Johnstown lawyer Margaret “Peggy” O’Malley says she remains as enthusiastic as ever about running for county judge despite an unsuccessful bid four years ago.

O’Malley, 48, of Westmont, announced Wednesday that she is a candidate for the Republican and Democratic nominations in the spring primary.

She is the fifth person and the first woman to enter the race.

The others also are Democrats who are cross-filing for both parties’ nominations.

O’Malley came in second in a three-way race for a judicial seat in 2005 despite her campaign’s spending a record $271,774 in the primary battle.

It was her first bid for public office. Then-District Attorney David Tulowitzki won both parties’ nominations.

“It was a good experience, and I met a lot of nice people,” O’Malley said. “I enjoyed running for office, but I knew it’d be a real challenge. I’m very optimistic and enthusiastic (about running again).”

Pointing out that most nearby counties have a female judge, she said, “We need a woman judge in Cambria County, a qualified woman.”

No woman has served as a county judge here, although some women who are not lawyers serve as district judges.

O’Malley said her campaign will stress her legal experience, which includes handling complex civil cases such as medical malpractice defense cases, and auto and railroad accidents.

“I also handled estates and represent small businesses and nonprofits. I’ve handled everything from the complex to the simple cases, and everyone gets the same close attention,” O’Malley said.

In many of the cases, she worked closely with her father, the late James F. O’Malley, a longtime Cambria County lawyer.

In addition to her legal activities, O’Malley is a director of AmeriServ Financial Inc., Conemaugh Health Initiatives Inc., Arcadia Performing Arts Inc. and Art Works in Johnstown.

She is a trustee of the Colin U. Miller and Mary Hay Miller Charitable Trust for the Advance of Education.

She is a member and solicitor of the Community Arts Center of Cambria County and the Daisytown Sportsmen’s Club and is active in several community organizations.

If elected, O’Malley said, “I will fulfill the obligations of the position with both professionalism and integrity to ensure that justice is served.”



Margaret “Peggy” O’Malley

Age: 48.

Residence: Westmont.

Law office: 216 Franklin St., Johnstown.

Education: A graduate of Westmont-Hilltop High School. Received bachelor’s degree from Penn State and a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Background: Has been a lawyer for 25 years in the firm of Yost & O’Malley. Approved by the U.S. District Court for Western Pennsylvania as a mediator, early neutral evaluator and arbitrator. Co-chairwoman of the Cambria County Bar Association’s civil litigation committee. A director of AmeriServ Financial, Inc., Conemaugh Health Initiatives Inc., Arcadia Performing Arts Inc. and Art Works in Johnstown.

Marital status: Single.