in Main Street and continuing collaboration with the police department. Bigham secured his position by winning the Democratic primary with 661 votes against 204 for his opponent, and subsequently ran unopposed in the general election. He was officially sworn into office on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Joar Dahn, Darby (Delaware County)
Joar Dahn, 28, has taken office as the mayor of Darby. He identifies himself as Darby’s “biggest cheerleader.” A Bloomsburg University alumnus with a political science major, Dahn served as the Community Government Association president for two years and was a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors for one year. His professional experience includes working as an advisor and campaign manager for state representative and mayoral candidates, as well as serving as a staff member in the Pennsylvania Senate. Dahn, a Liberian American, arrived in the U.S. in January 2006 as a refugee. His platform focuses on transforming government, increasing youth opportunities, addressing gun violence by collaborating with regional law enforcement, revitalizing small businesses through initiatives like creating a Chamber of Commerce, and tackling abandoned properties. Dahn was elected in the 2025 municipal elections and was sworn into office on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Dylan Stevens, Westover (Clearfield County)
Dylan Stevens, 26, is the new mayor of Westover. Having resided in Westover for 11 years, Stevens works at a local gas station. His decision to run for mayor arose when he noticed there were no other candidates on the ballot. Stevens aims to enhance community engagement in Westover and increase visibility for the Liberal Party.
Matt Zechman, Cleona (Lebanon County)
Matt Zechman, a Libertarian, was sworn in as mayor of Cleona Borough this week. He emphasizes the importance of young people participating in local office to actively shape their own futures.
Broader Context of Youth in Local Government
The election of these four Gen Z mayors in the 2025 municipal elections reflects a broader trend of communities in Pennsylvania choosing officials under 30 for prominent local roles. As these mayors commence their terms in January 2026, they are poised to introduce fresh perspectives and address contemporary issues within their respective local governments.
While the emergence of young leaders is notable, it is still an uncommon occurrence in Pennsylvania. Organizations nationwide, such as Run For Something, actively recruit and support talented young individuals to run for state and local offices. (Nationwide) [cite: Run For Something snippet]
In Pennsylvania, municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years, with the general election typically taking place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The next municipal election is scheduled for November 4, 2025. Mayors in boroughs often fulfill ceremonial duties, oversee police and fire departments, and can cast tie-breaking votes. These newly elected young mayors, many representing boroughs, acknowledge the inherent limitations of their office but aspire to leverage their roles to inject novel viewpoints into governance.
Various initiatives across Pennsylvania aim to foster civic engagement among youth. For instance, the Junior Council Person (JCP) Program, supported by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, provides high school students with opportunities to engage in borough government and develop leadership skills. The importance of young people’s involvement in politics is a recurring theme, with discussions highlighting that Generation Z, despite being a significant voting demographic, is not always proportionately represented in the political system. (Nationwide and local Philadelphia context) Efforts like “Gen Z for Democracy Pennsylvania” are dedicated to mobilizing college students to vote, emphasizing the potential impact of their participation in elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Gen Z mayors taking office in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is seeing a significant shift in local governance as four Generation Z individuals, all under 30, assume mayoral offices across the commonwealth, bringing new perspectives and priorities to their communities.
Who are the four Gen Z mayors that recently took office in Pennsylvania?
The four Gen Z mayors are Sam Bigham of Carnegie, Joar Dahn of Darby, Dylan Stevens of Westover, and Matt Zechman of Cleona.
What is the average age of local elected officials in Pennsylvania?
A 2021 survey indicated that only 3% of Pennsylvania’s local elected officials were under 35, with an average age of approximately 61.
When do municipal elections occur in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years, with the general election typically taking place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The next municipal election is scheduled for November 4, 2025.
What are some of Sam Bigham’s priorities as Mayor of Carnegie?
Sam Bigham’s priorities for Carnegie include investing in Main Street and continuing collaboration with the police department.
What is Joar Dahn’s background and what are his priorities for Darby?
Joar Dahn, 28, is a Bloomsburg University alumnus with experience in state government and as an advisor to political candidates. His platform focuses on transforming government, increasing youth opportunities, addressing gun violence, revitalizing small businesses, and tackling abandoned properties.
Why did Dylan Stevens run for Mayor of Westover?
Dylan Stevens decided to run for mayor when he noticed there were no other candidates on the ballot, aiming to enhance community engagement in Westover and increase visibility for the Liberal Party.
What is Matt Zechman’s perspective on youth involvement in local government?
Matt Zechman emphasizes the importance of young people participating in local office to actively shape their own futures.
Key Features of Gen Z Mayors in Pennsylvania
| Mayor’s Name | Borough (County) | Age (at taking office) | Key Background/Experience | Primary Focus/Priorities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Bigham | Carnegie (Allegheny County) | 23 | Junior councilperson, state/congressional intern, Democratic organizer, Executive Director of Carnegie Community Development Corporation. | Investing in Main Street, collaborating with police department. |
| Joar Dahn | Darby (Delaware County) | 28 | Bloomsburg University alumnus, Community Government Association president, PA Senate staff, Liberian American refugee. | Transforming government, youth opportunities, gun violence, revitalizing small businesses, addressing abandoned properties. |
| Dylan Stevens | Westover (Clearfield County) | 26 | Long-time resident, ran unopposed. | Enhancing community engagement, increasing Liberal Party visibility. |
| Matt Zechman | Cleona (Lebanon County) | Under 30 | Libertarian. | Encouraging youth participation in local office to shape their future. |
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