elected officials

A Pennsylvania native, John grew up in York and attended Albright College, where he played college football. John has dedicated his life to fighting for Pennsylvania’s forgotten communities that have been left behind.

In 2005, while John was teaching GED classes, he was encouraged by his students to run for mayor of Braddock. In his 13 years as mayor, John worked to rebuild his community, creating jobs, stopping gun violence, getting youth engaged, and bringing creative urban policy solutions to Braddock. In 2018, John was elected as Pennsylvania’s Lt. Governor, and transformed the position into a bully pulpit, advocating for marijuana legalization, economic justice, equal protection for the LGBTQ+ community, and criminal justice reform.

John was elected the junior Senator from Pennsylvania in November 2022 and was sworn-in on January 3rd, 2023.

John and Gisele live with their children, Karl, Gracie, and August in a restored car dealership in Braddock with the family dogs, Levi and Artie.

In a political era dominated by billionaire checkbooks, corporate influence, and rising extremism, Congresswoman Summer Lee is proving that organized people can still win. A rising force in the Democratic Party, Summer is a fearless organizer, coalition-builder, and fighter who refuses to play small or back down. As the first Black woman ever elected to Congress from Pennsylvania, she brings bold leadership, moral clarity, and deep accountability to her work in Washington.

Since taking office in 2023, Summer has delivered $2.7 billion in federal investment to Pennsylvania’s 12th District — securing transformative resources for working families, seniors, students, and historically neglected communities. Her work has helped modernize infrastructure, expand clean energy, strengthen public transit, invest in affordable housing, protect clean air and water, and revitalize neighborhoods across Western Pennsylvania. Her constituent services are equally relentless: returning millions of dollars directly to residents, resolving thousands of casework issues, and maintaining a constant presence through town halls, community meetings, and local events.

In Congress, Summer pairs results with resolve. She has never missed a single vote during her tenure, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the people she represents. She has also pushed for transparency and accountability at the highest levels, introducing the motion to subpoena the Epstein files and passing it with bipartisan support. Grounded in community and driven by justice, Summer Lee represents a new generation of leadership — one rooted not in politics as usual, but in the power of organized people and the promise of a more equitable democracy.

Congressman Chris Deluzio is a Thornburg native and Iraq War veteran in his second term representing the 17th district of Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives. In Congress, Chris is committed to fighting for our Western Pennsylvania priorities and standing up for our Constitution. Chris is all in to ensure strong labor unions, create good-paying jobs, make stuff here at home, take on corruption, protect reproductive freedom, stand up for our veterans, and lower costs. Chris believes that if you work hard and play by the rules, you deserve a real shot at the American Dream.

Prior to his election in 2022, Chris worked as an attorney and protected voting rights and fair elections as the policy director at Pitt Cyber, and previously at the Brennan Center for Justice. He also fought alongside fellow faculty members and the United Steelworkers as a member of the Pitt Faculty Organizing Committee to secure a faculty union at Pitt—the biggest union election in the country in 2021.

Chris lives with his wife, Zoë, four young children, and their dog, Yankee Doodle, in PA-17.

Josh Shapiro is the 48th Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Since being sworn in to the Office of Governor in January 2023, Governor Shapiro has brought people together to get stuff done and defend Pennsylvanians’ fundamental freedoms. In his first 18 months in office, despite working with the only politically divided legislature in the nation, Governor Shapiro has hit the ground running and delivered meaningful results for the people of Pennsylvania.

Governor Shapiro believes all Pennsylvanians should have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed, and the actions he’s taken in his first year and a half have been rooted in that promise. He signed an executive order on his first day in office announcing that 92 percent of state government jobs are open to people without a college degree – because in Pennsylvania, we value what skills and experience someone brings to the job, not arbitrary requirements. The first bill he signed into law was bipartisan legislation to require insurers to cover preventive breast and ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women at no cost.

The Governor has made clear his commitment to invest in quality schools, safe communities, and an economy that works for all. Under his leadership, he brought Democrats and Republicans together to invest more in public education than ever before, hire hundreds of new State Police troopers, and invest millions in economic development to create jobs in communities too often forgotten and left behind.

As Governor, he’s built on his work as Attorney General, when he successfully defended the right to vote, protected reproductive freedom, held powerful corporations – like opioid manufacturers – accountable, and oversaw the groundbreaking investigation of sexual abuse into the Catholic Church.

He served as Attorney General from 2017 to 2023, Chair of the Board of Commissioners in Montgomery County from 2011 to 2017, and State Representative from 2005 to 2011.

Governor Shapiro grew up in Pennsylvania, watching his parents serve their community – his father is a pediatrician and served our nation in the navy, and his mother is a retired educator. Their example and his faith inspired him to enter into public service.

Governor Shapiro is married to his high-school sweetheart, Lori. She is proud to serve the Commonwealth as its First Lady and is doing meaningful work with nonprofits and volunteer organizations all across this Commonwealth. They are the proud parents of four children: Sophia (22), Jonah (19), Max (15), and Reuben (13).

Growing up in the Mon Valley in western Pennsylvania – a historic industrial center just south of the City of Pittsburgh – Lt. Governor Austin Davis saw the struggles of working families firsthand. He watched his mom – a hairdresser in McKeesport for more than 40 years – juggle raising a family and putting food on the table. He watched his dad work hard every day as an ATU bus driver. Austin knew from an early age he wanted to dedicate his life and career to public service.

Throughout his career, he has fought for economic equality, worked to lift people out of poverty and secure fair funding for education, and has been committed to bettering the lives of people in western Pennsylvania.

Austin is a first-generation college graduate in his family. After studying political science at the University of Pittsburgh, he began pursuing a career in public service. By age 21, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review called him “a veteran at the politics of helping others.” After college, Austin joined the office of the Allegheny County Executive, spearheading the office’s vision and transition teams in the early days of the administration and serving as the office’s representative on the Jail Oversight Board, the Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Advisory Board, and the Shuman Detention Center Advisory Board.

In 2018, Austin successfully ran for the state House of Representatives. He became the first western Pennsylvania African-American to serve as state representative outside of the City of Pittsburgh.

In 2022, Austin successfully ran and won the nomination for Lt. Governor alongside then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro, subsequently being elected as Pennsylvania’s 35th and first African-American Lt. Governor. Additionally, Lt. Governor Davis is our nation’s youngest sitting Lt. Governor.

Lt. Governor Davis currently resides in McKeesport with his wife, Blayre Holmes Davis, an executive with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Senator Williams represents District 38 in Allegheny County, which includes parts of the City of Pittsburgh and most of Northern Allegheny County. She serves as the Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee and as a Board Member of Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), and the State Board of Education.

Lindsey earned her undergraduate degree from Dickinson College in Carlisle. Lindsey then attended Duquesne University School of Law, where she focused on protecting workers’ rights, following the example of her dad, who supported their family as an Operating Engineer in his local union. After law school, Lindsey joined the National Whistleblower Center, where she worked to expose corruption and advocate for whistleblower protections. When she and several coworkers attempted to unionize, they were illegally fired. Lindsey refused to be silenced and took her case to the National Labor Relations Board. Lindsey continued her work on behalf of working people at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, helping members organize strikes and labor actions across the country. She then returned to Pittsburgh to work for the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.

In 2018, with the support of workers, educators, parents, and community members across the district, Lindsey won her race for State Senate by just 793 votes. She’s taken that responsibility seriously every day since by fighting for working families, honest government, and policies that better people’s lives.

In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys being with friends, family, and her adorable dog, Willow.

Senator Wayne Fontana was first elected to represent the 42nd Senatorial District in the Pennsylvania Senate in 2005. In addition to 17 suburban communities, his district includes 16 wards within the City of Pittsburgh, including a vibrant downtown, North Shore and Strip District destinations.

Wayne currently serves in the leadership position of Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman, a role that permits him to set the daily caucus agenda and lead the discussion on bills that are under consideration before the Senate. In addition to his leadership role, he serves on the following committees: Community, Economic & Recreational Development, Finance, Local Government, Rules & Executive Nominations and Urban Affairs & Housing, as well as the Democratic Policy Committee.

At the state level, Wayne serves as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). In the Pittsburgh region, Wayne is chairman of the Sports & Exhibition Authority Board, a member of the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, and board member of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh.

Prior to his election to the Senate, Wayne served as an inaugural member of Allegheny County Council, where he was elected to serve as vice president. Wayne is a realtor and real estate broker by profession.  He has previously worked for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services as a Sales Manager and Associate Broker and is a past recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh.

A former member of Boilermakers Local 154 and Teamsters Locals 249 and 211, Wayne has deep roots in the community. He previously served as Vice Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee and as a 19th Ward Committee person.  He is a member of the Italian Sons & Daughters of America and was a recipient of the Pittsburgh Downtown Community Development Corporation Community Leader Award. He was also honored by the Clean Water Action Fund as a recipient of the Dewey Award for his advocacy as a champion of the environment.

A graduate of Community College of Allegheny County, Wayne holds an Associate’s Degree in Business. Born and raised in the Beechview section of the City of Pittsburgh, he and his wife Francine reside in the Brookline section of Pittsburgh. They have three children and five grandchildren.

He writes: "During my time in the Senate, I have worked tirelessly and built relationships that have helped to secure hundreds of millions of dollars for projects in my district, projects that have brought jobs and revitalized communities. I am eager to continue that work to make all our communities safer and stronger.

"I am proud to have authored legislation that became law that enabled communities to replace lead service lines. The City of Pittsburgh alone has been able to replace more than 14,000 lead service lines due to my legislation. I am equally as proud to have had my bill that strengthened child abuse reporting requirements for school employees signed into law.

"Going forward, I am committed to continue fighting for safety, whether it pertains to the water we drink or the neighborhoods where we raise our kids and grandkids. I will continue supporting policies that create family-sustaining jobs, lower costs, increase housing stock and utilize my experience to secure state funding for worthy, shovel-ready projects that revitalize neighborhoods."

State Senator Jay Costa represents portions of the City of Pittsburgh, East Hills communities, areas of the Mon Valley and South Hills (43rd District).

As a lifelong resident of Allegheny County, Sen. Costa was born and raised in Pittsburgh and now lives with his wife Roxanne in Forest Hills. He has three children – two sons and one daughter. He is the son of the late Allegheny County Treasurer Jay Costa Sr. A graduate of Taylor Allderdice Hi​gh School, Community College of Allegheny County, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and holds a Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University.

Before his election to the Senate, Sen. Costa was a deputy sheriff in Allegheny County and Allegheny County Register of Wills. He is currently a Principal in the downtown Pittsburgh law firm Dickie McCamey & Chilcote P.C.

Sen. Costa was elected Senate Democratic leader in 2010. Previously, he served as Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations and Judiciary Committees and was Caucus chair. He now chairs the Rules & Executive Nominations Committee and co-chairs the General Assembly’s Arts and Culture Caucus.

Sen. Costa’s legislative record of accomplishment is long and features signature laws in the areas of education, family law, judicial reform, public safety, job creation and health care. Early in his career, Sen. Costa prime sponsored the plan (FAIRx) to leverage rebates to lower drug costs for seniors – a concept later signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell. He was a strong supporter of expanding the nationally-recognized CHIP program and Medicaid. He also authored legislation to direct cooperative agreements between insurers and providers as a means to resolve the Highmark/UPMC coverage dispute.

Over the course of his legislative career, Sen. Costa has been a strong, effective promoter of education. From seeking additional funding for K-12 education, higher education and pre-school he is recognized as one of the General Assembly’s leaders for education. In addition to accessing more funding for schools, he sought new state-of-the-art technologies for the classroom, in addition to sponsoring far-reaching property tax relief proposals.

Beyond his legislative work, Sen. Costa serves on board of trustees of both the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University and is treasurer of the Community College of Allegheny County board. He also is on the boards of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Sen. John Heinz History Center, 3 Rivers Wet Weather, Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, Forest Hills Community Association, SEA Sports Commission, and a life trustee of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Senator Nick Pisciottano was elected to represent the 45th Senatorial District in November 2024 after serving two terms in the House of Representatives.

He graduated at the top of his class from West Mifflin Area High School in 2008 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and History at Washington and Jefferson College in 2012. He went on to earn his master’s degree in Data Analytics & Policy at Johns Hopkins University in 2019.

Prior to his public service, Nick worked as a certified public accountant and auditor for a global auditing company with an extensive background in finance and economics.

During his time in the House and the Senate, he crafted legislation to protect workers, consumers, and families from unfair treatment and worked to ensure that every Pennsylvanian can still achieve the American Dream.

A fourth-generation resident of the Monongahela Valley, Nick lives in his hometown with his wife Molly, his children Nico, Oliver, and Gwendolyn, as well as his two rescue dogs, Rosie and Piper.

Aerion is a social worker who currently lives his professional life at the intersection of civil rights, philanthropy and politics. Aerion is State Representative for the 19th District since April 2022. He is currently the Chairman of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation.

He is the former Pennsylvania Director of Special Projects for a national voting rights advocacy organization. In this role he has led efforts to expand voting access to people in jail and work with elections officials to break down barriers to the ballot so every eligible Pennsylvanian can exercise their right to vote.

Prior to working in the voting rights space, Aerion served as a Program Officer at the POISE Foundation, a Black owned and operated institution where he was responsible for identifying strategic grantmaking opportunities aligned with the Foundation’s mission and priority areas. He authorized more than $1.2 million in grants to non-profit organizations supporting critical programming across the region.

Aerion is politically engaged within the City of Pittsburgh, having served as a Committeeman for the 21st Ward, 4th District. He currently sits on the boards of the Hill District Federal Credit Union and the Human Services Center Corporation, as well as the advisory board for the African American Achievement Trust Collective Focus. Additionally, he serves on the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County’s My Brother’s Keeper taskforce, an initiative to create action plans around the opportunity gaps that impact young men and boys of color.

Since 2020, State Rep. Emily Kinkead has served Pennsylvania’s 20th House District – Ross Township, Avalon, Bellevue, and West View Boroughs, and parts of the city of Pittsburgh. She serves on the House Appropriations, Judiciary, Labor & Industry, Human Services, and Agriculture & Rural Affairs committees. She is the chair of the Legislative Hunger Caucus and on the leadership team of the Pennsylvania Progressive Caucus.

After earning degrees in biology and political science at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Rep. Kinkead went on to earn her Law Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Following her graduation, Kinkead clerked for the Honorable Judge Michael H. Wojcik of the Commonwealth Court before entering private practice.

A staunch believer that government’s calling is to do the most good for the most people, as a legislator, Kinkead has vocally championed the policies that help working families and raise up communities – criminal justice reform, addressing food insecurity, affordable housing, livable wages, worker protections, health care, LGBTQIA+ equality, reproductive justice, adequately funding education, and more. She’s also focused on local issues like addressing blight and landslides.

A native Northsider, Emily lives in Brighton Heights with her cats and dog.

Lindsay Powell was elected to the House in 2023 to represent the 21st Legislative District in Allegheny County.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Wheaton College and a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Management from Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College. She also won CMU Heinz College’s Otto A. Davis Award, which recognizes a graduate’s commitment to racial and social justice.

Powell has worked for progressive officials such as U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and, upon proudly receiving a Fulbright Scholarship, taught English in Malaysia to rural high school students. Powell served as a City of Pittsburgh Assistant Chief of Staff for almost half a decade and directed legislation and policy for city departments. Powell oversaw the creation of the first citywide digital equity initiative and the implementation of Avenues of Hope, a catalyst for small businesses to open on city main streets. She served as director of workforce strategies for InnovatePGH, with a focus on creating employment opportunities for underrepresented technologists in the Pittsburgh tech ecosystem.

Powell currently serves as the City Vice Chair for the PA House of Representatives' Allegheny County Delegation, as Secretary for the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, and serves as a board member on the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Key issues for Powell include safe and dignified housing for all, helping working families, assisting small businesses and strengthening the local economy, and increasing the number of community assets.

Representative Dan Frankel has long been an outspoken advocate for civil rights, public health, and safe communities. Throughout his career, he has championed legislation to advance equality for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians, stood firmly against efforts to restrict women’s healthcare, and worked tirelessly to reduce gun violence through common-sense, evidence-based policies. Following the tragic 2018 attack at the Tree of Life building, Representative Frankel brought together a broad coalition of community members, faith leaders, and organizations to modernize Pennsylvania’s hate crime laws and better address acts of bias and violence.

Currently, Representative Frankel serves as the Democratic Chairman of the Pennsylvania House Health Committee, where he promotes science-driven policies to improve health outcomes across the Commonwealth. He also serves on the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, helping to control healthcare costs while supporting high-quality care. In addition, he is co-chair of the PA SAFE Caucus and the founder and former chair of both the PA Women’s Health Caucus and the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.

Representative Frankel proudly represents the heart of Pittsburgh, including Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Greenfield, Oakland, Point Breeze, and Regent Square. He leads these neighborhoods with the same compassion, engagement, and activism reflected by his constituents. His public service extends to roles on Allegheny County’s Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, the State Employees’ Retirement System Board, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Board of Directors. He also serves as the Governor’s representative to the University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees.

A graduate of the Pennington School and Kenyon College, Representative Frankel later completed an executive program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He lives in Squirrel Hill with his wife, Debra, and they have three adult children.

La’Tasha D. Mayes is the State Representative for House District 24, and she unapologetically advocates for racial, gender, and economic justice that centers marginalized communities. With 25 years of national leadership in the reproductive health, rights and justice movements, she has brought this depth and breadth of leadership to the House.

In her first three years in office, Mayes has been a standout among her colleagues, and she is highly respected in Harrisburg and in her district. In her first year, Mayes became Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the groundbreaking Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus that has passed multiple bills into law through the PA MOMNIBUS legislative package. Mayes is also a leader in both the PA Legislative Black Caucus, the PA Women's Health Caucus, and the PA LGBTQ Equality Caucus. She is a Member of the Appropriations, Judiciary, Health, Housing & Community Development, and Human Services Committees.

Mayes is the prime sponsor of the CROWN Act or House Bill 439 to end race-based hair discrimination. She launched the Pennsylvania CROWN Act Coalition with Speaker Joanna McClinton and the Coalition comprised of over 100 endorsers. The CROWN Act passed out of the Senate in November 2025 with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law on November 25th. The CROWN Act took effect on January 24th to codify protections from discrimination based on hair type, hair texture or hair style.

Since January 2023, Mayes has secured over $50 million in state funds for her district, provided over 52,000 high-quality constituent services to her community members and, she sponsored or co-sponsored 442 bills and resolutions in 2025. Her dedication to House District 24 and to Pennsylvania is unwavering. Mayes will continue to lead with purpose and compassion to protect the health, dignity, and the futures of Pennsylvanians.

I am currently serving in my 4th term as the State Representative in the 25th District. The district includes the towns of Monroeville, North Versailles, Pitcairn, Turtle Creek, East McKeesport, Wilmerding, Wall, a large portion of Plum Borough, and a portion of Trafford Borough.

As State Representative, I have focused on numerous issues. I have been a vocal advocate for issues that involve Transportation, Healthcare, Education, Housing, Economic Development, and Veterans Services, as well as many other topics. This session I was chosen by Speaker McClinton to be the Majority Chairman of the Housing and Community Development Committee in Harrisburg. It is my honor to chair this vital committee and help to create laws that make Housing more equitable for all. As a person that talks with a stutter I have also been a vocal advocate for the speech community as well as a strong supporter of mental health services.

Dan Deasy was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 2008. He attended Canevin Catholic High School and the University of Pittsburgh, worked as a supervisor at Pittsburgh's Public Works Department, and served four years as a Pittsburgh city councilman. He is the Democratic chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee.

His legislative priorities include, but are not limited to, expanding access to health care; supporting funding for education; strengthening penalties for crimes against children; supporting economic development that leads to job creation; expanding services for senior citizens and veterans; and addressing blight and abandoned properties in communities.

Deasy has a long history of community service, working to address housing concerns; securing funding for playgrounds and other community resources; obtaining grant money for neighborhood revitalization; and advocating for public safety. While serving on Pittsburgh City Council, Deasy fought for the reopening of Pittsburgh’s Zone 6 Police Station, which remains open today. His community service continues as he serves on many local nonprofit boards of directors.

A lifelong native of the 27th Legislative District, Deasy is married to the former Kelly Skeba. They have four children and reside in Westwood.

My life has always been focused on family, service, and community. My parents immigrated to the United States, and I saw how hard they worked to build a good life for our family. It was this ethic of hard work and commitment to service that inspired me to become a physician. As an ER doc, I care for any patient that comes through the doors of the hospital, no questions asked. I have always believed that the ER should not only treat patients in crisis, but also work to address the health issues facing our community.

I have always looked for ways to give back to the community that has meant so much to me and my family. I served on the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority where I worked to make sure our vital EMS services are available for our entire community. As our state representative, I have focused on making health care more affordable and accessible, investing in public education and our first responders, protecting reproductive rights, passing gun safety legislation, and preserving ballot access and respect for our election results regardless of their outcome. All of these areas reinforce my philosophy that we need pragmatic and compassionate servant-leadership for our community.

Joe grew up in a working family—his mom is a bus garage manager and his dad is a union mechanic. Joe honors the value of hard work and became State Rep. to make sure our State Legislature is putting working Pennsylvanians first.

In his role as State Representative, Joe has stood for Democratic Policies that have brought PA forward. Joe and his wife, Michelle (Bertoni) McAndrew, own his great-grandmother’s house in Penn Hills, where they’re raising their three daughters. Joe is a husband, father and dedicated public servant.

As your State Representative, Joe will always:

• Work to fully fund our public schools and reduce property taxes
• Support local businesses and bring high paying jobs
• Fight against Corporate Greed
• Protect women's rights and ensure reproductive freedom for all
• Look after our families and neighborhoods by fully funding our police & fire and our family & youth services

Representative Mandy Steele proudly serves House District 33 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing communities throughout the Allegheny Valley, from Sharpsburg Borough to Harrison Township. First elected in 2022, she has prioritized policies that support working families, strengthen public education, protect workers’ rights, support first responders, and safeguard our environment.

Growing up in the district, Mandy learned early the value of hard work, public service, and community. She developed a deep commitment to giving back and ensuring that government works for the people it serves. That commitment continues to guide her work as a legislator.

In the House, Representative Steele has been a consistent advocate for organized labor, environmental protection, women’s rights, and a fair economy that works for everyone. She works collaboratively with colleagues, local leaders, and community organizations to deliver results for her constituents and to advance Democratic values across the Commonwealth.

Mandy lives in Fox Chapel Borough and remains deeply engaged in the community she represents. She will continue fighting for a cleaner environment, safer communities, and economic opportunity for all.

Abigail Salisbury is in her second term as State Representative for District 34. Previously, she served on Swissvale Borough Council for five years. Salisbury was previously self-employed as a sole practitioner attorney for nonprofits and small businesses.

Salisbury is the founder and Chair of the PA Charitable Nonprofit Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral entity aimed at improving the state's relationship with and services to charities in the state. She is also the Chair of the PA Autism Caucus and is the first openly autistic individual to serve in that capacity. Salisbury is the first openly-LGBTQIA individual, the first Jew, and the first openly non-neurotypical person to serve as State Rep in District 34.

Dan Goughnour was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in a March 2025 special election to serve the 35th Legislative District in Allegheny County, stepping into office on April 7, 2025.

He is a lifelong resident of McKeesport, where he graduated from the McKeesport School District and the Allegheny County Police Academy. Before serving in Harrisburg, Dan devoted over 19 years to the McKeesport Police Department, rising to Captain of Police Detectives and gaining deep experience in public safety and community service.He has also served on the McKeesport Area School District board and is a proud member of Teamsters Local 205.

His legislative priorities include strengthening public safety, expanding job training and economic opportunities, supporting public education, and reducing the cost of everyday essentials for families.

Dan lives in McKeesport with his wife, Lauren, and their three children, all of whom attend McKeesport public schools.

Jessica Benham is the State Representative for Pennsylvania House District 36, covering portions of the City of Pittsburgh and its suburbs.

As a state representative, she has focused on increasing public safety, fighting for access to healthcare, a clean and healthy environment, fair funding for education, and LGBTQ and disability rights. ​Since her election in 2020, Jessica has brought millions of dollars into the district to invest in infrastructure, green spaces, education, violence prevention, and public safety. Her office has expanded services for seniors by hosting senior fairs and health clinics. In 2024, the Governor signed her landmark healthcare legislation into law, which regulates predatory middlemen to help stop them from raising prescription drug prices and putting pharmacies out of business. ​

Prior to her election, Jessica was the Director of Development for the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy (PCAA). Jessica is an alum of the University of Pittsburgh, where she was involved in the effort to organize a union of graduate workers. She knows firsthand the importance of organizing and the power that collective bargaining can have.

Jessica has BA degrees in Political Science and in Communication Studies from Bethel University, an MA in Communication from Minnesota State University, an MA in Bioethics and Ph.D in Communication from the University of Pittsburgh. She lives in the Southside Slopes with her cat, Ravi and dog, Teddy.

John Inglis was first elected to the PA House of Representatives for the 38th District in 2024. As a former teacher, school counselor, and borough councilman in West Mifflin, John brings a unique perspective to the General Assembly. His priorities have always included investments in education, public safety with a focus on first responders, economic development with a focus on unions, infrastructure improvements, community project funding, and supporting our veterans. He also takes pride in his constituent services and outreach, mainly benefitting senior citizens in the district.

John serves on the following committees in the House of Representatives: Labor & Industry, Energy, Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness, Communications & Technology, Game & Fisheries, and State Government. He is proud of the work he has accomplished in Harrisburg so far, passing two bills of his own while introducing many more. In addition to passing the EDGE Tax Credits and the Veteran-Owned Business Logo bills, Inglis is now looking to address housing reform through multiple pieces of legislation. His support for last year’s budget and this current year’s budget align with his dedication to improving the quality of life for all who he represents in the Mon Valley and South Hills areas.

His voting record in Harrisburg reflects his commitment to bettering the lives of families, addressing affordability, and supporting workers across his district and the Commonwealth. John Inglis knows there is plenty of more work to be done, and welcomes those challenges ahead.

Jen has devoted her career to public service as an elected official, public school teacher, union leader, and community organizer. Jen lives in Dormont with her husband and two daughters. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for both her undergraduate degree and Master of Arts in Teaching.

She has taught English for 15 years at Allderdice High School and is an active member of her union, the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers. She has served as a building representative, led their Political Action Committee from 2018 until 2025, and currently serves as a Secondary Schools Representative on the Executive Board.

Jen has worked hard in two terms on council to make Dormont a livable and thriving community. As a leader on Dormont Council, she wrote the borough’s Complete Streets policy and has partnered closely with Mt. Lebanon to develop a regional active transportation plan. She helped create the Dormont Human Relations Commission, advanced a non-cooperation agreement with ICE, and has fought for policies to make Dormont an inclusive place, including a non-discrimination ordinance with protections for the LGBTQ+ community.

Jen is also an active community volunteer, serving on the Dormont Pride in the Park planning committee and as Co-Chair of the Dormont Free Pantry, both as part of her role as a board member of the Dormont Community Development Corporation.

Jen will fight for strong public schools, policies that support affordability for working families, and support to create livable communities in our district.

Sara Innamorato was sworn in as the Allegheny County Executive on January 2, 2024. The Innamorato Administration’s guiding principle is to build a strong Allegheny County for All – one that serves the more than 1.2 million residents of Allegheny County – built on a foundation of dignity and respect.

One signature initiative of the administration is “500 in 500” In June 2024, Innamorato announced ‘500 in 500,’ an ambitious plan to move people experiencing homelessness into stable housing. The program has been a success: by day 500, more than 600 people had been housed, and more than 500 housing units had been identified.

Innamorato has also prioritized economic development initiatives by investing in business development, improvements to business districts and main streets. In 2025, she launched the County’s new comprehensive plan, Allegheny Forward.

Prior to becoming County Executive, Innamorato served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 21^st house district. Sara is a lifelong resident of Allegheny County and currently resides in Wilkinsburg. She is a graduate of North Hills High School and the University of Pittsburgh’s College of Business Administration.

Corey O’Connor is the sixty-second mayor of the City of Pittsburgh. Mayor O’Connor brings with him a record of listening and prioritizing the voices of Pittsburgh residents, including its most vulnerable; making tough decisions under difficult circumstances; helping to deliver effective and efficient city services; and leading transformational change that maximizes opportunity and growth for all Pittsburghers. Mayor O’Connor is committed to making Pittsburgh more transparent, efficient, accessible, safe, and vibrant.

Mayor O’Connor has served his hometown in elected office since 2012. He began his distinguished career in public service by representing Pittsburgh City Council District 5. Mayor O’Connor held that role for more than a decade and, during that time, he authored the City of Pittsburgh’s Paid Sick Days Act, crafted common sense gun safety reforms, facilitated the investment of millions of dollars in affordable housing, and more.

Mayor O’Connor was sworn in as the Allegheny County Controller on July 10, 2022, after being nominated for the office by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and with the unanimous approval of the Pennsylvania State Senate. He was elected to his first full term in November 2023, securing the most votes of any county-wide candidate in that election. In this role, Mayor O’Connor worked tirelessly to promote a more accessible and transparent government that offered solutions to difficult challenges. He brought the office to the community in innovative ways, including by introducing new platforms for public access to government data, auditing major County departments, proposing measurable benchmarks for County environmental and climate efforts, and enacting ethics reform measures on the Allegheny County Retirement Board, among other initiatives.

Prior to assuming elected office, Mayor O’Connor served as a Community Development Representative for U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle.

Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. has served as the District Attorney of Allegheny County for over 25 years. He grew up in Allegheny County on the streets of Regent Sq. in Squirrel Hill, where his passion for upholding the law was instilled in him at a young age by his father, Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Zappala, Sr. He attended and graduated Central Catholic High School in 1975.

After graduating from Duquesne University School of Law in 1984, Mr. Zappala began his law career. He worked in private practice for 17 years until he was elected District Attorney in 1998.

During his time as District Attorney, Mr. Zappala has pioneered and led reform to the criminal justice system, which has been used across Pennsylvania and the United States.

He created special victim units protecting the rights of the most vulnerable individuals in our community such as victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and senior abuse and fraud.

Mr. Zappala has been the leading advocate in our justice system for providing first-time offenders with a second chance. He understands that struggling with mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction is not a crime. Over a decade ago, he implemented diversionary court programs; Drug Court, DUI Court, Mental Health Court and Veterans Court to keep people out of jail and assist them in getting their lives back on track, as well as expunging their criminal records.

He introduced technology in countywide police departments including parole car dash cameras, body-worn cameras and license plate readers to provide irrefutable evidence of a given incident. In 2016, Mr. Zappala launched the first of what would become a countywide camera system with over 3,000 cameras used by local and state police, and federal agencies for criminal investigations.

On January 3, 2022, Kevin M. Kraus was sworn in as the 53rd Sheriff of Allegheny County. Prior to that, Kraus was appointed and sworn in as Chief Deputy on June 5, 2014.

A 21-year veteran of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Chief Kraus worked through the ranks of Detective, Sergeant and Lieutenant. For 12 years, he served as Lieutenant of Major Crimes, Investigations Branch, responding to and overseeing the criminal and administrative investigations of all police-involved incidents entailing serious injury or death to any party, responding to homicide and major crime scenes and managing those investigations while commanding a staff of 9 supervisors and 100 detectives within the 12 divisions of Major Crimes.

Key accomplishments include:

• Spearheaded drive-thru mobile Firearms License to Carry events and launched the reopening of the Firearms Division with online appointment scheduling and a dedicated Deputy Sheriff to safeguard health and safety procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Coordinated with local communities throughout Allegheny County to promote the Sheriff’s Office Project D.U.M.P initiative to help curb the local drug overdose crisis and combat the opioid epidemic.
• Strengthened the public’s awareness of Sheriff’s Office crime prevention initiatives and programs using our website, social media platforms and television interviews to expand our law enforcement mission and keep citizens apprised especially when wide scale health and economic futures hung in the balance.
• Endorsed leading-edge technology to align with the Sheriff’s Office commitment to provide the highest degree of public service expressly in response to recent events and the demand of transparency while protecting our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day.
• Partnered with federal enforcement agencies and participated in Federal Task Force enterprises on fugitive apprehension, terrorism, human trafficking, narcotic trafficking and other violent progressions.
• Served Allegheny County residents by working with community partners and mobilizing resources through food, school supplies, clothing and toy donation and distribution as well as corona virus prevention and safety literature for over 10,000 senior citizens.

Allegheny County Councilperson, At-Large, Bethany Hallam is a native Pittsburgher. She graduated from North Hills High School in 2008, and from Duquesne University in 2012 with a B.A. in Public Relations and Spanish. She graduated with her JD from Duquesne University Kline School of Law in May of 2025 and passed the bar exam in July 2025.

She has been a vocal supporter of all varieties of criminal legal reform since long before she was elected to office. During her ten-year battle with Substance Use Disorder, she had multiple run-ins with law enforcement that resulted in dozens of summary and misdemeanor convictions. She has paid tens of thousands of dollars in fines and fees, spent time on probation and in the Allegheny County Jail, and had her driver’s license suspended as a result of these convictions. Councilperson Hallam ran for office as one of the first people in the country to do so as a formerly incarcerated person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder, garnering nationwide attention and bringing the conversation of criminal legal reform more into the mainstream. She is now the youngest person to have ever been elected county-wide in Allegheny County, representing over 1.2 million people in one of the largest legislative districts in the nation.

She ran on a platform of environmental justice, transit justice, housing justice, racial justice, and social justice, recognizing how the struggle for clean air and water is intertwined with the fight against racist displacement and gentrification, and how the fight to have housing recognized as a human right must include transit as a human right for it to be truly equitable and inclusive.

Councilperson Hallam uses her position as an elected official to speak all around Pennsylvania about the unjust treatment of those in our criminal legal system and, specifically people of color and lower-income populations. Serving on Allegheny County’s Jail Oversight Board, she uses her lived experiences to advocate for better jail conditions.

Kathleen Madonna-Emmerling serves on Allegheny County Council representing District 1. She brings professional experience in healthcare and education philanthropy, project management, and human services to her role in public service. Her career has included partnerships with nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and public entities to advance initiatives focused on community well-being, accountability, and measurable impact. This background informs her collaborative approach to policy development, organizational change, and budgeting.

In her official capacity, she focuses on responsible stewardship of public resources, strengthening public services, supporting senior citizens, and advancing policies that promote equitable opportunity and are welcoming to every resident across Allegheny County.

Kathleen is a member of the United Steelworkers and helped organize the staff union at the University of Pittsburgh. She resides in Moon Township with her husband and three teenagers and is committed to transparency, professionalism, and constituent engagement on behalf of District 1 residents.

Lissa is a strong advocate for children, families, and the residents of Allegheny County. A Pitt alumna, Lissa’s career began in the footsteps of three of her grandparents, all of whom were school teachers. Lissa completed an Americorps teaching leadership program that trains college graduates and places them into classrooms in under-resourced schools. After the program, Lissa was hired by Pittsburgh Public Schools, gaining more firsthand experience in classrooms and knowledge of the policies and programs that support students’ success.

After a furlough, Lissa spent time working for state House members, and as Chief of Staff was responsible for overseeing constituent services, events, and legislation. She played an integral role in the development of the first Disability and Mental Health Summit. Lissa also worked in the non-profit space leading advocacy work for an early childhood nonprofit. She led coalitions who won over $100 million of new, recurring state investments in children and families.

Lissa now works as a public policy consultant where her work has included championing quality, affordable pre-k and childcare and adequately and fairly funded public schools. She currently directs Allegheny Prenatal to Three which coordinates programs, partnerships, and funding sources to increase available services to families across the County.

Lissa is a Hampton Rotarian, a PTO board member for her children’s public school, and a community leader and volunteer for multiple community organizations. She lives with her husband and three children in Hampton Township. When they aren’t busy with athletic practices or competitions, they enjoy getting outside in many of the County and municipal parks across the region, and exploring museums and cultural institutions.

Councilman Catena was appointed to Allegheny County Council District 4 in 2017 and served as President since 2020. Patrick’s family are third generation residents of Carnegie. Pat believes in strong family values, raising his son, Jack, and giving future generations the same opportunities he had. A graduate of Sts. Simon and Jude, Bishop Canevin High School, he received a B.A. in Political Science and Communications and a Certificate in Public Service from the University of Pittsburgh.

President Catena’s action in legislation and initiatives includes:

• Public Safety, Economic Development, Budgeting, Property Tax Appeals, Human Services, and Government Efficiency.
• Reforming the County’s property tax appeal system – he is a staunch advocate for increased budgetary oversight.
• County’s Department of Human Services, whose budget is nearly a quarter of the County’s operating expenditure.
• Sponsored /Co-sponsored ordinances establishing a demolition fund aiding blighted properties, forbidding discrimination in medical treatment, assisting police departments in acquiring body camera equipment, improving readiness at the 9-1-1 Call Center and Jail, refining the owner occupant tax discount program, and creating a property tax credit program for volunteer firefighters and nonprofit EMS employees.
• Advocated for the County’s paid sick leave regulations.

Pat works with Council members on both sides of the aisle and to increase the Council’s ability  to function as both partner to and check and balance to the County’s Chief Executive. His professionalism, vision, persistence and motivation show in his leadership skills and help County Council and his many constituents.

Dan Grzybek was elected to Allegheny County Council in November 2023 to represent District 5, which includes Bethel Park, Dormont, Mt. Lebanon, and Upper St. Clair.

Councilman Grzybek is a lifelong resident of Allegheny County: having grown up in Hampton Township before attending college at the University of Pittsburgh where he majored in Chemical Engineering. Shortly after graduating from Pitt, Councilman Grzybek moved to Bethel Park, where he lives with his wife and two rescue dogs. In addition to his Bachelor’s Degree, Councilman Grzybek has his Master’s Degree in Engineering from Purdue University. He currently works as an Engineer on Nuclear Reactor Safety Systems for the Nimitz class of US Navy Aircraft Carriers.

Prior to serving on Allegheny County Council, Councilman Grzybek served on Bethel Park's School Board from 2021 through 2023. He has also volunteered as a Youth Mentor at the South Hills Interfaith Movement, is a judge for PA Junior Academy of Science competitions, teaches students how to build underwater remotely operated vehicles through the Navy's Seaperch program, and filled in as an Emergency Substitute Teacher during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last but not least, he is a Bethel Park Volunteer Firefighter.

Councilman Grzybek believes that every resident of Allegheny County deserves clean air and water, the ability to obtain a good, sustainable career, to have their basic needs met, and to be treated with the dignity and humanity they deserve.

John Palmiere was appointed to represent District 6 of Allegheny County Council on January 21, 2011, to finish the unexpired term of Ms. Joan Cleary.

John served for over 23 years as the Director of the Baldwin Whitehall School District, a position requiring him to remain aware of education issues and of the ever-changing world of local and state concerns. As the District Director, John guided 84 percent of graduates of Baldwin Whitehall High School to pursue post-secondary education. He oversaw the Board through difficult transitions and large projects, including the $64 million renovation of the high school. John served as the Director of the Allegheny County Intermediate Unit, which enhanced his understanding of our region's education system and allowed him to confront problems impacting the 42 school districts in Allegheny County. He is a member of Baldwin Whitehall High School's Dedication Committee and is a board member of the Friends of the Baldwin Whitehall Theater Arts.

As an entrepreneur, who began Palmiere's Hair Center 40 years ago, John's seasoned local business experience allows him to relate to business owners and the economy of Allegheny County. Through his professional career, he interacts with constituents every day, giving him a constant perspective of citizens' opinions. He was an Adjunct Instructor at the Pittsburgh Barber School and the Professional Barber and Beauty Supplies, Inc., and he currently holds a Pennsylvania Barbers License and Pennsylvania Shop Managers License. He has been a member of the UFCW, Local 23, Barber Division for over 40 years.

In November of 2007, Nicholas Futules (D) was elected to Allegheny County Council to represent District 7.

Prior to his position as a County Council Member, he was a former resident of Verona. While living there, he served on Verona Council for eight years, and over those years, he served as the chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, as well as a member of four other additional committees. In 2006, Nick was elected to the Verona Democratic Committee. He is also a former member of the Verona Zoning Board and the Greek Orthodox Church of Oakmont's Board of Directors.

Nick attended the Community College of Allegheny County, Boyce Campus, where he majored in Business Management and Culinary Arts. His primary career is as the Corporate Business Manager, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Futules' Harmar House, a banquet facility and catering business that he co-owns with his brother, Tony. Nick is also a co-owner of A.K. Property's Corporation, Futules Excavation and demolition and Futules Properties. Additionally, Nick spent 26 years as the co-owner of the former Futules' Restaurant in Verona, a business started by his grandparents in 1906.

Nick, is a lifelong resident of District 7, where he resides with his wife Michele. He has three children: Nicholas, Zoe, and Billy and a granddaughter Lily.

Born and raised in Allegheny County, Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis is a proud graduate of Woodland Hills High School and the University of Pittsburgh. She resides in Plum Borough with her husband, three children and two dogs. Michelle was elected to County Council in November 2021.

Ms. Naccarati-Chapkis has spent her 25+ year career focused on protecting our health and environment. She has used this expertise to work closely with local, state and federal officals, as well as community leaders and residents. Michelle has regularly presented on issues ranging from toxic chemicals and lead exposure in our communities to air quality and climate change impacts. She brings her knowledge and expertise on social determinants of health to her role on County Council.

Previously, Michelle worked for a regional land trust where she oversaw the acquisition and protection of rare, threatened, and endangered species’ habitats and natural areas, including the creation of one of PA’s newest state parks, Erie Bluffs, as well as additions to Allegheny County's North Park (land acquisition) and South Park (easement needed for public access).

Michelle has worked on the development and revisions of municipal comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances, and served on a local Zoning Hearing Board for more than a dozen years. She believes our county is strongest when we all have access to affordable and safe housing, quality education, a sustainable economy, clean air and water, and a safe community. Michelle is an advocate for all of District 8 residents, including those who live in areas that have traditionally been left behind. We need to address the disparities that exist to ensure a healthy, safe and prosperous community for all.

A lifelong resident and fourth generation family member of Duquesne, Aaron Adams developed a passion and understanding for public and community service. Aaron is a graduate of West Mifflin High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He works as a Mechanical Design Engineer for an architectural and engineering firm based in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Following his graduation from Penn State, Adams was encouraged by community leaders to seek public office and was elected to Duquesne City Council, where he served a four-year term. During his time on council, he gained hands-on experience in municipal governance and day-to-day local operations.

In his youth, Aaron grew up around community leaders and began to learn what it takes to be a valued member of the community. Aaron is proud to follow a similar path of his family members and dedicate a part of his life to public service. In the City of Duquesne, Aaron had a grandfather and father to look up to, as they were both dedicated members of the Duquesne Police Department. Richard “Lefty” Adams (grandfather) served on the police department for 51 years and Richard Scott Adams (father) served on the department for 30. His father is currently the Mayor of the City of Duquesne. His mother, Vicky Adams, has been a registered nurse for over 30 years at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. The motivation to help others and the commitment to persevere overtime has been instilled in Aaron his entire life.

Aaron, from the time he was young to current has been involved in activities throughout various communities including Duquesne, Munhall, West Mifflin, McKeesport, Liberty and Port Vue. These activities include sports programs, high school community service committees, student government, dedicated time and effort in youth mentorships while working for his community’s public works department, community group activities for youth, and have always and will continue to support small businesses.

Aaron believes that the solutions to all issues in our communities start with being a good listener. He prides himself on being an active member of his community and will continue to not only work for his community but the neighboring communities in the 9th district. He believes that every community in district 9, no matter how big or small, deserves equal availability for representation, funding opportunities and attention to procedure and programs of every community in the district. Aaron vows to implement programs that assist in finding ways that local government operation can be successful for his district. He believes that if all communities in the district can work in similar fashion internally then collaboration between municipalities will become more effective. Aaron’s main goal is to create a better living environment for citizens in the Mon Valley who call this area home, and to generate a sense of pride in where you come from to show others, to inspire those around us to start families here. Aaron will continue to fight for revitalization and growth of neighborhoods, helping residents with job opportunities, holding each other accountable to be role models for our youth, economic equality, and safety in our school districts.

Aaron will continue to work to improve the quality of life throughout the Mon Valley and the broader District 9 region.

Born in Mississippi and reared in Gary, IN by activist parents, DeWitt Walton is a 25-year employee of the United Steelworkers (USW) and is currently assigned to the Civil & Human Rights department. He has served as an Organizer, Strategic Campaigner and as an Assistant to the International President. His responsibilities include increasing union membership along with strengthening the historic link between organized labor and the Minority community and he brings a broad range of experiences in community and political mobilization; Dewitt joined the Young Democrats in college and continued to work on social justice and political projects. An alumnus of Idaho State University, in 1971 he joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) the domestic equivalent to the Peace Corps.

DeWitt returned to Gary, Indiana in 1976 to work for Inland Steel Co. where he became active in both his local union and community organizations. He served in a number of capacities in his local union including Political Education Director. In 1990, the United Steelworkers union hired DeWitt as an Organizer for the United Steelworkers of America and in 1995 transferred to Pittsburgh where he has worked on and directed projects that have taken him across the United States, and Europe and Africa. Currently DeWitt serves as an Assistant to the International President for the United Steelworkers.

Continuing to practice the principles of building coalitions between Labor, Activist and Community groups, DeWitt served as a National Board member of Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), President of the Pittsburgh chapter of ADA. Currently he serves, as Vice President of the Pittsburg A. Philip Randolph Institute (PAPRI) is a Board member of the Thelma Lovette/Centre Ave YMCA, Three Rivers Waterkeepers and Schenley Heights Development along with A P+ Schools. He continues to be active in the Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. In his USW, APRI and Kappa Alpha Psi roles, he created a partnership with the Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh (HACP) that focused on efforts to empower HACP residents and communities economically, educationally, conduct mentoring programs for children of residents and build better information sharing systems for the residents of those facilities. He also serves as Program Director of the Pittsburgh APRI’s “Breaking The Chains of Poverty” workforce development program.

DeWitt lives in the Hill District.

Paul Klein has been representing Allegheny County Council District 11 since 2016. Since joining council, he has been the Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee (2017-2019) and is currently the Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. He is also a member of the Executive Committee, the Sustainability and Green Initiatives Committee and the Government Reform Committee. He has also served on the committees on Public Safety, Parks and Public Works.

As a member of council, he was one of two council members who introduced legislation to create a Civilian Police Review Board for Allegheny County. When this legislation became law, he was appointed by the council president to chair a special committee charged with the selection of four council designated board members. Mr. Klein also introduced legislation intended to ban the practice of Conversion Therapy in Allegheny County, which became law in 2020. In response to the Trump administration’s effort to eliminate protections in the Affordable Care Act for the LGBTQIA+ community, he introduced an amendment to the Allegheny County Human Relations Ordinance to protect the health care rights of that community which the administration sought to disenfranchise.

Mr. Klein was also instrumental in working with the county administration to create a Department of Sustainability, to be led by a director level appointee reporting to the County Executive. He was among those council members working to ban fracking in the county parks. That effort was successful and resulted in a ban being enacted in 2022. He worked with his council colleagues to ban vaping in places of public accommodation across the county and also worked to ensure county wide lead testing for children.

Mr. Klein is Clinical Associate Professor of Business Administration at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh, where he teaches law, ethics and corporate social responsibility and serves as the school’s Ombudsman. He is a member of the business school’s committees on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Committee on Teaching Excellence. He has also served as the business school’s Sustainability Coordinator. He is also a member of the faculty cohort that teaches in a university wide certificate program in ethical leadership and in the specialized certificate program for leadership in ethics for undergraduates in the business school.

Mr. Klein is a board member of the Local Government Academy, the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) and a national academic organization, the Association for Business Simulation and Experiential Learning (ABSEL).

Council Member Klein was born and raised in Pittsburgh and attended the Pittsburgh Public Schools, from K – 12. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at Penn State and his law degree at the Duquesne University School of Law, where he served as the President of the Student Bar Association. He is married and has three adult children and three grandchildren.

Councilman Bob Palmosina was born and raised in the Westwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. He is the youngest of 7 children and attended St Margaret’s of Scotland Grade School in Greentree, and graduated from Bishop Canevin High School. He is married to his high school sweetheart. He is the father of three boys Nico, Gino and Dominic.

Bob started out as a summer laborer for the City of Pittsburgh in the Public Works Department. Through 31 years of hard work and dedication he rose to the position of Assistant Director. He worked for Allegheny County Public Works as the road manager for 1 year, and is now the current Director of Public Works for Collier Township.

Bob has dedicated much of his life to coaching and mentoring young men and women throughout the communities. He has coached multiple sports including 8 years of baseball in Westwood, 7 years of baseball in Greentree, 6 years of football at Our Lady of Grace, and still runs the “Little Dribblers Basketball” at St. Margaret of Scotland where he has been on staff as a coach for 30 years.

Bob is the current Chairman of the Pittsburgh Democratic Party 20th Ward.

He looks forward to serving the 12th District of Allegheny County and its communities.

Council Member Jordan Botta was appointed to the Allegheny County Council District 13 seat that was vacated by David Bonaroti. District 13 includes Pittsburgh’s North Side, Downtown, much of Uptown, and stretches north through the Strip District and Lawrenceville and much of Morningside. It also includes Bellevue and some of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods south of the Monongahela River.

A proud Pittsburgh native and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate, Jordan steps into this new role with a vision shaped by years of community organizing, policy advocacy, and a deep connection to the neighborhoods he now represents. Jordan has made clear that his agenda centers on the same values he’s long championed: affordable housing, economic justice, and government transparency. He believes these are many lived priorities for many in Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans folks, BIPOC queer people, and working-class residents.

His professional background is steeped in LGBTQ+ advocacy. Jordan is currently the executive director of the Three Rivers Business Alliance, a chamber of commerce supporting LGBTQIA+ business owners and professionals in Western Pennsylvania that provides LGBTQIA+ business owners and professionals in the Pittsburgh region with assistance and resources. He also previously served as vice chair of Proud Haven, which supports LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.