Tamaqua voters may have elected the youngest mayor the borough has ever had.

Nathan J. Gerace, 18, defeated two other Republicans for that party's nomination and appears set to be elected in November since no Democrats filed for the position.While he was campaigning, Gerace said, "I decided to run for mayor because of my love for Tamaqua. In addition, I realize that the role is about service to the people and understanding their needs and listening to their concerns."Gerace arranged for visits to the Tamaqua High Rise, Majestic House and the Tamaqua Community Arts Center. Also, he visited the senior citizens at the Salvation Army and the YMCA.He attended borough meetings, as well as regional events on strategies to deal with blighted properties and the national opioid epidemic. Gerace credits these events for his insights into the community's concerns.With all the precincts reporting Gerace finished with 223 votes, besting Christine R. Hartung, who had 217. William F. Price Sr., the third candidate, finished with 146 tallies.Incumbent Democratic Mayor Christian Morrison did not seek another term.There were 145 write-in votes on the Democratic side, which means Gerace may have a challenger in the fall. Write-in votes will be counted on Friday at the courthouse in Pottsville.