Gettysburg Mayor Rita Frealing. (Photo provided by Gettysburg Mayor’s Office)
By Vincent DiFonzo, Editor-in-Chief
Gettysburg Mayor Rita Frealing has announced her intention to run for re-election later this year. First elected with about 58% of the vote in 2021, Frealing has served as the town’s first black and first female mayor.
A native of Gettysburg, Frealing graduated from Pennsylvania State University and previously worked as a reporter and an attorney. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
“Gettysburg is a destination, but it is also a community made up of people who can get to know each other better and work toward common goals,” Frealing wrote on the borough website. I will do my part to make this happen.”
Frealing has interacted with the Gettysburg College community on numerous occasions during her tenure, most recently visiting campus to talk to students in November.
“I grew up in Gettysburg, so [Gettysburg College] has been a part of my life for a long time,” she stated. “It brings a lot of culture to the community, and it also brings a lot of new people with new ideas,” she told The Gettysburgian during her visit.
Election day is on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and if re-elected, Frealing would serve another four years as mayor. Other offices up for election this year in Gettysburg include the Adams County sheriff and Gettysburg school district director, among other local and statewide offices.
