loading . . . Democrat Erica Deuso won her mayoral race in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, in Chester County last night, beating Republican challenger, Richard Bryant, and becoming the stateâs first out trans mayor.
âTonight, history was made,â Deuso said in a statement. âVoters chose hope, decency, and a vision of community where every neighbor matters. I am deeply honored to be elected as Pennsylvaniaâs first openly transgender mayor, and I donât take that responsibility lightly. This victory isnât about one person, itâs about what happens when people come together to choose progress over fear.â
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Born in Vermont, Deuso has lived in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, since 2007. She describes herself as a scientist, businesswoman, and advocate for marginalized communities, and she serves on the boards for the Pennsylvania Equality Project, Emerge Pennsylvania, and PFLAG West Chester/Chester County. She is also an Executive Committee member for Chester County Democratic Committee.
Similar to the campaign run by Sarah McBride, the first out trans member of Congress, Deuso did not campaign on her gender identity or with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues. But her campaign still received some hate. âIâm not running on being trans, thatâs not something I ever do or ever wanted to do,â Deuso told the _Philadelphia Inquirer_. âI wanted to make it about the neighbors. Itâs the other side making it about who I am, my identity.â
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Deuso addressed some online harassment but mostly waited for opportunities to have âtrue conversationsâ about her identity with people face-to-face. Some groups, such as Turning Point Action Pennsylvania, sought to sabotage her campaign, but she triumphed despite the hate.
Her platform focused on improving traffic control, combating domestic violence, promoting sustainable infrastructure and flood mitigation, and bringing people together in community spaces.
One of the Downingtown mayorâs primary responsibilities is to oversee the police department. Deuso plans to address mental health concerns in the force and has promised not to sign any agreement between the Downingtown Police and ICE.
Deuso was endorsed by the local Democratic party and defeated a primary challenger, Barry Cassidy, back in May. Her predecessor, Democrat Phil Dague, chose not to run for a second term, having served in local government for eleven years.
Deuso was also endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. âWith Erica Deusoâs election, Downingtown has made historyâand sent a message far beyond Pennsylvania,â said President & CEO Evan Low in a statement. âAs one of the few out transgender mayors elected in America, Ericaâs leadership will inspire trans youth across the country who are looking for hope in a time of relentless attacks. Her victory proves that when we lead with authenticity, empathy, and vision, communities respond with trust and support.â
Janelle Perez, Executive Director of LPAC, who also endorsed Deuso, celebrated the victory: âDowningtown voters delivered a resounding message today, affirming that Erica represents the inclusive, forward-looking leadership their community deserves, while rejecting the transphobic rhetoric that has become far too common across the country. Throughout her campaign, Erica demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her future constituents and the issues that matter most to them.â
The first out trans mayor in the United States was Stu Rasmussen, who was elected to mayor of Silverton, Oregon, in 2008. She had also been mayor from 1984 to 1992, but had not come out yet.
While Pennsylvania voted red in the 2024 election, 56.7% of Chester County voters chose Kamala Harris, whereas 42.3% chose the president.
Last night, the state of Pennsylvania also voted to maintain its Democratic majority on the state supreme court.
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