1997 Allentown mayoral election

1997 Allentown mayoral election

November 4, 1997 (1997-11-04)
 
Candidate William L. Heydt Martin Velazquez III
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 10,446 8,734
Percentage 54.42% 45.50%

Mayor before election

William L. Heydt
Republican

Elected mayor

William L. Heydt
Republican

The 1997 mayoral election in Allentown, Pennsylvania was held on November 4, 1997, and resulted in the Republican incumbent mayor William L. Heydt defeating Democratic challenger and city councilmen Martin Velazquez III. This election is remembered for its razor thin margin for the Democratic primary which saw Velazquez win by a singular vote against Emma Tropiano after a lengthy and hotly contested recount.