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Attorney seeks 48th District seat

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A North Strabane Township attorney is mounting a bid for the seat vacated when former state representative Brandon Neuman became a judge.

Democrat Joseph Zupancic announced Tuesday he’ll seek the party’s nomination for the 48th District special election to serve the remainder of Neuman’s current term and also will be a candidate in the primary election for a new term representing the 48th District. Both votes will occur May 15.

Neuman resigned from the seat, effective Dec. 31, after winning a seat on the Washington County Court of Common Pleas.

Officials from the two major parties will pick their respective candidates for the special election.

Zupancic is the first contender to declare his interest.

Washington County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Linda Andrews said committee members who reside in the district will select a candidate to recommend to the state committee, which must name its choice by next Tuesday.

The local Democratic meeting, which will be open to the public, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at VFW Post 191, 539 W. Pike St., Canonsburg.

An official with the Washington County Republican Committee did not immediately return a message seeking details about when its members will decide on a nominee.

Zupancic was first admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1995, according to state records.

He is currently one of six court-appointed masters hearing property-assessment appeals and maintains a private practice.

He previously worked as an assistant county solicitor and as a prosecutor.

A former member of Canon-McMillan School Board and the board of Intermediate Unit 1, Zupancic described himself as a staunch advocate for public schools.

In 2016, the Legislature appointed him to serve on a statewide committee evaluating zero-tolerance disciplinary practices in schools.

“I would like to use my experience and passion for public education, workers’ rights and an honest, fiscally responsible budgeting process to serve the people of the 48th District,” he said in a statement.

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