Republican Candidate For Allegheny County Council Joe Wise Passes Away

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

MOON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Joe Wise, a Republican candidate for Allegheny County Council, has passed away, according to the Republican Committee of Allegheny County.

Our news partners at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report that Wise died after suffering COVID-19 complications.

Wise is still on the ballot for the open seat being left by current District 1 Council Representative Thomas Baker.

An Allegheny County spokesperson told KDKA that if Wise wins, the seat will be declared vacant and the county council would fill the seat with another Republican who would serve until the next election.

"Personally, I will miss his wonderful sense of humor and his drive to make his community a better place for everyone. Joe always lit up whatever room he walked into and never took himself too seriously. His loss will be felt by so many for a long time," Allegheny County Councilman Sam DeMarco said.

"I'm so sad to hear of the loss of a public servant who has given to his community over the years as a Moon Township Supervisor," Allegheny County Council member Bethany Hallam wrote on Twitter. "My thoughts are with Mr. Wise's family and friends during this difficult time. Please mask up and vaxx up out there!"

Wise attended Moon Area High School and studied at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Duquesne University.

He went on to work for U.S. Representative Austin J. Murphy and U.S. Senator Harris Wofford and in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

He came back to Pittsburgh and Moon Township to work in local government.

Stay with KDKA.com for more on this developing story.