Melissa Shusterman Runs For State House Term in D-157

CHESTER COUNTY, PA —Melissa Shusterman, a Democratic state representative, is running for a third, two-year term to represent four municipalities in District 157.

Under a new Pennsylvania redistricting map that is based on the 2020 census, the district covers Easttown, Tredyffrin, Willistown, and Schuylkill townships.

The district covers 41.2 square miles and has a population of 62,926.

Shusterman, 55, resides in Schuylkill Township with her husband and son.

She was first elected in 2018, unseating Republican Warren Kampf, who was first elected in 2010.

Shusterman is running against Republican candidate Sarah Marvin, Tredyffrin Township.

Marvin is a small business owner who specializes in providing learning support for cyber, homeschool, public and private students and SAT/ACT tutoring.

Shusterman is a 1985 graduate of Conestoga High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College, Easton; and a master’s degrees in history and film and video from American University.

Shusterman is a small business owner. Her hobbies include hiking, reading and gardening.

Here are Shusterman’s answers to questions about current issues in state government:

What is your position regarding Pennsylvania gun laws in light of the May 24 fatal shootings of 19 children and two adults in Texas? Do you favor restricting or banning assault weapons?

“ I am in favor of banning assault weapons. As a mother, my heart breaks for the victims and families who have suffered from gun violence. I introduced House Bill 271 which would ban 3D printed guns in Pennsylvania.
“I have introduced other legislation regarding semi-automatic rifles. As of June, the majority party has 60 common sense gun safety measures held hostage in committee.
“They need to be released to the floor for votes. I will continue to work for common sense gun laws. I am proud to be endorsed by Moms Demand Action.”

What is your position on Pennsylvania’s abortion laws following the Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, returning the issue to the states?

“I fight every day for women to have the right to choose. No government has the right to force pregnancy on any woman or child.
“To have no exemptions is less than humane. I'm proud to be the Pro-Choice candidate in the 157th race.
“ I am proud to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood. I will continue to fight for our healthcare rights.”