May 22, 2025
Contact: manager@amandaforpgh.com, 412-204-7454

AMANDA NEATROUR, WRITE-IN CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL CAMPAIGN CONCESSION SPEECH

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(Pittsburgh, PA) - Dear District 2,

Our official primary campaign for City Council District 2 has come to a close, and it is a single leg in a long journey to bring the positive change still very much needed. We did not win the democratic primary, but we did win. We won because my goal as a candidate was not simply to win the seat, it was to ensure the people had a voice, that we raised awareness, and gave residents a reason to show up and fight. And fight we did.

As a candidate I began this journey simply as a mom, caregiver, and homeowner, who was tired of seeing the same people deliver the same results, which meant some people had it all while the majority were left to figure it out for ourselves. Through my journey I learned all the ways systems led by people who care more about power, position, and privilege are keeping us from achieving our shared dream for a district that unites and benefits us all. On the campaign trail I met, and heard hundreds of residents express their frustration, anger, disappointment, and sometimes apathy in ways we've been forgotten. I also though, learned of so many wonderful ways neighbors and leaders have shown up for each other and have done incredible things despite neglectful leadership.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to every single person who believed in this campaign's vision, and the more than 600 people who went the extra mile to write in my name. We made history in Pittsburgh earning 13% of the vote as a write in campaign. We achieved this in only 6 weeks because of the determination of voters, volunteers, and supporting organizations who understand how important it is to have competent, determined, values centered leadership to bring the drastic changes we needed. The we won an entire ward as a write in campaign, and got majority votes at two different polling places shows our tremendous impact and is a mandate for those neighborhoods, and for the district.

This campaign was never about me. I didn't do it for power, for a job, nor for a pension. I didn't do it because I thought I deserved it. I did it with and for my community and my district, and to raise awareness and accountability. It was about making sure that every voice in our district is heard, especially those who have felt overlooked for far too long. It was about taking a stand for better transportation, safer streets for our children and seniors, affordable housing, accessible childcare, fresh food in food deserts, responsible investment, and finally bringing resources to all our communities.

Our impact is undeniable. We sparked a movement, and there's momentum. People were excited to vote in a way that hasn't been seen in our district in a long time, and folks across the city and region are talking about what we've done. We pushed issues into the light. We built a coalition that refuses to settle for the status quo. And most importantly -- we proved that community centered movements have real power, even without the backing of big money or establishment politics.

To the person who wins in November, I urge you to lead with empathy, to listen to hose who have been unheard, and to remember that leadership is a privilege, not a possession. I hope you will choose to be accountable and earn the respect of the people, not demand or bully for fealty and loyalty. I hope you will not seek to silence or censor your detractors of those who challenge you, rather listen with an open and be a true servant leader as we deserve.

To the people of District 2 -- I'm not going anywhere. This campaign may be over, but the work continues. I will keep fighting alongside you, organizing with you, dreaming with you. My work in this didn't begin as a campaign, and it certainly won't end with it. I am humbled and grateful for all new acquaintances and connections made, and I'm excited to work with you to build our community together. Real change doesn't being or end at the ballot box -- it begins in our neighborhoods, in our conversations, in our relationships, and in our determination to always hope and dream for better.

Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for reminding me what's possible when we believe in each other. My heart is full, and my determination even greater than when we began.

We may not have won this race, but we are building something real. And this is only the beginning. 

With gratitude and resolve, 
Amanda Neatrour

For more information about Amanda's campaign, or to get involved, please visit her website at Amandaforpgh.com or follow her on social media at Amanda Neatrour for City Council.