Election 2022: Meet Melissa Cerrato, State Representative Candidate

HORSHAM, PA — With the November general election just around the corner, Patch is profiling some of the candidates whose names will appear at the ballot box.

Below, we introduce you to Melissa Cerrato, a Horsham resident and political newcomer who is vying for the 151st Legislative District seat currently held by incumbent Republican Rep. Todd Stephens.

Patch sent a questionnaire to Cerrato and below are her responses.

Name
Melissa Cerrato

Age
40

Town Of Residence
Horsham

What Communities Does Your District Cover?
Horsham, Upper Dublin, Montgomeryville, and Ambler Borough

Party Affiliation (If Applicable)
Democrat

Family
My husband John and I have four amazing daughters aged 8, 8, 16, and 18. John is a member of the Steamfitters Local 420 and our girls all attend local public schools.

Occupation
Former District Office Director for Rep. Liz Hanbidge. Currently campaigning full time since I had to step away from working for the PA House to run for this seat.

How Long Have You Held Public Office? If You Are A Political Newcomer, What Made You Decide To Get Involved In Politics?
I never thought I would work in politics, but when my dear friend Liz Hanbidge won a seat in the PA House of Representatives and asked me to run her District Office, I answered the call. As a caregiver, I have always cherished the ability to make a job out of helping families in need. My position running Rep. Hanbidge’s district office allowed me to work directly for the community and become attuned to what daily struggles they faced, as well as giving me a revealing “peek behind the curtain” at what was happening or not happening on a legislative level.
From 2018 to 2022 I watched time and again as bills that would have improved people's lives died in committee just because they were penned by a Democrat.
Now, I'm answering the call again – this time to step up and fight for my community, to be a voice for the will of my neighbors, and to change what happens in Harrisburg. This year, our fundamental human rights are at the mercy of those elected to the state legislature. It’s time for representation we can trust.

How Long Have You Lived In Pennsylvania? How Long Have You Lived In The District You Either Represent, Or Are Seeking To Represent?
I have lived in Pennsylvania for the majority of my life and have been a Horsham resident for over a decade now.

What Are Some Of The Top Issues Facing Your District?
The biggest issues in my district are not so different from any other district–the residents I have spoken with want to see common sense gun reform and livable wages, to codify the right to choose into law, to ensure our children are getting a good quality education and have access to clean air and safe water. We want to be healthy and safe and see our communities thrive. Unfortunately, Harrisburg is not helping us achieve those things. That is why I have decided to run for this position and change Harrisburg’s priorities.

What In Your Background Qualifies You For The Elected Position?
Working as District Director for Rep Liz Hanbidge. I directly served my neighbors, seniors, and veterans in need of support. From helping to put millions of dollars in unclaimed funds back in people's pockets, to fighting to end a months-long backlog and get Pennsylvanians long-awaited unemployment assistance, my job was to get results for our community when no one else could. For four years, I was the person on the other end of the phone answering the calls of people who needed help and I got them that help.

Do You Believe Adhering To Party Doctrine Or Serving Constituents Is More Important?
I believe in being a voice for my community. I have knocked over 6,300 doors since March, when I declared, not only because I want to understand what is happening in the lives of my constituents, but more importantly, to understand what legislative solutions can relieve the burden of the problems they face. I am a Democrat because I fundamentally believe Democratic policies are more humane and will help support my community, but I will never shut down a good idea if it benefits the people of my district or because it doesn’t fit within “party doctrine.”

Are You Willing To Work Across The Political Aisle To Get Things Accomplished?
Yes. I believe that the biggest breakdown we have in Harrisburg is due to the way committees are divided. When you have 15 legislators from the majority party and only 10 from the minority party it has been proven that little can be accomplished, and partisan lines will continue to be drawn. I believe that we need to level out our committees to be closer to 13 to 12 so that true non-partisan legislation can be moved forward to benefit Pennsylvanians. I look forward to representing all people of my district and helping to fight for changes that will benefit us all.

Is There Anything Else You Would Like Folks To Know About You?
I care about my family, friends and neighbors. I stepped out of my comfort zone and stepped up to run for this seat not for a title but to fight for a brighter future for my girls. I am fighting for a world in which our children are free to be themselves and not only follow but obtain their dreams. I made it my mission in this race to get to know as many members of my community as possible and to be accessible to them. I want to amplify their voices and fight alongside them to provide a better, safer future for us all. I hope that I have earned the votes of those in my district, and it will be an absolute honor to serve them.