Erica Deuso Elected Pennsylvania’s First Openly Transgender Mayor
On a night of election “firsts” and Dems sweeping key races, Deuso won on a platform of community empowerment and creating positivity through respect and collaboration.
Featured Images via Campaign/Facebook
On Tuesday, Zohran Mamdani made history as the first Muslim to be elected mayor of New York City and Democrat Abigail Spanberger was voted Virginia’s first woman governor. Another big first played out in Pennsylvania: Erica Deuso claimed victory as the first openly transgender person elected to the position of mayor in the state.
“Tonight, the numbers are clear,” Deuso told her local station WHYY. “We won. Voters chose hope, decency, and a community where every neighbor matters. I am honored to be elected as Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor. I carry that responsibility with care and with purpose.”
Related: Pro-LGBTQ+ Candidates Rack Up Big Wins Across The Nation
Deuso, an Executive Committee member of the Chester County Democrats, toppled Barry Cassidy in the May primary and was endorsed by Mayor Phil Dague, who will soon hand off his post. Deuso snagged 64% of the vote, easily defeating Republican Richard Bryant, a former cybersecurity expert who garnered 35%.
She ran on a platform that focused on public safety improvements, sustainable infrastructure (i.e. permeable concrete to prevent flooding), traffic control, and domestic violence prevention. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, she wants to enhance mental health services for officers while expanding their ability to address traffic violations and e-bike concerns.
While Deuso happens to be trans and bisexual, her gender and sexual orientation were not the emphasis of her campaign.
The community leader’s candidacy was buoyed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, which celebrated her career as one focused on innovation, business improvement, and advocacy. According to the Fund, she serves on the boards of the Pennsylvania Equality Project, PFLAG West Chester/Chester County, and Emerge Pennsylvania which trains women and LGBTQ+ people to run for office.
“Erica’s vision for Downingtown centers on diversity, accountability, and community empowerment… She is committed to continuing to foster the “Good Neighbor” mentality in Downingtown—creating a positive, inclusive community through kindness, respect, and collaboration,” the Fund notes.
Sean Meloy, LGBTQ Caucus Chair of the DNC and PA Dems told GO: “Erica didn’t just make history — she earned it by running a campaign rooted in service, accountability, and a real commitment to improving the lives of everyone in her community. Her victory proves that when leaders of any identity truly understand the people they serve, voters respond. Representation matters, but so does results-driven leadership — and Erica will bring both to the Mayor’s office.”
The day after her win, the mayor-elect expressed gratitude on Facebook: “Downingtown, thank you. Yesterday’s victory shows what we can accomplish when we come together with respect, hope, and purpose. I’m honored by your trust and ready to get to work.”
Deuso lives with her husband, Michael, three cats, and a dog named Mosaic.
