Ernie Merritt, who recently secured the Republican primary for mayor of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, expressed gratitude to the town’s residents for their trust and conveyed his commitment to fostering a robust community. He made these remarks to SW PA News.
“I am grateful to the people of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, for entrusting me with their vote to serve as your mayor,” said Merritt, Resident of Charleroi, PA. “Your support reflects a shared vision for a brighter, stronger community, and I am honored by your confidence in me. I promise to work to represent every resident and address the needs of our town. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to lead Charleroi forward together.”
Merritt gained prominence following his speech at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Indiana, Pennsylvania in September 2024. According to a video shared by Right Side Broadcasting Network, Merritt said, “Over half of our town is now filled with Haitian immigrants and illegal immigrants that were brought in and are taking our jobs away.” He highlighted the impact of the border crisis on “small-town America,” including Charleroi. Merritt advocated for local economic revitalization and law enforcement while underscoring the significance of community involvement.
In October 2024, Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, visited Charleroi and interviewed Merritt. During this interview, Merritt remarked, “It seems like our town is being taken over. It’s like they’re displacing and replacing the locals.” He noted a reported 2,000% increase in population, which President Trump said at the September rally, and clarified that immigrants were not at fault but accused Washington of “exploiting them.” He emphasized how this situation was impacting Charleroi residents’ job prospects.
Later that month, Merritt told Southwest PA News that the influx of immigrants had “destroyed” Charleroi from within, leading to business closures and job losses. He voiced concerns about the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies’ effects on his hometown, citing decreased property values and strained local resources such as schools and healthcare.
Debbie Devigne, a candidate for Charleroi Borough Council, expressed her commitment to positive change alongside Lorraine Smith and Ernest Merritt in a Facebook post. She reached out to local Democrats for collaboration. Merritt also posted on Facebook: “The swamp runs deep so we need new faces and ideas all across the state and county. We are here for you.” His candidacy for mayor was uncontested in the GOP primary.
Ernest Merritt is a lifelong resident of Charleroi, Pennsylvania.
