Trans-Related Mailer Spurs Petition to Remove Allegheny Council President

Allegheny County Council President Pat Catena, running for Pennsylvania House District 45, sent a Democratic primary mailer that accused opponent Brittany Bloam of being backed by an “extreme left group that advocates for transgender athletes.” Critics described the language as fear-based and transphobic. Within 48 hours, LGBTQ leaders, Democratic officials and local residents launched an online petition demanding Catena’s removal as council president and a public apology.

Fallout grows over Pat Catena’s anti-trans campaign mailer as calls for accountability intensifyIn Pa. state House race, Catena apologizes for mailer attacking rival over transgender athletes

District 45 covers the western and southwestern suburbs of Pittsburgh, an area that leans more conservative than much of Allegheny County. Opponent Brittany Bloam, an attorney from Robinson Township, is backed by the Steel City Stonewall Democrats and Planned Parenthood. Catena’s campaign previously received endorsement from the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. State Rep. Arvind Venkat, Congressman Chris Deluzio and TranYOUniting leader Dena Stanley have publicly condemned the mailer.

Fallout grows over Pat Catena’s anti-trans campaign mailer as calls for accountability intensify

The mailer appeared on May 8, 2026; a council meeting is set for May 12, and the Democratic primary is scheduled for May 19.

Fallout grows over Pat Catena’s anti-trans campaign mailer as calls for accountability intensify

Catena apologized, saying the mailer “did not reflect the level of respect I have for our transgender neighbors” and pledging dignity for all. The Steel City Stonewall Democrats demanded a full rejection and a public apology, while the Allegheny County Democratic Committee called the flyer harmful and rejected identity-based attacks. Bloam asserted that “trans people are our neighbors” and accused Catena of targeting marginalized communities. State Rep. Arvind Venkat warned the tactic erodes public trust, and Congressman Chris Deluzio labeled it a Republican playbook that divides voters. TranYOUniting leader Dena Stanley urged residents to sign the petition and speak out.

Fallout grows over Pat Catena’s anti-trans campaign mailer as calls for accountability intensifyIn Pa. state House race, Catena apologizes for mailer attacking rival over transgender athletes

The dispute highlights the Democratic Party’s stance on LGBTQ rights in a swing district and underscores national debates over transgender participation in sports and public life.

Fallout grows over Pat Catena’s anti-trans campaign mailer as calls for accountability intensify

Catena’s survey response to the County Democratic Committee affirmed support for equitable treatment of trans citizens, yet the mailer portrayed trans issues as extremist. The flyer’s exact wording and the petition’s signature count were not disclosed.

In Pa. state House race, Catena apologizes for mailer attacking rival over transgender athletes

• “The message was inappropriate and did not reflect the level of respect I have for our transgender neighbors.” — Pat Catena, Council President

In Pa. state House race, Catena apologizes for mailer attacking rival over transgender athletes

• “I have no patience for Democrats using culture wars to try and divide us,” — Congressman Chris Deluzio

Fallout grows over Pat Catena’s anti-trans campaign mailer as calls for accountability intensify

• “This is what community looks like,” — Dena Stanley, TranYOUniting leader

Fallout grows over Pat Catena’s anti-trans campaign mailer as calls for accountability intensify

• “[W]e call on Pat Catena, President of Allegheny County Council, to release both a full rejection of the transphobic mailer and a public apology.” — Steel City Stonewall Democrats

In Pa. state House race, Catena apologizes for mailer attacking rival over transgender athletes

The petition will be presented at the May 12 council meeting; the May 19 primary will decide the Democratic nominee, who will face Republican James Julius in November.

In Pa. state House race, Catena apologizes for mailer attacking rival over transgender athletes