Bigham announces candidacy for mayor in Carnegie

The race for Carnegie mayor is underway, following a campaign kickoff event for Democratic hopeful Sam Bigham at Bob’s Diner Thursday night.

The deadline for filing a petition to get on the ballot in the May 20 primary is next week. Bigham used the opportunity at Bob’s to collect additional signatures from Democratic voters in attendance.

He’s seeking the seat being vacated by two-term mayor Stacie Riley, who is not running for reelection.

The 23-year-old Carlynton High School graduate holds two bachelor’s degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he studied history, public administration and economics.

While attending IUP, Bigham stayed active in Carnegie, serving as a junior council member and intern, helping to write the borough’s climate action plan.

Bigham also interned in State Rep. Anita Kulik’s office before accepting a job with the Carnegie Community Development Corporation (CCDC), where he serves as the organization’s executive director.

He’s eager to put his experience to good use. “Carnegie is my home, so I want to make it the best town it can be. Working in the public sector is something I’m passionate about,” he said.

Bigham is not concerned about his age becoming a factor in the election. “Even though I’m young, I still have experience,” he said. In fact, he’s hoping his age will bring a lot of attention to Carnegie’s mayoral race.

Bigham is endorsed by current Mayor Stacie Riley, County Council President Pat Catena and Kulik.

Editor’s note: The last day to register to vote in the primary is May 5. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is May 13. Check your voter registration status here.