fbpx

Republican Nominee to Replace Sara Innamorato is Known Anti-trans, Anti-vax Insurrectionist

An examination of Autenreith's social media accounts reveals a history of extreme far-right and alt-right beliefs

Erin Connolly Autenreith.

On Monday, Allegheny County Republicans chose Erin Connolly Autenreith as their nominee to fill the State House seat vacated by Sara Innamorato. Erin Connolly Autenreith is the chair of the Shaler Republican Committee and a local RE/MAX real estate agent. Autenreith’s parents held elected office in McKees Rock, both as Democrats. Erin Connoly Autenreith has labeled herself a “middle-of-the-road, very realistic person”.

An examination of Autenreith’s social media accounts reveals a history of extreme far-right and alt-right beliefs including anti-trans and anti-vaccination sentiments and confirming and defending her attendance in Washington, D.C. for the January 6, 2021 insurrection in an attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election in favor of Donald Trump.

Erin Connolly Autenreith Facebook post January 7, 2021.

In a Facebook post on January 7, 2021, Erin Autenreith admits that she was in attendance at the insurrection in Washington, D.C. the day before in support of President Donald Trump’s attempts to overthrow the results of the 2020 election.

Erin Connolly Autenreith Facebook post May 6, 2023.

On May 6 of this year, Autenreith reshared a Facebook post from a “John Blakley” in support of an anti-trans sports bill. An analysis of the “John Blakley” account reveals that it is consistent with a Russian troll account created in August of 2020 that has shared thousands of alt-right and misinformation memes.

Erin Connolly Autenreith Facebook post December 2021.

On December 29, 2021, Erin Connolly Autenreith shared misinformation to her followers suggesting that gargling Listerine twice a day would be sufficient in battling COVID-19.

Erin Connolly Autenreith Facebook post June 22, 2022.

On June 22, 2022, Autenreith shared a graphic from known anti-vaccination group “Informed Choice Connecticut”. The graphic in question makes a false equivalency between vaccination and peanut allergies among other misinformation. “Informed Choice Connecticut” was formed in May 2019 and dissolved in December 2019, three full years before Autenreith chose to reshare its misinformation.

Erin Connolly Autenreith will face Democrat Lindsay Powell in the September 19 special election to fill the 21st House District seat recently vacated by Sara Innamorato. Innamorato recently resigned from the seat to concentrate on her campaign as the Democratic nominee for Allegheny County Executive.

A call to Erin Connolly Autenreith’s campaign and her RE/MAX Select Realty office in McCandless Crossing was not immediately returned.

At a time when so much feels uncertain, supporting QBurgh is an act of resistance. It’s a way to ensure that, no matter what happens in 2025, Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ community will not be silenced. It’s a way to say, loud and clear, that our stories matter. Link in bio or QBurgh.com/give

Stand With Us

By donating to QBurgh, you’re helping to sustain a vital platform that tells the stories no one else will. In a time when erasure feels imminent, your support ensures that queer voices remain strong, visible, and celebrated. QBurgh.com/give
...

26 0

Today is the day! It’s Giving Tuesday, and now more than ever, your support for QBurgh matters.

Across the country, queer media is disappearing—but here in Pittsburgh, QBurgh is standing strong. With your help, we’ll continue to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices, celebrate our wins, and fight for our representation.

Donate today and make an impact that lasts. Every dollar keeps our stories alive and thriving. Together, we can protect queer media and ensure our voices remain heard!

👉 Give now! Link in bio
...

16 0
Jim Sheppard is a resident of Downtown Pittsburgh. Jim served as a Commissioner on the City of Pittsburgh Human Relations Commission which investigates instances of discrimination in the City of Pittsburgh and recommends necessary protections in our City Code to provide all people in Pittsburgh with equal opportunities. He has worked for Pittsburgh City Council, the Pittsburgh Mayor, and the Allegheny County Controller. For five years he was the President of the Steel City Stonewall Democrats. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (He / Him / His) JimSheppard.com