We, the undersigned residents, voters, activists, labor supporters, LGBTQ+ advocates, and community stakeholders of Allegheny County, call for immediate accountability regarding Pat Catena’s continued leadership as President of Allegheny County Council and urge Democratic organizations to withdraw institutional support for his candidacy.

This petition follows widespread public backlash to campaign mailers distributed during the Pennsylvania House District 45 Democratic primary race that many residents, organizations, and elected officials condemned as harmful anti-transgender political messaging.

The controversy has now expanded beyond ordinary political disagreement and raises larger concerns about public leadership, Democratic values, and the responsible use of political power.

The Steel City Stonewall Democrats publicly condemned the mailers and called for a public apology, describing the messaging as “transphobic” and warning that it singled out transgender children for political attacks.

The Allegheny County Democratic 

Committee itself released a public statement acknowledging that the mailer “contains language harmful to the transgender community” and affirming that the committee does not support identity-based attacks or rhetoric undermining the humanity or safety of LGBTQ+ residents.

Pennsylvania State Representative Arvind Venkat further criticized Pat Catena’s conduct publicly, warning against candidates who “say or do anything to win” and expressing concern that these tactics damage trust in democratic institutions.

The issue before the public is not whether people can disagree politically. Democracy requires debate and differing opinions. The issue is whether elected officials and candidates entrusted with public leadership should use vulnerable communities as political targets through divisive rhetoric and fear-based campaigning.

Many residents believe these actions fall below the standard expected from the President of Allegheny County Council and from candidates seeking office under the Democratic Party banner.

Public officials have a duty to:
- Lead responsibly and ethically
- Represent all residents with dignity
- Avoid rhetoric that isolates or scapegoats vulnerable populations
- Protect public trust in democratic institutions
- Uphold values of equality, inclusion, and accountability

We therefore call for:
- The immediate removal of Pat Catena as President of Allegheny County Council
- The withdrawal of Democratic organizational campaign support and resources connected to his candidacy
- A formal public apology addressing the harm caused to transgender residents and families
- A public recommitment from county leadership that identity-based political attacks will not be normalized in Allegheny County politics

Allegheny County deserves leadership focused on solving real problems affecting working people  not political tactics that divide communities.

Sign this petition to demand accountability, dignity, and leadership that reflects the values of inclusion, integrity, and responsible public service.