Nothstein, 46, is among the most decorated track cyclists in American history, claiming a gold medal in the sprint at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, among other Olympic exploits. He also scored gold medals in world championship events, nabbing the 1994 sprint and keirin titles and winning the keirin again in 1996.
After retiring from racing, Nothstein made his first inroads into politics in 2015, winning a seat on the Lehigh County board of commissioners.
The incumbent, Republican Charlie Dent, announced last month that he would not seek reelection, creating the opening.
Cyclingnews chronicled Nothstein's 2000 exploits in an article ahead of the 2012 London games, including an excerpt from his book, The Price of Gold: The Toll and Triumph of One Man's Olympic Dream.
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