Two-term Coplay Borough Councilman Stephen J. Burker has captured the Coplay mayor seat via a successful write-in campaign.

According to the Lehigh County Voters Registration Office, Burker unofficially recorded 48 Democratic votes and 21 Republican votes in the May 18 primary election - winning on both sides of the aisle.

The write-in scenario was set up because current outgoing Mayor Dean Molitoris decided after candidates’ petition deadline not to seek re-election. The ballot for borough mayor contained no candidate names.

With no mayoral candidate on the ballot, Burker saw an opportunity and acted. He received an endorsement from state Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, ran a social media campaign and, with the help of a small team, handed out printed palm cards at both borough polls on Election Day.

This all coalesced in a matter of five days before the election.

Burker is an active Coplay resident. The chairperson of borough council’s park and recreation committee, he is a driving force behind the successful Coplay Community Days, the leader of the borough’s Community Plaza summer concert series and active participant in swimming pool operations.

He and his wife, Carol, reside on 12th Street with their two dogs.