Jennifer Leith Is Vying For PA's 166 Legislative District Seat

Jennifer Leith

Age (as of Election Day)

48

Position Sought

Pennsylvania State House of Representatives 166

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

?

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Not at the local or state level

Education

MA - Rutgers University; BA - Bucknell University

Occupation

Non-profit Executive Director (20+ years in non-profit sector)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Appointed Member of Haverford Township Human Relations Commission

Campaign website

www.leithforpa.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

In order to make change on the issues we care about, such as high-quality public education and equitable economic opportunity, we need to change who we send to Harrisburg because the status quo is not bringing the change we need in PA. The incumbent has held this office for 28 years, with few tangible accomplishments. I strongly disbelieve in a permanent class of career politicians, which is why one of my priorities in Harrisburg will be good government reforms, including term limits for legislators. I want to go to Harrisburg, work hard and with intensity for a reasonable period of time, and then pass the baton to the next do-er.

The single most pressing issue facing our state/nation is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

We need elected officials who will look at issues from a multi-dimensional, intersectional, equitable lens. That is what I will do as our State Representative in Harrisburg. My top 3 issues - which are all interconnected - are: Education Equity, Financial Resiliency for Families & Workers & Good Government reforms.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I actively engage with our community, work with members of our community and accomplish things with our community. Our incumbent does none of these things.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the incumbent failed the district?

We don't lead single-issue lives and our incumbent is a single-issue official who has not moved the needle on that one single issue. Our voice deserves to be heard on varied issues facing our State General Assembly such as education funding, common sense gun reform, and healthcare. Our incumbent has failed to actively engage on those issues.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Education Equity, Financial Resiliency for Families & Workers and Good Government reforms.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In the past 2 years, in the wake of immigrant fears and targeting on a national level, I worked with members of our community and School District of Haverford Township to pass a welcoming schools resolution to signal and implement that the district is a welcoming, safe space for all students. Additionally, as Chair of the Human Relations Commission, I convened Township residents, the School District of Haverford Township and the police to address issues of diversity and inclusion within Township and District practice. This has led to ongoing dialogue and action with all entities to build a more inclusive community. Elected office is about working in partnership with those of opposing views, finding common ground and getting things done; that is what I do.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Stay true to yourself and have a firm handshake.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will work hard and with intensity for the community of House District 166 in Harrisburg for a finite period of time while also building the bench so that new leadership is developed and ready to run. We cannot afford to continue to lose generations of leaders who never get an opportunity to lead in elected office when career politicians occupy and monopolize seats for decades.