Election 2025: Democrat Mary Brashier For New Hope Mayor

Candidates running in the May 20 Primary for mayor of New Hope are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will appear individually for each candidate.

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — Democrat Mary Brashier is running for mayor in New Hope Borough. She faces Democrat Frank DeLuca in a contested Democratic Primary on May 20. They are seeking to replace Mayor Larry Keller who is not running for re-election. There is no candidate on the Republican ballot.

Biological Information

Name: Mary Brashier

Age: 47

Town of residence: New Hope

Position sought: Mayor

What Towns Does your Position Cover: New Hope Borough

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: My family has lived in New Hope for about 15 years. We’ve raised - and are still raising - our six children here. Michael (23) and Cece (22) graduated from New Hope-Solebury High School in 2021. Cece is graduating from NYU this May and will be heading on to New York Law School in the Fall. Aidan (20) graduated from NHS in 2023 and is now finishing up his second year at The College of New Jersey. Rachael (15) is a freshman, Tori (11) is in 5th grade, and William (9) is in 4th grade.

Education: I graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1999 with a double major in elementary education and psychology. I am also certified as a highly qualified teacher in Middle School English Language Arts.

Occupation: Former Educator, Experienced Fundraiser, Community Advocate, and Vice President of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce

Questions

1. Why are you running for mayor? If elected, what will you bring to the table?

I’m running for mayor because I care deeply about New Hope - not just as a destination, but as a community where people live, work, raise families, and belong. As a parent, longtime resident, Chamber of Commerce Vice President, and active volunteer, I’ve spent years listening to what matters most to our neighbors. I want to bring that same level of commitment, care, and common sense to the mayor’s role.

When elected, I’ll bring collaborative, steady leadership. While the mayor has only a tie-breaking vote on council, I’ll work closely with borough council to advocate for thoughtful, community-centered policies. I’ll be an accessible and proactive bridge between residents, local businesses, and government - someone who shows up, follows through, and helps get things done.

I believe in transparency, inclusivity, and practical progress. I’ve always been a strong ally to LGBTQ+ individuals and families, and I will continue to stand with and support those who make New Hope such a special, creative, and welcoming place.

As a registered Independent voter for many years, I’m proud to be running as a Democrat because my values have always aligned with equity, inclusion, and the belief that leadership should serve everyone, not just a select few.

2. What do you see as the major issues in town and how will you address them?

New Hope is a remarkable town, but we’re at a point where thoughtful leadership is more important than ever. One of the biggest challenges we face is balancing our thriving tourism economy with the everyday needs of residents. Tourism supports our local businesses, but it must be managed in a way that protects quality of life … with attention to noise, traffic, and infrastructure, and a focus on keeping New Hope livable and enjoyable for the people who call it home.

Another key issue is how we approach development. Growth is inevitable, but it has to be done responsibly. I’ll advocate for development that contributes to the community - not just in revenue, but in public benefit: things like green space, open areas, playgrounds, and walkability. We should expect developers to be partners in community-building, not just profit-making.

We also need to invest in people - all ages and backgrounds. I want to create more opportunities for youth to feel connected and involved in our town, whether they attend New Hope-Solebury schools or not. And I’ll work to bridge the gap between residents and the school district - especially those who no longer have children in the system or never did. Public schools are a vital part of any town’s ecosystem, and stronger connections mean stronger outcomes for everyone.

Our senior population also deserves attention - with more age-friendly programs, accessibility, and ways to remain actively engaged in town life.

These challenges can’t be solved overnight, but they can be addressed with leadership that’s present, collaborative, and focused on long-term well-being. I’ll show up, I’ll listen, and I’ll work with Borough Council and community members to ensure progress that reflects who we are - and who we want to be.

3. What kind of mayor will you be?

I’ll be a mayor who leads with people - not ego. I will continue to be someone who listens first, builds relationships, and stays grounded in what really matters to residents. I won’t bring drama or division; I’ll bring clarity, compassion, and action.

I’ll also be a mayor who brings value to our town. Through my work with the Chamber and community organizations, I’ve built strong local and regional relationships. I know how to network, connect resources, and advocate for opportunities that benefit New Hope - from arts programming and community events to smart partnerships that support our economy and improve quality of life.

Leadership, to me, is about service. That means being present, approachable, and focused on the long-term health of our town. I’ll work every day to ensure New Hope remains inclusive, well-run, and reflective of the people who call it home.