Election 2025: Michelle Benitez For Bensalem Council

Candidates running in the Nov. 4 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — Michelle Benitez is running for a seat on the Bensalem Township Council in the Nov. 4 general election.

Benitez, a Republican, is among the candidates vying for three, four-year terms on the five-member council. Longtime Republican Councilman Joseph Pillieri did not seek re-election.

The candidates are Republican newcomer Will Walker and Councilwomen Stacey Champion and Michelle Benitez. They are running against Democrats Joseph Wenzel Jr., Ed Tokmajian, and Jesse Sloan.

Biographical Information

• Name: Michelle Benitez
• Age: 43
• Town of Residence: Bensalem Township
• Position sought: Bensalem Township Council
• Are you an incumbent? Yes
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Bensalem Township
• Party Affiliation: Republican
• Family: Two daughters, Carmelita and Gianna
• Education: Attended Bucks County Community College
• Occupation: Vice President, National Financial Firm

Candidate Questions

1. How do you feel about the township's future development?

I’m confident that our current leadership is committed to preserving Bensalem’s suburban character and quality of life. It’s imperative that we continue to advocate against high-density housing when discussing future development plans, as such projects would place undue strain on traffic flow, our school district, and overall sustainability.

While we do have major projects on the horizon, our focus must remain on capturing the essence of Bensalem’s history, charm, and natural beauty. Additionally, we should prioritize negotiating for more shared community spaces in collaboration with developers whenever those opportunities arise.

2. What are your thoughts on political violence in the country?

I strongly condemn all forms of political violence. We must always strive for peace, understanding, and respectful dialogue — blessed are the peacemakers.

3. What are the biggest challenges facing the borough?

Public safety and security remain top priorities. We must continue to support our police, fire, and EMS departments to ensure they have the resources and training needed to protect our residents. Additionally, stormwater management is a significant challenge that demands ongoing attention.

While many improvements have been completed in recent years, we will continue to invest in infrastructure upgrades and carefully review all new development plans to ensure they incorporate effective and sustainable stormwater strategies.

Follow: “Benitez for Bensalem” on Facebook for more information.