Candidates participating in this year’s general election were invited to submit information to the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, which partnered with PennLive to create this voters’ guide.
The candidates below are running for a Pennsylvania state house seat and are in the order provided by the League of Women Voters. If a contest is not listed, there are no candidates running in that race.
District 151 - Democrat
Melissa Cerrato
County: Montgomery
Contact: missyforpa.com | facebook.com/Missy4PA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 151 - Republican
Allen Arthur Anderson
County: Montgomery
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 152 - Democrat
Nancy Guenst
Nancy Guenst is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Montgomery
Occupation: State Representative
Education: Hatboro-Horsham High School - Montgomery County Community College - Defense Language Institute
Qualifications: Finishing my 2nd term as your Representative. Our office is one of the busiest in our State and always will be.
Contact: nancy4pahouse.com | facebook.com/nancy4pahouse
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Our main issues have been with us on a recurring voice for so many years. It’s why it is so important to get out the vote and make your voices heard. Women’s right to choose, equality for our LGBTQ+ community, gun safety, easier access to health care, lowering taxes for our elder community so they can stay in their homes, lowering prices on medication, significant changes to make our earth sustainable, the list goes on. I will continue to fight for these rights. We have sent hundreds of House Bills to our colleagues in the Senate with no response. It’s time to demand action and have your voices heard.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I would encourage the use of mail-in ballots more, which I already do. I feel PA has been a good state in making sure, already, that our security and access to polls is on the right track. I want our legislature to acknowledge the importance on opening our primaries to Independent voters and follow through with it.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
Governor Shapiro has shown us his intentions on addressing this issue with our upcoming Budget going forward. Our State Universities are agreeing with him as well on consolidation.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
We need to keep it loud and clear that women are in charge of their own bodies and their own choices. Period.
District 153 - Democrat
Ben Sanchez
Ben Sanchez is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Montgomery
Occupation: State Representative/Attorney
Education: Abington Senior High School 1993; Villanova University 1997; Temple Law School 2004
Qualifications: As a practicing lawyer and licensed certified public accountant, I will continue to use those legal and financial skills along with my sound judgment to address issues facing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I now have over five years of service in the legislature and a proven track record.
Contact: bensanchez.org | facebook.com/Sanchez4PA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Top issues facing Pennsylvanians include ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all, especially access to reproductive healthcare, providing clean and safe drinking water, strengthening and supporting public education, demanding action for gun safety, and protecting our rights when it comes to equality and our precious environment.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I would like to see more opportunities for early voting, better funding of County Election Boards across the Commonwealth, and allowance of pre-canvassing for mail in ballots. Generally, I support any measures that expand access and convenience for voters.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I would support legislation implementing the funding system outlined in the Basic Education Funding Commission report from January 2024.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
Abortion healthcare remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania. The only changes I would consider would be ones that expanded reproductive rights and access to abortion healthcare.
District 153 - Republican
Joseph J. Rooney is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
Joseph J. Rooney
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Retired Capt Delta Air Lines
Education: BS Mech Engr
Qualifications: Father, Taxpayer, Military Veteran, Active in our Community
Contact: rooneyforpa153.com | www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556387734299
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
With the events of the last couple years it is clear that every state is a border state. Almost 5000 Pennsylvanians died from drug overdose in 2022. 70% of these deaths were due to synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl. Across our country there were over 107,000 deaths - this is two Viet Nam wars worth of death every year! This is both a tragedy and insane. This should be addressed every day until we find a solution. We must start by securing our border.What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
We need voter ID.
We must clean our voter roles to ensure that only legal votes are counted and that ineligible people are removed from our voter roles. A illegal vote is an assault on all our votes.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
The spending on our Public Schools is out of control. I am very active with the Abington School System and there is absolutely no correlation between the spending in Abington and the education of our kids. It was a gigantic mistake to close our schools for two years. Our kids suffered and will continue to suffer and no one is talking about this. We need reform in the PA Dept. of Education. They do not even track SAT scores now! How are we supposed to have an objective way to evaluate our schools when crucial test scores like the SAT are not reported? School choice and a Parents’ Bill of Rights are the two best ways we can improve the education of all our kids.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
Human Life is sacred from conception to natural death.
How is it possible that these are the four questions that LWV have raised for all candidates? What about taxes? What about the condition of our roads? What about the effect on PA residents of an open border? What about the drug crisis?
District 154 - Democrat
Napoleon Nelson
Napoleon Nelson is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Montgomery
Occupation: State Representative
Education: MBA - Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania; BS - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Qualifications: Two-term incumbent
Contact: napoleonfor154.com | www.instagram.com/napoleonfor154 | facebook.com/NapoleonFor154
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
We are too divided. The mere fact that I am a Democrat makes me absolutely untrustworthy for far too many of our neighbors and similarly yields me too much loyalty from other neighbors. We abhor our neighbors that vote differently than ourselves and too many of my colleagues play into this by talking about our opponents in very negative terms. I will not do that. I do not do that. I respect each and every one of our neighbors, whether you support President Biden, long for the return of Fmr. President Trump, intend to write in a vote for Jason Kelce, or have no intention of voting at all. We don’t bring unity by stoking resentment and division.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I believe that we should have same-day voter registration. I also believe we should have early in-person voting and, if you chose to vote early, you should still be able to change your mind and cast a ballot on election day and have that e-day ballot be the one that counts. This is not yet the law, but would ensure that our elections are accessible yet voters get the ability to be as informed and they would like.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I’m fought HARD to be assigned to the Children & Youth Committee, the Education Committee, and the Appropriations Committee for just this cause. We absolutely must ensure that our young people are given the educational opportunities that they deserve, our educators are given the respect they have earned, and our neighbors and businesses are able to survive and thrive in our communities without being taxed out. This is, without a doubt, a generational moment in this Commonwealth and I am fighting every day to make sure we rise to the occasion.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I will continue to protect and defend the access to abortion care in PA. I also want to invest in our families, our child care systems, our housing stock, our foster and adoption systems, and any other cracks in our institutions and safety-nets that might make abortions the last logical option for individuals who might really want to be parents but fail to see a logical, responsible way to expand their family. I have no right to make your healthcare decisions, but I sadly do have some responsibility in the structures that influence them and we need to do better.
District 155 - Democrat
Danielle Friel Otten
Danielle Friel Otten is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Chester
Occupation: State Representative
Education: Hospitality Marketing Certificate (2008), Cornell University, Kinesiology, West Chester University (1995-2000)
Qualifications: Representative Danielle Friel Otten is a mother, businesswoman, community leader and champion for working families who has called Chester County home for over two decades. In the General Assembly, Danielle has served as the Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Climate Caucus since 2021
Contact: danielle4pa.com | www.instagram.com/danielle4pa | facebook.com/danielle4pa
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
The current state of public education and our education funding system, the rising gap between high wealth districts and low wealth districts, and the wild west environment of voucher and charter funding that lacks accountability and oversight has come to a tipping point. The PA Superior Court has ruled and no party has appealed that Pennsylvania is in violation of its constitutional mandate to provide for a thorough and efficient system of public education.
I support the Basic Education Funding Commission Majority Report that provides a road map toward adequacy and equity that will more fairly resource all schools in Pennsylvania, while providing relief for property owners who have been historically over taxed.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I support the Pennsylvania House Democrats omnibus plan for defending democracy, which includes a holistic approach to addressing concerns raised by county election officials statewide. These efforts would streamline processes for election workers, eliminate the barrier to that first step and make mail-in ballots more secure. It is a package of bills that make sure voters’ voices are heard, regardless of party affiliation. It includes proposals that would reform campaign finance measures and improve candidate transparency.
https://www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/defendingdemocracy
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
While specific legislation is forthcoming, I support the Basic Education Funding Commission Majority Report and Recommendation that has been proposed by Governor Shapiro’s administration to be considered in the this year’s upcoming budget negotiation.
https://basiceducationfundingcommission.com/
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I am the co-prime sponsor on Pennsylvania’s Reproductive Rights Amendment that would bring to the voters a proposed ballot initiative that would enshrine and affirm a durable constitutional right to reproductive liberty, including the right to choose or refuse contraception, choose or refused abortion care, and choose or refuse fertility care.
While abortion currently remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania is still a restrictive state for abortion care and women’s health care access. I am a cosponsor on several legislative proposals that would expand access to women’s healthcare, including abortion care, fertility care and access to contraception in the commonwealth.
District 155 - Republican
Rodney Simon
County: Chester
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 156 - Democrat
Chris Pielli
Chris Pielli is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Chester
Occupation: State Representative HD156
Education: Temple Univ. School of Law, JD, May 2000; Temple Univ., BA Pol. Sci., Dec. 1988; East High School, H.S. Degree, June 1984; U.S. Army JAG Corps/Legal Specialist, Distinguished Honor Graduate, APR. 1990, U.S. Army Airborne Paratrooper Course, Dec. 1994; Teach for America Summer Institute, Sept. 2011.
Qualifications: Public Service - Army Veteran, a West Goshen Twp. Supervisor, a Correctional Officer & Counselor, a Public Defender attorney, volunteer Teacher, a County Recorder of Deeds and a State Representative. I have successfully legislated, managed and balanced multimillion dollar government budgets.
Contact: www.chrispielli.com | www.instagram.com/chrispielli156/ | facebook.com/friendsofchris.pielli.7
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Jobs, Infrastructure, the Environment, Voting Rights, Public Education Funding, Business Development, Gun Safety Laws, Women’s Reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, regulating Artificial Intelligence, a minimum wage increase, and the Defense of our Democratic Republic are all in need of immediate attention. Despite a one seat majority, our Caucus was able to pass over 200 bills that tried to address most of these issues and more. Unfortunately, of those 200+ bills we passed, 165 of them have been blocked by the State Senate leadership. I will continue to press for legislation that addresses these priorities. These are challenging times, and we must fight to ensure the future of our Democracy by promptly taking on all these issues and more.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
Explicitly Codify Automatic Voter Registration at PennDOT with my proposed bill HB2058 thus protecting the Governor’s successful Executive order. Amend Act 77 to count mail in ballots before election day to avoid confusion and ensure every eligible vote counts without delays that lead to costly, misguided, post-election litigation. Other changes include: expand early voting with increased, secure drop off boxes and on-site voter services, make election day a state holiday, implement same day voter registration, increase requirements in our school civics curriculum to educate students on the voting process, conduct ongoing mandatory audits to protect against election tampering and hacking, and invest in modern, safe election technology.What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
In short, the Court found the quality of education a PA student receives depends upon their zip code. This violates our PA Constitutional guarantee of equal education. As such, I support Gov. Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 budget as a great start including a historic investment of nearly $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding. Democrats have long championed investing in our public schools because we recognize education as a fundamental right for every Pennsylvania child. That is why I support legislation to invest $5 billion to close funding gaps to ensure all students can succeed; $1.4 billion in new funding for all schools; $1billion cut in property taxes for hardest hit areas; and $2.1 billion to fix and repair our schools.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I strongly believe that reproductive choice is the foundation of freedom, both legally and economically for all women. I seek to champion policies and legislation that empower personal autonomy and vigorously defend access to affordable health care to include women’s choice and reproductive rights. I will vehemently oppose anti-abortion policy measures, such as past PA Senate Bill 106 which aims to amend the Pennsylvania State Constitution and ultimately ban abortion in our Commonwealth. Voters deserve to know exactly where their candidates stand on this issue. As a State Representative, I have co-sponsored several House Bills, to include HB1888, to protect and expand reproductive freedom. A vote for me = A vote for reproductive choice.
District 156 - Republican
Kris R. Vollrath
County: Chester
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 157 - Democrat
Melissa Shusterman
Melissa Shusterman is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Chester
Occupation: PA State House Representative
Education: I’m a graduate of Conestoga High School, Lafayette College with a BA in History/Russian Studies, and Chinese Literature (minor), and American University with a MA in Film and Video.
Qualifications: I serve on Judiciary, Chair of it’s Subcommittee on Family Law, member of the Transportation, Health, Rules, and State Government Committees. I’m Co-Chair of the Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Caucus, Co-Founder, Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Animal Protect. This will be my 4th term.
Contact: melissashusterman.com | instagram.com/melissashusterman | facebook.com/MelissaShustermanforStateRep
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
I have heard from businesses and working families across the state that they needed help when it came to the difficulty in caretaking and childcare especially during and after the pandemic. Rep Tina Davis (Bucks) and I worked with the previous administration, our leadership team, the Republican led Senate, and those across the aisle to put the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit in the Republican budget. This momentum helped us continue advocacy during this new budget cycle where the Shapiro administration and the new slim Democratic House Majority was able to expand the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and make a larger financial impact for those families struggling both logistically and financially.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
We currently have secure elections. We have capable, bipartisan election officials that have worked tirelessly to keep our election system secure. Automatic voter registration for residents who turn 18, expansion of mail-in voting, and pre-canvassing our ballots are among the common sense voting legislation that is a priority for the voters in Chester County and beyond.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I support level up legislation. This legislation will put money back into the public schools who have been underfunded for years. A zip code alone should not determine if your public school has science labs, libraries and other essential offerings. We must close the funding gap between schools so we are serving all the children in our vast and diverse Commonwealth.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I support certifying the right to an abortion and abortion care into our Commonwealth’s Constitution.
I also have worked on specific issues around abortion care. This is a link to all my bills:
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDocs/Legis/CSM/DisplayMemos.cfm?SPick=20230&Chamber=H&MemberID=1851
I worked with Planned Parenthood, the Governor, DHS and colleagues to Eliminate Deceptive Pregnancy Centers. HB118
These centers used TAXPAYER money to deceive women when they were pregnant and seeking options. This line item has been removed from the BUDGET and actual Healthcare will now be offered in place of these centers that lied and confused women when they were asking for medical options. So this issue was a priority of mine.
District 157 - Republican
Regina Mauro
County: Chester
Contact: reginamauroforcongress.com
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 158 - Democrat
Christina D. Sappey
County: Chester
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 158 - Republican
Tina Ayala
County: Chester
Contact: pawomeninred.com/pa158-tina-ayala
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 159 - Democrat
Darren A. Laws Sr.
County: Delaware
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
Carol Kazeem
County: Delaware
Contact: kazeemforpa.com | facebook.com/KazeemForPA159th
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 160 - Democrat
Elizabeth R. Moro
Elizabeth R. Moro is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Chester
Occupation: Business Owner (Cafe), Real Estate Broker
Education: Western Michigan University: Public Policy, Political Science, Women + Gender Studies, Summa Cum Laude
Qualifications: Elizabeth interned in the Michigan House of Representatives, Ran for US Congress in the former PA 7th District in 2017-2018, and she is an active member in her community with land preservation and environmental protection. Elizabeth is also the author of The Civil Graces Project.
Contact: elizabethmoro.com | www.instagram.com/friendsofelizabethmoro/ | facebook.com/ElizabethMoroForPA160
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Reproductive freedom, access to health care including mental health care, protecting our environment, strengthening our infrastructure and schools. In our time, we have a duty to protect our democracy, civil rights, and women’s rights. We must stand together to defend the Constitution and values that build our communities. Legislation that takes away our voice and votes proposed at our state level goes against those values, and we must move forward, not backward. The next generation is looking to us to preserve our liberties, our environment, and the ability to access the American Dream for all. I believe in representative democracy and will be a voice for my district--protecting our rights and the issues most important to our communities.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I believe it is imperative to ensure the freedom to vote for all Americans, without discrimination, regardless of political party affiliation, or zip code. The right to vote is a trust that we hold with each other that we will show up, and it is the leadership in Pennsylvania’s responsibility to promote safe, secure and fair elections. Misinformation about our elections has made the process less safe for election officials and poll workers, and we must stand together to illuminate the truth--our election process works!
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
Education is the bedrock on which we build our state for future generations. My children attended public schools, and I commit to protecting and strengthening our schools and supporting the administrators and teachers. Funding must be equal and fair, and an excellent public education must be accessible to all our children in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is experiencing teacher shortages, and we must find ways to encourage and support our teachers with better compensation for their work. I will work with my colleagues to ensure our school systems stay strong, and in areas where we must increase support, we will do so. I will not support vouchers that take public funds from our public school system.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I would codify a woman’s right to abortion in the State of Pennsylvania and protect a woman’s right to make their own decisions about their health and their body.
District 160 - Republican
Craig Williams
County: Delaware
Contact: craigwilliamspa160.com | facebook.com/williamsPA160th
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 161 - Democrat
Leanne Krueger
Leanne Krueger is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Delaware
Occupation: Representative in the PA General Assembly
Education: Leanne holds an MBA from Eastern University and a BA from Rutgers University.
Qualifications: I have represented HD 161 since 2015. In 2023, I was elected to serve as the Majority Caucus Administrator and serve on the Leadership Team. Prior, I served as Senior Director at the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies and was the first ED of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Phil
Contact: leanne4pa.com | instagram.com/leanne4pa | facebook.com/voteleanne
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Three issues that are important to me and my community are: equitable investments in public education, protecting our environment and safeguarding and expanding women’s reproductive rights. Since my election in 2015, I have worked to protect workers’ rights and the environment. I have worked to bring environmental and labor groups together to find common ground. I co-sponsored LGBTQ anti-discrimination legislation, bills to raise the minimum wage and bills to expand voting access. I have also been a leader and gained national recognition on my work to expand access to reproductive health care, including abortion.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
We need to safeguard against attacks on our elections and legislative efforts to make voting harder for people in Pennsylvania. Election audits required by the State showed that Delaware County elections were safe and secure, yet there are those who still spread misinformation. I have co-sponsored bills that would make updates to the mail-in voting rules including practical changes requested by bipartisan groups of county election officials, including 21 days of pre-canvassing and implementing statewide electronic poll books for secure, real-time monitoring of election rolls.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
The state’s public school districts are underfunded, and the reliance on local property taxes exacerbates the equity gap across school districts. Funding our public schools fairly and adequately is a constitutional requirement and the Legislature needs to do better. The quickest way to stop the education gap from growing is to drastically increase state funding for public education and institute common sense reform for Charter schools. I support the Governor’s proposal in this year’s budget for a $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I support codifying access to abortion and other reproductive healthcare in Pennsylvania. Abortion is healthcare and I believe personal healthcare decisions should be made between an individual and their doctor. I’ve fought on the House floor against multiple extreme abortion bans and authored a bill to expand and protect access to birth control. I am still working to get my birth control expansion bill through the PA House.
District 161 - Republican
John Mancinelli Jr.
County: Delaware
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 162 - Democrat
Dave Delloso
Dave Delloso is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Delaware
Occupation: State Legislator; Teamsters Local 107 Business Agent/Trustee
Education: Academy Park HS
Qualifications: State Representative since 2018 fighting for the people of the 162 and PA; Accomplished Labor Leader of 25 years fighting for workers’ good jobs, good pay and a dignified retirement; Dedicated Father, Husband and Marine Corps Reservist.
Contact: davefordelco.com | www.facebook.com/DavidMDelloso
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Pennsylvania is a great state with great people! As a Member of the House, I can tell you that we are hard at work--reaching across the aisle whenever possible--to get things done on the big issues such as creating good paying jobs for working people to build a pathway to the middle class; ensuring quality, affordable education and training programs to help people get ahead; fully funding our public schools for a strong foundation; creating safer communities by reducing all types of violence; safeguarding reproductive health care rights; and, closing corporate loopholes to reduce the local tax burden to name just a few of the issues we are addressing.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
As Americans, we take pride in our right to vote as well as in the knowledge that our vote will be accurately counted. We in the State Legislature work with the Governor to make sure that the PA Dept of State has the necessary resources, from technical upgrades to trainings, to continually modernize, strengthen and fortify our election system at every level while also allowing eligible voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
Fair funding for schools is absolutely critical to the education and well-being of all PA’s children and their families. This important Commonwealth Court ruling provides the needed backing to address the terrible underfunding of certain districts and students. At this time, there are a number of competing proposals on the table. My colleagues and I are actively engaged in putting forward the best legislation that can pass in order to comply with the Court ruling.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
Abortion is legal in PA. I will continue to support access to abortion and women’s health care--including for IVF for families trying to have a child.
District 162 - Republican
Gabriella Mendez
County: Delaware
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 163 - Democrat
Heather Boyd
County: Delaware
Contact: heatherboydforpa.com | facebook.com/HeatherBoydforPA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 164 - Democrat
Gina H. Curry
County: Delaware
Contact: ginahcurry.com | facebook.com/gina.h.curry
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 165 - Democrat
Jennifer O’Mara
Jennifer O'Mara is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Delaware
Occupation: State Legislator
Education: Undergrad, West Chester University (Dual Degree in Secondary Education and History); Masters, University of Pennsylvania
Qualifications: Certified Teacher (Social Studies, grades 7-12); Experienced legislator who has: sponsored over 400 bills, authored two bills that became law & passed numerous bills sent to the state Senate, named one of America’s 11 most accessible legislators by the Town Hall Project, 100% session attendance.
Contact: voteomara.com | www.instagram.com/jennomara | facebook.com/JennOMara4PA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
I believe the most pressing issue facing Pennsylvania is ensuring affordability and equity across the Commonwealth. I hear from many people who are struggling to make ends meet--whether they are seniors who can’t afford their property taxes or parents who can’t afford child care. Too often, these issues are exacerbated depending on your zip code. We have already begun to address these problems in the House this year, but the work is not yet finished. In 2023, we passed a historic expansion to the child care tax credit, expanded the property tax & rent rebate program, and made the second-largest investment in public schools ever. We must continue to build upon these efforts because we’re only just getting started.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
The right to vote is the keystone of any vibrant democracy, and I believe that here in Pennsylvania, where American democracy was born, we should be leading by example and making it easier for all our citizens to vote. I have again sponsored a bill that would create an early voting period in our state. While my bill hasn’t become law yet, I was also happy to support Act 77 of 2019, which established mail-in early voting here in Pennsylvania. If re-elected, I will continue to support legislation to expand early voting, no excuse absentee voting, and mail-in voting, and oppose efforts to roll back our progress on these important issues. I also support automatic voter registration and applaud Gov. Shapiro for bringing this to our state.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I would support legislation that addresses the inequity in our system by providing: more funding per student, funding to address capital investments, increased funding for mental health & special education services, and funding that creates equity for taxpayers when considering the burden they have been carrying to fund our schools, especially in districts across Delaware County. I also want to mention that I do not support the creation of any additional programs that would drive taxpayer dollars away from public schools.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I want to strengthen PA abortion law by codifying the right to abortion in our Constitution. I also want to codify into law protections for women seeking access to abortion services in our state, protections for doctors and nurses providing critical care in our state, and protections for anyone seeking access to reproductive assistance technology like IVF in the Commonwealth. To me, preserving women’s reproductive freedom is of paramount importance and one of the most critical issues nationwide in this election.
District 165 - Republican
Liz Piazza
County: Delaware
Contact: facebook.com/people/Liz-Piazza-for-State-Representative/61556115254608
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 166 - Democrat
Greg Vitali
County: Delaware
Contact: votevitali.com | facebook.com/greg.vitali.1
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 166 - Republican
Kay Dugery
County: Delaware
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 167 - Democrat
Kristine Howard
Kristine Howard is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Chester
Occupation: State Representative
Education: BA in Philosophy University of Pennsylvania; J.D. Rutgers University Law School
Qualifications: Three term State Representative; Attorney; Former child abuse investigator and child welfare advocte.
Contact: kristinehoward.com | facebook.com/kristineforpa
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Educaton funding and the financial drain charter schools are having on public schools, I believe is the most pressing issue we face. Given the recent Commonwealth Court ruling declaring the current system and inequities in public school funding unconstitutional, we have a unique and pressing opportunity to reform school funding in Pennsylvania.
We need to consider comprehensive changes in the way we fund schools. Soley relying on property taxes clearly isn’t working. School districts in economically challenged communities suffer because property values are generally lower resulting in lower tax revenues. Working together, the legislature needs to develop new dedicated revenue streams and a new school funding formula.What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I support expanding ballot access by expanding mail voting, early voting and enacting same day voter registration. I oppose requiring photo IDs to vote.
We need to provide more funding for local election authorities to bolster their election staffing. We also need to allow local election authorities to begin processing mail ballots prior to election day. Additionally, also need to clarify rules on accepting mail ballots that have non-material deficiencies like incorrect dates and other minor issues, so voters are not disenfranchised for trivial matters.
I also support banning guns in or near polling places.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
see above
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I am the sponsor of the most comprehensive abortion reform bill ever introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature. For starters we need to move abortion regulation from the criminal code to the health code and regulate abortion in the context of healthcare.
Among other reforms, my bill codifies the protections of Roe v. Wade, allows Medicaid to be used for abortion access, and eliminates the TRAP laws that put unreasonable physical requirements on abortion facilities.
Abortion access is healthcare, and our laws need to reflect it.
District 167 - Republican
Melissa Dicranian
Melissa Dicranian is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Chester
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Education: Bachelor of Science - Interior Design. Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston
Qualifications: Community outreach partner - Equine based, and advocate for young adults pursuing vocational education. Chair - Charlestown Historic Architectural Review Board. Member PA Farm Bureau. Environmental steward to 46 -acre historic farm, Chester County.
Contact: pawomeninred.com | facebook.com/MelissaForPA167
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Many Pennsylvanians are struggling within our economy. Groceries & Energy prices are up, and Crime continues to rise.
For grocery suppliers, PA needs legislation that benefits companies that have chosen to help control prices while not reducing the packaged quantity.
I will support tax reform legislation that reduces taxes for businesses enabling them to have more competitive consumer pricing.
There is new legislation protecting crime victims which needs further awareness in the community.
The energy future in PA should not be funded by increasing the cost of energy to our citizens. PA is an exporter of energy, and this should be utilized to give PA citizens lower energy costs.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
Fair redistricting that benefits the people not political parties.
Require valid state identification to vote.
Support further public transportation to voting stations.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I support all schools being fully funded. With Pennsylvania actively working to fund our educational system, we must be diligent that the funding results in quality for students and parents at the forefront.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I believe women should have access to more specific female oriented healthcare and health education.
District 168 - Democrat
Lisa A. Borowski
Lisa A. Borowski is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Delaware
Occupation: State Representative
Education: B.S. Drexel University - Journalism
Qualifications: Resume https://1drv.ms/w/s!Ams7o7F2a7nMjDO5ToZkqBNokOHQ?e=f1sIug 30-year communications, markets, community relations healthcare professional. Served on Radnor Township School Board (4-years) & Commissioner, Radnor Board of Commissioners (president & vice president) 5 years.
Contact: lisaborowski.com | facebook.com/LisaBorowskiPA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
There are many pressing issues facing our commonwealth. They include:
- state funding for public schools and how the state’s failure to fund appropriately and fairly has led to overwhelming disparities. All children deserve access to a quality education.
- healthcare reimbursement rates for providers, hospital closures and consolidation of services are negatively impacting patients and providers.
- first responders - particularly fire & EMS - are facing staffing and funding shortages
- Infrastructure needs - PennDOT staffing & funding shortfalls in SEPA is contributing to growing issues on our roads & bridges
- need for gun safety legislation to help protect the community and responsible gun owners
- I would not change anything. I think it is and has been working. I would codify our current abortion laws and reproductive rights in the state constitution.protections for reproductive rights What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes? I support mail in voting and the addition of more ballot drop boxes and allowing people to drop their ballots at polling places on the day of the election. I fully support the Governor’s executive order to allow for people to register to vote when applying for a drivers license. I support prohibiting the misuse of AI in our elections. I also support legislation which would allow for early voting. I believe we should be making it easier for people to vote, not harder, and have co-sponsored several pieces of legislation which address that issue. As a commissioner, I supported the installation of video cameras to monitor ballot boxes because I do believe in safe & secure elections.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I am interested to see the legislation which will be driven by the BEFC report. I do believe our schools have not been fairly funded because there has been lack of will to identify a sustained funding source for our schools. It is time to create dedicated funding, make smart investments into facilities, and provide the funding necessary to ensure all children have access to the best possible education in a safe comfortable environment conducive to learning. My hope is we will soon see legislation which will put the funding in place to support our public school teachers and staff.
District 168 - Republican
Kathryn Buckley
County: Delaware
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 169 - Republican
Kate A. Klunk
County: York
Contact: kateklunkforstaterep.com | facebook.com/KateKlunkForStateRep
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 170 - Republican
Martina White
County: Philadelphia
Contact: votemartina.com | facebook.com/VoteMartinaPA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 171 - Republican
Kerry A. Benninghoff
County: Centre
Contact: benninghoff171.com
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 172 - Democrat
Sean Dougherty
County: Philadelphia
Contact: facebook.com/sean.dougherty.9
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
Kevin J. Boyle
County: Philadelphia
Contact: votekevinboyle.com | facebook.com/KevinBoyle4PA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 172 - Republican
Aizaz Gill
County: Philadelphia
Contact: gillforpa.com | facebook.com/GillforPa
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
Patrick Gushue
County: Philadelphia
Contact: facebook.com/patrick.gushue.33
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 173 - Democrat
Pat Gallagher
County: Philadelphia
Contact: facebook.com/p/Pat-Gallagher-for-State-Representative-100080256773045
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 174 - Democrat
Ed Neilson
Ed Neilson is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Electrician
Education: Abraham Lincoln High School / IBEW Apprenticeship / Some College
Contact: www.pahouse.com/Neilson | facebook.com/RepNeilson
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Crime is the most concerning that needs a multi tier approach to solve. Beginning with providing the tools to the people through education opportunities. From early identification of those that may need extra help to learn to expanding exposure to middle and high school students of the wealth of job opportunities in PA. If our young men and women are given opportunities to make money, there will be no need to steal. With a fully funded educational system in place, the quality of life issues facing the state will get better. Good education = good job = stable home.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
It is unfortunate that there is so much misinformation when it comes to our elections. To rebuild confidence, Voter ID needs to be part of the conversation. In an age when our phones use facial ID, laptops use fingerprints we need start making voting more accessible. We are experiencing difficulties to recruit volunteers to work elections, I see a future that individuals will be able to swipe their identification to vote at strategically placed voting locations throughout the county in places such as libraries, police/fire stations.
It is important that we as a legislature, listen to the local elected officials that run the elections in each county/city and pass laws that make process easier both to vote and to ensure accurate results.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I would support legislation that will bring the Commonwealth in full compliance. As a public school graduate, I know the importance of fully funding public schools and making certain that our students are exposed to multiple career paths. Not every child is a college kid, we can’t leave them behind and we need to allow them to experience and learn about other options available to them - for they are our future!!
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
What I will not do is talk hypotheticals, abortion is still legal in Pennsylvania. We all saw that on June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This decision effectively reverses Roe v. Wade (Roe) and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey (Casey) in defiance of nearly 50 years of precedent. Losing Roe means abortion is no longer federally protected as a constitutional right. There maybe a need for a change in PA Law to protect the rights of the women in our Commonwealth, I will review any proposal but in general terms. I will not support any law that restricts a women’s access to reproductive health care services.
District 175 - Democrat
Marylouise Isaacson
Marylouise Issacson is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: State Representative, 175th
Education: Mary received her bachelor’s in Political Science from State University of New York at Oneonta, an A.S. in Early Childhood Education from State University of New York at Farmingdale and is certified by the Temple Real Estate Institute.
Qualifications: Prior to serving as state representative, I worked as a staffer in the PA House Democratic Caucus for 12 years, , working on a range of issues from constituent services to drafting bills to bringing home resources.
Contact: maryisaacson.org | instagram.com/MaryIsaacsonPA | facebook.com/Mary4StateRep
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Education funding, raising the minimum wage, and transitioning Pennsylvania to a green economy have been legislative priorities of mine since I was elected in 2018. I am also dedicated to protecting our waterways, commonsense gun legislation, fighting for LGBTQ and women’s rights including protecting Roe, affordable healthcare for all and a government that is transparent and accountable to citizens, particularly in election reforms. I am working to address the growing shortage of teachers, bus drivers, school nurses, and education support personnel; investing in our workforce to keep our supply chain strong making much-needed improvements and investment in the childcare sector; and repairing our school buildings and the toxic hazards.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I am supportive of public financing for state and local campaigns. While I believe that Pennsylvania is moving in the right direction to catch up with other states in terms of voter accessibility and campaign reforms, we have a lot of work to do. I have been proud to look into policy and solutions to ensure that everyone is able to get out and vote – and that their vote is properly counted. I am supportive of using ranked choice voting, open primaries, mail-in voting, early voting, same day voter registration, requiring disclosures for independent expenditures, and campaign contribution limits. I have also signed on to the gift ban and am committed to ending gerrymandering.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I proudly served on the Basic Education Funding Committee that voted for a groundbreaking plan that will finally level the playing field by fully funding our schools. We recommended $6 billion in targeted investments over seven years to address inadequacies in funding. We also recommended delivering equity and predictability for all schools with at least an additional $1.4 billion in dedicated basic education funding -- $200 million per year for seven years. Further, because Pennsylvania school buildings have been neglected and school districts cannot be expected to absorb the massive costs of construction and renovations $2.1 billion was allotted to fix school buildings so students are free to learn in safe and healthy environments.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I most recently introduced legislation to remove unnecessary barriers to receiving abortion care in PA and also have voted for a shield bill to protect people traveling to our state for abortion care. I will always fight for access to reproductive healthcare and abortion both as a state representative and as an advocate. I’ve supported and cosponsored legislation to increase access to care, support clinic operations and safety, and address the false and misleading practices of crisis pregnancy centers. I am working tirelessly for provider expansion, access to contraceptives, comprehensive sex education, and funding for sexual and reproductive health care. Abortion is healthcare and I am committed to ensuring it remains safe and legal in PA.
District 176 - Democrat
Hope Christman
County: Monroe
Contact: facebook.com/Hope4PA176
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 176 - Republican
Jack Rader
County: Monroe
Contact: jackrader.com | facebook.com/electjackrader
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 177 - Democrat
Joe Hohenstein
County: Philadelphia
Contact: votehohenstein.com | facebook.com/ElectJoeHohenstein
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 178 - Democrat
Emma Rosenthal
County: Bucks
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 178 - Republican
Kristin Marcell
County: Bucks
Contact: votekristinpa.com | facebook.com/VoteKristinPA178
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 179 - Democrat
Jason Dawkins
County: Philadelphia
Contact: facebook.com/jason.dawkins.10
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 180 - Democrat
Jose A. Giral
County: Philadelphia
Contact: facebook.com/p/Jose-Giral-100078976286902
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 181 - Democrat
Lewis Nash
Lewis Nash is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: pastor
Education: Bibleway academy
Qualifications: Elder
Contact: citizensforlewisnash.org | facebook.com/nashsrforstaterepresentative
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Gun violence, jobs, education, affordable housing and the drug epidemic are pressing issues. I join with the leaders across Pennsylvania that Governor Shapiro has laid out a “thorough, bold” and “historic” budget proposal that would address the most pressing challenges facing the Commonwealth and create real opportunity. By supporting the legislation and bringing groups from the community to put action to the plans, we can identify solutions. I feel that the budget will allow Pennsylvania to become a safe, affordable place with zero tolerance for gun violence, better structure for homelessness and drug addictions, eradicating unemployment and low wages, funding to better schools and help for teachers, parents and students.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I want the Election Code reviewed and language made clear, concise and clean; have obsolete provisions removed so as not to cause electoral chaos or bring about costly lawsuits; ensure that voters are not disenfranchised. I will address voter records transferred in a timely manner electronically, posting voting results on line and ensuring individuals convicted of felonies are privy to registering to vote provided they will be out of jail by the next election. I support legislation to allow voters to fix flaws with mail ballots and make it mandatory to do so. Lastly, if a voter does not have a State ID or DL then a utility bill or lease could be appropriate ID.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
“Education is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Pennsylvania Constitution to all school-age children residing in the Commonwealth.” This was spoken by President Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer, who is the first Pennsylvania judge in history to expressly declare such a statement. These are the marching orders for the Legislature, Executive Branch and educators to make the constitutional promise a reality in our Commonwealth. I want the legislative branch to look at accountability for Adequacy Dollars, School infrastructure, Charter school reform, student supports in a post COVID world and teacher supports especially with a rapid teacher shortage. I will support all legislation which fairly remedies the school funding situation.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I wouldn’t make any changes now. I do feel that a woman has the right to make choices.
Malcolm Kenyatta
Malcolm Kenyatta is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: State Representative
Education: B.A. in Public Communications and a minor in Political Science from Temple University, M.S. in Strategic and Digital Communications from Drexel University, and completed the Harvard Kennedy School’s Executives in State and Local Government program
Contact: malcolmforpa.com | facebook.com/malcolmforpa
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
Naderah Griffin
Naderah Griffin is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Former Educator
Education: B.A. Psychology, M.Ed, & M.S. Forensic Medicine
Qualifications: Formers: Teacher-Sch Dist. of Phila, Federal Prog Analyst/POC -Payroll/Audits/Vetting/Custom Seals/Fingerprint/HIRING/PIV, Supv Mobile Crisis Therapist, Supv. TX Court Drug & Alcohol Therapist, & Lead Forensic Men & Women’s Intensive Recovery Dual Diagnosis (D&A, Mental Health, HIV, & HEP) Therapist
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
The most pressing issues here in Philadelphia are the cost of living, displacement of low income residents (Blacks people largely impacted) as a result of re-gentrification, poor education, mental health issues, mass incarceration (Blacks disproportionally impacted in comparison to other races), violent crimes, unemployment/low wages, homeless Veterans, and our Seasoned Seniors often left at the wayside.
Education: Advocate that Legislation MANDATE that we give our children the same quality education that they do for the children in the suburbs and surrounding counties.
LIFE BEHIND & BEHIND BARS : TOTAL ABOLITION of Life Without Parole , Juvenile Life, Death Penalty, and Death Row; Release Terminally Ill Inmates to Expire with Love Ones
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
- Stop Voter’s Coercion
- • Set a specific timeframe (2 days or so) that candidates can review ballots when there is a question of lack of integrity and/or discrepancy (ies)Stop Voter’s Intimidation • Thoroughly train staff on how to assist voters and candidates with the WRITE-IN Process (es) • Stop instructing voters and candidates to seek legal advice for questions the staff should know and provide in the Philadelphia Election Commission Department • Have a localized office (s) that all documents required to seek and hold an office can be retrieved from
- Set up a Law Unit that candidates can utilize/pay if he/she need legal advice and/or retention ( To stop attorneys from declining service in fear of incumbents)
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I would advocate that the funds are retroactive so that we can start working on the needs of the underserved schools.
I would create a seasoned taskforce of educators and some parents to assess what we have, what we need, develop a plan, and carry it out.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I support a Pro-choice Law. Like any other discriminatory acts, we women have a right to choose over our bodies. More importantly, a man should not make a decision on whether or not a woman should be prohibited from seeking and/or obtaining an abortion, especially during medical advisement to save the Mother. A woman’s right is violated and she is discriminated against when one strips her of her right to choose.
District 182 - Democrat
Ben Waxman
County: Philadelphia
Contact: votewaxman.com | facebook.com/waxmanphilly
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 183 - Democrat
Joe Lenzi
Joe Lenzi is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Northampton
Occupation: Outside sales representative, northern NJ for Coopersburg Kenworth
Education: BA public service Penn State, 1984; hospitality administration certificate, NYU, 1990
Qualifications: Lived over 25 years in district, PCP for Northampton county democratic committee
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Property Tax Reform. Property & School Taxes should be progressive graduated and based on homeowners income, Elderly or Disabled Homeowners on a fixed Income should be rebated 100% of these taxes. All homeowners with incomes less than $150K annual net income should be rebated up to 100% of these taxes.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
100% no-fault absentee mail-in votes
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
State should fully fund 100% local public schools
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
we should codify Roe into state constitution
District 183 - Republican
Zach Halkias
County: Lehigh
Contact: www.halkiasforpa.com | facebook.com/zachari.halkias
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
Zach Mako
County: Northampton
Contact: zachmakoforpa.com | facebook.com/mako4pa
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 184 - Democrat
Elizabeth Fiedler
Elizabeth Fiedler is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Legislator
Contact: elizabethfiedler.com | instagram.com/eliz_fiedler | facebook.com/Fiedler4Philly
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
My top priorities focus on education, workers’ rights, and climate & economy. I am committed to working to ensure our public schools are fully funded, energy efficient, and free of toxins.
I strongly support growing and strengthening labor unions. We must invest in social safety nets and public institutions to create unionized, family sustaining jobs, offering stability and consistency instead of forcing workers into a cycle of precarity.
We must increase PA’s minimum wage to at least $15/hr, and pass statewide Fair Workweek legislation to ensure predictable work schedules and pay for workers. To slow climate change, we must invest in clean energy, electrification, efficiency, and climate adaptation, and expand our public transit systems.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
Voting is a fundamental right that should be easily accessible. I support the option for mail-in ballots, making election day a federal holiday, automatic voter registration, and on-site voter registration.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I have been working since my inauguration in January 2019 to fight for healthy, energy efficient, 21st Century public schools. I have introduced a number of pieces of legislation to demand emergency funding to remediate lead, mold, and asbestos in our schools to protect the health and safety of children and all school workers. I support fully and fairly funded schools and sending all basic education dollars through the Fair Funding Formula. I also authored the Solar for Schools Grant Program, which will provide money to schools to convert to solar energy, providing CTE opportunities for students and freeing up much-needed funds for facilities repairs.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
A core tenet of my platform is the belief that every Pennsylvanian should have access to safe, high quality, and affordable healthcare, including abortion services. We must not only fight to protect access to reproductive healthcare in Pennsylvania, but expand and strengthen the protections currently in place. That is why I’ve co-sponsored legislation designed to remove obstacles to abortion care in Pennsylvania and protect abortion providers.
District 185 - Democrat
Regina G. Young
Regina G. Young is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Politician
Education: MA- Community Development
Qualifications: Former educator, social service worker, certified grief and HIV counselor, and community organizer
Contact: Www.repreginayoung.com | facebook.com/rbromell
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Education is the most pressing issue. If we can’t provide and equitable and educational pipeline, then we are setting our youth up for failure.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
Access to early voting should be a on the table. In the 21st century we should have more options available.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
There are several to choose from, however whatever is addressing fair funding for our schools, I’m on board
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I believe thatbour Caucus put forth some great legislation. We just need the Senate to pass it.
District 186 - Republicam
Jordan A. Harris
County: Philadelphia
Contact: jordanharrisforpa.com | facebook.com/p/Jordan-A-Harris-100057913036224
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 187 - Democrat
Stefanie Rafes
Stefanie Rafes is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Lehigh
Occupation: Physician Assistant
Education: Bachelor of Science, Physician Assistant Studies
Qualifications: As a Physician Assistant for the last 20 years, I have developed the skills to work collaboratively, and think critically. I am a problem solver who leads and advocates with compassion and empathy. I am able to assess complex situations and take decisive action to ensure positive outcomes.
Contact: votestefrafes.com | www.instagram.com/vote.stef.rafes/?hl=en | facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555220766839
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
First, a significant issue affecting Pennsylvanians is financial stress as we combat inflation. While the economy recovers, it is essential that we work together to provide support to small businesses, create job opportunities, and implement measures to stimulate growth in our Commonwealth. Second, the lack of affordable healthcare options continues to be a concern for many Pennsylvanians. We must work towards improving healthcare affordability, lowering medication costs and expanding access to essential services. Finally, we cannot ignore the inadequate funding of our education system. PA ranks among the lowest in the country for state funding per student. We must prioritize education and invest in our students, teachers and staff.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
The most significant way we can expand voting access in Pennsylvania is by allowing unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections. Independent voters are the fastest growing cohort, yet they cannot participate in choosing candidates in the primaries, leaving voters of each party alone to pick their candidates. To ensure election security, we must invest in modern and secure voting technology. A paper ballot system makes for easy auditing since there is a verifiable paper trail. Election officials must be appropriately trained on best practices for safeguarding sensitive data. We can enhance transparency and accountability by conducting audits to verify the accuracy of election results, and to detect discrepancies and irregularities.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I would support the basic education funding commission. We must ensure equitable education funding for all students across the Commonwealth. Disparities in funding undermine the quality of education for students in underfunded districts which perpetuates systemic inequalities in the Commonwealth. We will need to address the root causes of the funding disparities, such as over-reliance on local property taxes. Growing districts such as East Penn and Parkland need resources to adequately accommodate the student populations and reduce the burden on property taxes. By implementing a fair and transparent funding formula, and complying with the court’s ruling, we can ensure that all children in Pennsylvania have equal access to quality education.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
The right to abortion is not guaranteed in Pennsylvania’s constitution. I support enshrining a statute of protection for abortion as a fundamental right. I will always advocate for a woman’s right to control her own body and make her own healthcare decisions. The government should not be in exam rooms or have the ability to access confidential medical information. Currently, only physicians can provide abortions and not other qualified healthcare professionals. As a Physician Assistant, I understand that many rural communities may only have access to an allied health provider such as a PA/NP or Midwife. Expanding the pool of available providers would increase access and reduce wait times, while still providing safe and high quality care.
District 187 - Republican
Gary Day
County: Lehigh
Contact: facebook.com/gary.day.52
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 188 - Democrat
Tony Dphax King
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: MH consultant - self employed; Public Servant
Education: Temple University, B.A. Psychology; West Philadelphia High School; B.B. Comegys
Qualifications: Humility & Public Service
Contact: King4REP.org | www.instagram.com/king4rep2024/ | facebook.com/tony.d.king.75
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
There’s a great divide between housing/affordable living needs and ALL TYPES of owners of real estate (including poor & senior citizen landlords). This is now a NATIONAL issue, but PA has not found a BALANCE regarding this topic.
The People want me to do something about a city agency that has been waging economic warfare on people in the Delaware Valley for many years. I am the perfect gladiator to face these racketeers because I WIN against this mob in court. Now I want to help The People WIN.
There are other issues and I look forward to hearing about those issues from The People.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I personally expand access by offering my time at the polls to translate for Spanish speakers who don’t speak English. I have a certificate from Philadelphia City Commissioners. This is how I support election officials.
I want to study this issue more.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
First I want to say that I am a 100% PUBLIC SCHOOL advocate. I read about the Commonwealth Court’s ruling but I want to study this more.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
PA abortions are banned after 23 weeks, 6 days. If you are UNDER 18, I agree that parents/guardians must give permission for an abortion. I agree with the judicial bypass. Good Law is when there is at least ONE exception. I need to hear what the abortion advocates have to say about this topic. I’m a Candidate that can be convinced to do anything AS LONG AS IT MAKES SENSE.
Rick Krajewski
County: Philadelphia
Contact: rickforphilly.com | facebook.com/RickforPhilly
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 189 - Democrat
Tarah Probst
Tarah Probst is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Monroe
Occupation: State Representative PA House 189
Education: East Stroudsburg High School, King’s College, Widener University School Of Law
Qualifications: Current State Rep, Mayor Of Stroudsburg Borough for 7 years prior, currently serve on the Education, Housing, Tourism, State, Local Government committees. As Mayor, was on the Police Commission, Public Relations, Streets Dept, I-80 task force committees. Member of the Council of Governments & more
Contact: tarahprobst.com | www.instagram.com/friendsoftarahprobst/ | facebook.com/FriendsOfTarahProbst
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Funding our schools properly which will help lessen the tax burden. Monroe County schools are the worst in the state in funding and have been underfunded for decades. Protecting a woman’s right to her body, better pay, better jobs, affordable houseing, mental health issues, affordable higher education, helping our Veterans with taxes, healthcare & affordable housing, cost of living adjustments for seniors, affordable healthcare, better roads and infrastructure, affordable PRE-K to name a few. For every $1 we invest in educating kids, we get a $17 return. In my Pike County portion of my district, they need accessible healthcare. I have been working on that since day one.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
The propaganda that elections are not secure is an outrage to me. We have extremely secure elections and access to the ballot is key for every Pennsylvanian. I would keep mail in voting, support our counties in the process and I support Governor Shapiro’s initiatives with DMV registration.What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I have voted to stop the cyber charter thievery on our tax payers. House Bill 1422, money should not to coroporations in public education, it should go to kids, and these cyber charter corporations have taken nearly 2 billion dollars from our taxpayers. The Governor supports this as well. The Basic Education Funding Commission found that we have underserved our schools over the last 25 years and agree with their assessment that we are 5 billion dollars underfunded. Monroe County Schools are literally the worst in the state and if this passes in his budget, we will see relief on our taxes, more programs for kids and better overall outcomes. I support Public Education and when schools are good, communities thrive.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I signed on to all house bills that protect a woman’s right to her body, protecting the doctors who perform abortions and women from other states. Abortion is healthcare and I will protect a woman’s right at all costs. These bills are sitting in the Senate.
District 189 - Republican
Lisa Vanwhy
County: Monroe
Contact: facebook.com/lvanwhy
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 190 - Democrat
James Love Jackson
County: Philadelphia
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
Roni Green
Roni Green is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: State Representative
Contact: ronigreenfor190.com | facebook.com/RoniFor190
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Increase Minimum Wage
It’s not possible to raise a family on $7.25 per hour. Even single people cannot feed themselves, pay rent, pay utilities, and save for the future on $7.25 per hour.
As we recover from COVID-19, we need to ensure that workers are getting a fair wage. It is completely unacceptable that our state hasn’t raised the minimum wage in over a decade, even though our neighboring states have.
In 2020, I introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $15 per hour. As your next representative, I intend to keep fighting to ensure once and for all that no one in our state has to work for poverty wages.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I believe the House Democratic Policy Committee has made significant progress in legislation to protect and expand ballot access, improve transparency, and support poll workers and election officials throughout our Commonwealth.
https://www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/defendingdemocracy
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I believe we need a fair funding formula to fill the $6.2 billion void left by chronic underfunding of our school systems across our Commonwealth. The state has an obligation to ensure equity in our school system, and properly allocate funding to bridge the gap between the haves and the have nots.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I believe, unequivocally, in a woman’s right to choose. Any legislation I would support would be to protect that right.
District 191 - Democrat
Joanna E. McClinton
County: Philadelphia
Contact: mcclintonforpa.com | facebook.com/Joanna4PA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 192 - Democrat
Morgan Cephas
County: Philadelphia
Contact: morgancephas.com | facebook.com/friendsofmorgancephas
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 193 - Republican
Torren Ecker
County: Adams
Contact: eckerforstaterep.com | facebook.com/eckerforstaterep
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 194 - Democrat
Tarik Khan
County: Philadelphia
Contact: tarikforpa.com | facebook.com/TarikForPA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 195 - Democrat
Donna Bullock
County: Philadelphia
Contact: donnabullock195.com | facebook.com/donnabullock195
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 196 - Republican
Seth M. Grove
County: York
Contact: citizensforgrove.com
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 197 - Democrat
Danilo Burgos
County: Philadelphia
Contact: facebook.com/Bodegas215
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 198 - Democrat
Darisha K. Parker
County: Philadelphia
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 199 - Democrat
Rick Christie
Rick Christie is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Cumberland
Occupation: Retired from LTL Trucking Industry as Account Executive
Education: BA in Social Work (Kent State University); PA Teaching Certification in Secondary Social Studies (Edinboro University)
Qualifications: Varied employment experiences as teacher, special needs students advocate, attendance officer, coach, manager and account executive in LTL trucking and commercial paper industries.
Contact: ElectRickChristie.com
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
The most pressing issues involving Pennsylvanians involve putting PEOPLE over politics. Legislators in the PA General Assembly should be concentrating on problem solving for the people of PA over pushing national culture war issues and off base conspiracy theories. These are serious times which require sober and serious thinking and acting in the interest of all people of the 199th District and Pennsylvania. Access to affordable, quality healthcare including mental health/addiction services; preservation of our farmlands, fields, and forests; a woman’s right to her healthcare and reproductive freedom; and equal access to quality public education are some of the most urgent issues facing our 199th District and all of Pennsylvania.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
Voting in a democracy is a sacred civil right and should always favor and enable greater participation. I am always in favor of any law that encourages more voter turnout, not less, and more access to participating in our election process. While we should continuously look for enhanced ways to secure the accuracy and integrity of our voter rolls, that enhanced security should never be used to disenfranchise Pennsylvania voters. I believe we should make it easier to participate in the election process, be it increased and easier mail in voting, more secured drop box locations, or public access/transportation to the polls. Expanded days to early vote would help to increase access for all citizens. The PA mail in ballot should be simplified.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I support implementation of the Basic Education Funding Commission’s recommendations to reform the way PA funds public education and to comply with the Constitutional mandate. I also support reforms to cyber school funding to strengthen accountability to taxpayers and enforce state education standards.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
I oppose any laws, policies, or regulations, that limit safe and legal access to abortion. If anything, Pennsylvania should codify the right to choose in our Constitution
Montana Hartman
Montana Hartman is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Cumberland
Occupation: Support Service Professional at United Cerebral Palsy Central PA
Education: Cumberland Valley High School, Harrisburg Area Community College
Qualifications: Studied Sociology and Political Science, serving as Judge of Elections for Middlesex I
Contact: montanaforpennsylvania.com | www.facebook.com/people/Montana-for-Pennsylvania/100090206106859/
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
I don’t believe there’s one specific issue hitting the people of the Commonwealth, but all of the issues we face can be traced back to one root: the cost of living. In order to make life more than barely survivable we need to begin with raising the minimum wage and encouraging employers to be more competitive with their pay. The current timeline on upping the wage has us reaching $15/hour by 2026, but the surrounding states could be much higher by then. Furthermore, our elected officials continue to put the interests of major corporations before the people and that’s contributing to the financial struggles we face. I will always put the community and small businesses before the interests of corporations that can already afford to succeed.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
As a Judge of Elections, I have the honor of seeing up-close how our electoral process works, and it’s truly fascinating, but there’s clear ways to make for a more efficient election. There’s already plenty of safeguards in place to make sure that election results are accurate, down to the very precinct and machine, but things like more staff, ballot curing, open primaries, etc. can contribute to a clearer and more accurate election on the in-person level. In terms of procedures throughout the Commonwealth, our election code hasn’t been updated since 1937, and it’s time that it gets updated to reflect our modern life and voting processes.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I would support any meaningful legislation that increases funding to our public schools to ensure that our youth, the future of this country and Commonwealth, are given quality, realistic, and unbiased education; to ensure that enough teachers are staffed to a school and that those teachers are paid a living wage; and to ensure that those teachers aren’t forced to use their own hard-earned money to put supplies in the classroom. The majority of lawmakers debating the funding for public schools haven’t stepped foot in one in about forty years, but this was only six years ago for me, I know what it’s like to attend public schools today.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
The government has an obligation to uphold and safeguard the right to choose, but beyond that, it’s up to the individual to decide what to do with their bodies and the government shouldn’t be further involved in such a personal matter. I will support policy and changes that reflect such and puts the individual person’s liberties before the opinions of the state congress.
District 199 - Republican
Barb Gleim
County: Cumberland
Contact: barbgleim.com | facebook.com/Gleim199th
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.
District 200 - Democrat
Chris Rabb
Chris Rabb is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: State Representative, District 200
Qualifications: Four-term incumbent for the 200th Legislative District
Contact: rabbforthepeople.com | www.instagram.com/Rabb4ThePeople/ | facebook.com/RabbForThePeople
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Pennsylvanians face urgent challenges, for which our responses should be rooted in care, equity and shared prosperity. Our public schools need to be fully and equitably funded. I have authored a bill to codify a formula for what a full and fair funding mandate looks like, as well as the Fair Share Tax Plan bill, which could help bridge the $5 billion gap needed for our schools by ensuring the wealthy contribute fairly. Gun violence demands common sense reforms, an end to pre-emption and funding for non-carceral prevention. Gentrification threatens affordable housing; we need more homes and to invest in green retrofits. The climate crisis requires renewable energy investments and carbon neutrality by 2050, for which I have a bill.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
We need serious election reforms in PA to strengthen our collective democracy. I have bills to: introduce rank choice voting to reduce polarization and increase voter turn-out; increase youth participation by allowing pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and instituting same-day registration. I am a strong advocate for realizing incarcerated individuals’ voting rights, proposing absentee ballot eligibility and civic education in correctional institutions. Additionally, I have a bill to modernize signature collections and special election procedures, fostering a fairer and more efficient electoral system in Pennsylvania. I believe our elections should be publicly financed.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
100% of state education dollars should be routed through the current fair funding formula. However, presently only a fraction of such funds are directed as such because of claims of lack of appropriate funding and the concern that some school districts would take home less for their schools. By enacting my Fair Share Tax Plan bill, there will be much more state revenue from which our schools can be fully funded. But we also need update the funding formula itself to fully comply with the Court’s decision. By ensuring adequacy alongside equity, we can eliminate the zero-sum game where one district’s gain comes at the expense of another. This bill understands we have the ability to bring about significant investments to increase the state’s sh
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
Healthcare is a human right and abortion is healthcare. I support safe and reliable access to reproductive care for all birthing people and Pennyslvanians and have fought back against forced-birth extremists every year in Harrisburg. I have been strongly endorsed by Planned Parenthood, five times, and regularly work on and support legislation to expand abortion access and contraception care.
Ideally, Pennsylvania should make bodily autonomy and reproductive rights – inclusive of abortion access – a constitutional right for all its residents.
District 201 - Democrat
Andre D. Carroll
Andre D. Carroll is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Organizer
Education: Associate Degree in Business Administration
Qualifications: Worked for Philadelphia City Controller’s Office & Pennsylvania State Senate
Contact: andredcarroll.com | www.instagram.com/andredcarroll/ | facebook.com/andre.carroll.9
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Safe & Quality Education: We need to fully and equitably fund our public schools and invest in our young people, educators, and school infrastructure. Right now, we spend nearly double the amount of money to incarcerate individuals than we spend on students.
Living Wage: We need to raise the drastically low minimum wage to a living wage so our communities can thrive and not just survive.
Housing is a human right: We need to create more access to affordable housing while supporting and funding initiatives like the Whole Homes Repairs that will greatly impact homeowners in my district. This will bring jobs to our communities and allow us to stay warm, safe, and dry in homes for generations to come.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
We need to end voter suppression efforts like voter ID laws. We should expand language access on the ballot to more than is required by law. We should make Election Day a federal holiday to expand access to voting. We should also extend the voter registration deadline and allow same day registration.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I support legislation that makes school funding fair and equitable and provides funding to repair school facilities across the State and in Philadelphia (mold, lead, air quality).
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
With reproductive rights and abortion access under attack across the country, Pennsylvania must continue to be a beacon of hope for those seeking abortion and reproductive health services. We must find ways to grant free access to high quality, trauma informed, and culturally competent reproductive health and abortion services for working class communities across our commonwealth.
District 202 - Democrat
Jared Solomon
Jared Solomon is running for Pennsylvania State House.Provided by the League of Women Voters
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: State Representative and JAG Attorney in PA National Guard
Education: Swarthmore College and Villanova Law
Qualifications: Attorney, Community Organizer, State Representative, lifetime 100% voting scorecard from Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates
Contact: jaredsolomon.com | www.instagram.com/jaredgsolomon/ | www.facebook.com/JaredSolomonPA
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
Jared knows that good government can do great things because he’s made progress in his own neighborhood. He worked with the community to tackle crime head-on with simple and effective solutions like installing better street lighting, converting abandoned properties to public parks, and investing in youth programs — and it is WORKING. After cleaning up the WeLoveU Park and putting an end to short dumping, crime around the park went down 37% in just a matter of weeks. Jared is working to bolster investment in gun crime preventative justice tools that have already shown promise, including gun-violence intervention initiatives- turning blighted properties into community parks, lighting, home repairs, and greening up gun-violence-plagued blocks.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
Jared Solomon is proud to be the author of legislation to open Pennsylvania’s closed primaries. Pennsylvania has a closed primary system, meaning that only voters registered with a given party can vote in that party’s primary election. Voters who are unaffiliated are prohibited from voting in a primary election. Jared believes we must embrace the over 1.2 million disenfranchised voters in Pennsylvania who are currently unaffiliated with any political party. By disenfranchising these voters, we are losing a good opportunity to hear new ideas and fresh perspectives. Open primaries would give these voters a voice and strengthen our democracy.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
Jared would support legislation to increase basic and special education funding in a way that moves Pennsylvania towards greater income and racial equity, closes adequacy gaps, invests in school facilities, but also ensures the stability of funding for school districts and results in no substantial losses in state funding.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
Abortion and personal health care decisions are between a woman and her doctor, not politicians. Jared will always protect and defend women’s access to abortion in Pennsylvania. In the State Legislature, Jared introduced legislation to preserve a woman’s right to choose by providing a framework to work with neighboring states to prevent investigations of reproductive health care services, disclosure of records, and negative licensing actions. Throughout his entire tenure in the State House, Jared has maintained a lifetime 100% voting scorecard from Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates based on votes on key legislation related to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
District 203 - Democrat
Anthony Bellmon
County: Philadelphia
Contact: bellmonforpa.com | facebook.com/BellmonforPA
This candidate has not completed the 2024 primary election voters’ guide.