Rosselli elected to replace longtime magistrate Ford on Leetsdale area bench

Democrat Giuseppe Rosselli has been elected as the new Leetsdale area magistrate, according to complete but unofficial returns from the Allegheny County Elections Division.

Rosselli earned 5,737 votes and Republican challenger Joseph Bellissimo received 5,253 votes in a two-candidate race for the six-year judicial seat.

There were eight write-in votes.

Both men were vying to replace longtime magistrate Robert L. Ford, who decided not to run for reelection and will retire at the end of the year.

Ford’s district encompasses Aleppo, Bell Acres, Edgeworth, Franklin Park, Glen Osborne, Glenfield, Haysville, Leet, Leetsdale, Sewickley, Sewickley Heights and Sewickley Hills.

Rosselli, 48, served as a trial attorney for 23 years. His experience includes 4,000 district court proceedings.

Rosselli earned degrees in in criminal justice and political science from Allentown College of St. Francis De Sales, and graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

He thanked his supporters late Nov. 7.

“I am honored to serve this community,” he said. “I have never felt closer to the amazing people here in the Quaker Valley. Today was a great day.

“Judge Ford has served this community with honor, dignity and respect for 18 years. I have big shoes to fill, but I am confident that I can continue and serve QV and Franklin Park with the same standards.”