Justin Douglas becomes Dauphin County’s top commissioner one year into his term

Justin Douglas, a former pastor, helped Democrats flip Dauphin County for the first time in nearly 100 years. He became the county’s top commissioner on Wednesday with the help of the board’s sole Republican. 

Justin Douglas became Dauphin County’s top commissioner a little more than a year into his first term on Wednesday. 

The shake-up happened in front of a packed Dauphin County Commissioners meeting when Commissioner Mike Pries, the board’s sole Republican, made a motion to name Douglas as Chair of Board. 

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for Dauphin County,” Douglas said in a statement. 

“County government is not about political division—it is about the efficient delivery of services to all our citizens. We are open for business to everyone and welcome participation from the many, not just the few. This principle continues to guide our work as we strive to build a government that reflects and serves all residents of Dauphin County.”

Related: Bomb thrower or bridge builder? Justin Douglas reflects on his first year changing Dauphin County.

Douglas replaces George Hartwick, who served as county commissioner since 2003, and under the new reorganization, Pries will serve as Vice Chair and Hartwick will serve as Secretary. 

Douglas, a former progressive pastor, gained local and national attention in Nov. 2023 after helping Democrats flip the Dauphin County Commissioners office for the first time in close to 100 years. 

Wednesday’s move happened after Hartwick allegedly brokered multiple deals behind Douglas’ and Pries’ backs. 

Pennlive reported in October that Douglas and Pries were left out of the selection process for the county’s next health care provider until the last minute, raising concerns about the bidding process. Later that month, concerns about a bridge inspection contract were raised after it was awarded to a company associated with a former county commissioner.

Douglas told reporters following Wednesday’s meeting that he is looking to bring stability to Dauphin County government and rebuild the bidding process for county contracts.

“We also need to bring a lot of stability to county government. I don’t want this to be a parade or a sideshow. This should be good government,” Douglas said.

Douglas also pushed back on criticism about his lack of experience as commissioner and highlighted his willingness to work with Republican commissioner Pries. 

“Look, I’m a progressive, I’m in the Democratic Party, but my number one goal is to get shit done. If I can’t get shit done, I’ll work with whoever will.”