Allegheny County Council President Patrick Catena used transgender athletes as a political weapon — and he needs to go.

Days before a Democratic primary, Catena's campaign sent mailers attacking his opponent for being supported by a group that advocates for transgender athletes. It was a page ripped straight from the Republican playbook, deployed by a Democrat against members of his own community.

The backlash was swift. Former supporters, LGBTQ advocates, and fellow Democrats packed a council meeting to confront him. A transgender woman who worked alongside Catena called his actions "disappointing and hurtful." A father whose teenage daughter is a member of an LGBTQ advocacy group told Catena: "She's one of the kids you're talking about in your mailer."

Catena apologized. But he refuses to step down.

An apology is not enough. Leaders who use vulnerable communities as pawns for political gain have no business presiding over a body that represents all constituents. Council member DeWitt Walton has already moved to oust him — and the rest of the council must follow through.

We call on Patrick Catena to immediately resign as Allegheny County Council President.

Photo: Giuseppe LoPiccolo/Post-Gazette