Downingtown Transgender Candidate Erica Deuso Hopes To Make History

DOWNINGTOWN, PA —Erica Deuso, a progressive transgender Democrat from Downingtown, announced her candidacy for state representative of District 155 in Chester County.

The district covers Downingtown borough, and Uwchlan, Upper Uwchlan, East Brandywine, West Brandywine, Wallace, and portions of Caln townships.

In her announcement, Deuso noted that she would achieve the historic feat of becoming the first transgender person elected to state government in Pennsylvania.

Her victory would give representation to the 80,000+ transgender Pennsylvanians in Harrisburg for the first time.

“We'd like to encourage you to explore this historic candidacy further and consider its impact on shaping a more inclusive and diverse political landscape in Pennsylvania,” Kieran Francke, Deuso’s campaign manager, said.

Deuso is pro-labor, pro-choice, and pro-environment. She supports community activism to safeguard open spaces and opposes development that contributes to pollution and traffic accidents.

Deuso said she believes that on the heels of the November blue sweep in Chester County, it is time for a true progressive to bring real change to Harrisburg.

Francke said Deuso recognizes that the economy, education, and environment are crucial to the future of Chester County.

If elected, Deuso plans to focus on supporting good-paying union jobs, improving education through fair funding, and promoting responsible stewardship of our natural lands, natural resources, and open spaces.

Deuso said that she supports a minimum wage of at least $15, and promoting apprenticeship programs for students who decide college is the right choice.

Deuso is a graduate of Drexel University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master's degree in business administration and pharmaceuticals.

The district is represented by Danielle Friel Otten, who is also a Democrat. Otten was elected in 2018.