Bethlehem Councilman Reynolds to Run for Mayor

Bethlehem City Councilman J. William Reynolds is running for mayor.

Reynolds is planning a formal news conference to announce the run on Tuesday, but previewed the announcement on his personal Facebook page Sunday night.

“My family and I have always loved the City of Bethlehem and understood the value of public service. With that in mind, I am proud to announce that I will be formally declaring my candidacy to be the next Mayor of Bethlehem on Tuesday January 8th,” the post said.

“As the campaign unfolds in the coming days and weeks, I would appreciate any support you and your family may be able to provide. Please like our official campaign page and check out my new website at www.jwilliamreynolds.net!”

A Democrat, Reynolds became the youngest city councilman in Bethlehem history after he was elected to his first term in 2007. His full-time job is as a social studies teacher at William Allen High School in Allentown.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Moravian College in 2003 and Liberty High School in 1999.

City Councilman Robert Donchez, who is currently serving his fifth term on City Council, is also expected to run. Donchez, who is also a Democrat, and Reynolds were re-elected to their council seats in 2011, so neither will be risking their council position to run for mayor.