Write-in Democrat Vazquez wins 197th District election

Friday, March 24, 2017
NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Action News has learned that Emilio Vazquez, a write-in Democratic candidate, has won the special election for Pennsylvania's 197th House District, which covers North Philadelphia.

The official results aren't expected to be formally announced until next week.
[Ads /]
Vazquez was endorsed by the party, even though his name wasn't on the ballot. That's because the party put up a candidate who was ruled to be living outside the district.

By the time that ruling came, it was too late.

The 197th District is 85% Democratic.

Lucinda Little, a Republican, was the only candidate on the ballot.



Another write-in candidate was a familiar face. Homeless activist Cheri Honkala was the Green Party candidate.

The election was held to replace Rep. Leslie Acosta, who resigned following an embezzlement scheme.
[Ads /]
------
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.