John Urbanski, a retired police officer and founder of Urbanski Law Firm, has announced his candidacy for Schuylkill County District Attorney. Running as a Republican, Urbanski pledges to bring leadership, accountability, and a renewed focus on public safety to the office.
“As a lifelong Republican, I believe in the values of law and order, personal responsibility, and strong, principled leadership,” Urbanski says in a statement announcing his candidacy. “Schuylkill County deserves a District Attorney who will not only prosecute criminals aggressively but also stand firmly with our law enforcement and lead from the front.”
Urbanski’s career began in law enforcement, where he served as a police officer for more than a decade in Luzerne, Carbon, and Schuylkill counties before retiring as Chief of Police. Throughout his tenure, he received multiple commendations, including awards for meritorious service during armed confrontations, his efforts in the 2011 and 2018 Luzerne County floods, and community outreach initiatives.
While serving as a police officer, Urbanski says he played a role in several high-profile cases that resulted in numerous convictions.
Following his law enforcement career, Urbanski transitioned into legal practice. He worked as a law clerk at Hourigan, Kluger, and Quinn P.C. before clerking for State Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Ward. He later joined a Philadelphia-based law firm specializing in medical malpractice defense before founding Urbanski Law Firm, which operates in Kingston and Pottsville.
Urbanski says he has also provided legal counsel for multiple Republican political campaigns, including three U.S. Senate races and one U.S. House of Representatives campaign.
He holds a Juris Doctor from Widener University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Penn State University. He resides in Schuylkill County with his wife, Lauren Elizabeth, and their two children.
Urbanski outlined several priorities for his campaign, including:
- Supporting Law Enforcement: Promising to equip officers with resources necessary for public safety.
- Cracking Down on Violent Crime: Committing to prosecuting offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
- Reestablishing the Drug Unit: Aiming to reinstate a proactive drug enforcement team.
- Opposing Sanctuary Policies: Ensuring full cooperation with immigration authorities.
- Combatting Blight and Neglect: Partnering with municipal leaders to revitalize neighborhoods.
- Restoring Fiscal Responsibility: Pledging financial discipline in the DA’s office.
- Defending the Second Amendment: Advocating for gun rights for law-abiding citizens.
He emphasized his combined experience as a former police officer and attorney as a key asset to addressing crime and public safety issues.
“I am running for District Attorney because our county deserves a fresh, dedicated leader who will prioritize public safety, combat the scourge of drugs, and restore accountability to the DA’s office,” he says. “My commitment to this community is unwavering, and I am ready to bring real change and real results to Schuylkill County.”
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