Kyle Boyer, Local Teacher, Running For Chesco's State Sen. Seat

Kyle J. Boyer

Age (as of Election Day)

32

Position Sought

Pennsylvania State Senate District 19

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Primary opponents

Carolyn Comitta, Don Vymazal

Family

n/a

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA in Political Science (GWU), Masters in Education (Penn), Masters in Public Administration (Penn), Masters of Divinity (United Lutheran Seminary), and currently working on Doctor of Ministry (United Lutheran Seminary).

Occupation

Teacher for 10 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Member of the Tredyffrin/Easttown Board of School Directors

Campaign website

www.kylejboyer.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I'm running for the State Senate to help move our county and Pennsylvania forward towards a more progressive future. I care deeply about pursuing a more equitable society for everyone, and I believe that I have the knowledge, skills, and values to help our state move in that direction.

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

Educational inequity. I plan to support education legislation that provides as many resources as possible for public schools and I plan to oppose any legislation that increases mandates and/or takes away resources from public schools.

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

While all of the candidates in the race are certainly qualified, I believe my candidacy offers the greatest promise of progress. I haven't heard either of my opponents raise criminal justice reform as an issue. I also haven't heard my opponents speak about the economic disparities that continue to exist, even in the wealthiest county in Pennsylvania. I have a record of speaking with conviction on issues, and I would continue that practice as a state senator.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Increasing support for public schools, creating economic opportunity for those at the margins, public health, and criminal justice reform are the four major reasons I jumped into the race. I also care about our environment, I care about women's health, I care about safe workplaces and safe communities, I care about commonsense gun laws. I think progressive individuals will find that I care about many of the issues they do.

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

The most significant public service experience I have has come from my time as an elected school board member. I previously led the legislative committee, and now lead the policy committee. I've served on many other committees, and have helped sort through a $150 million budget. More importantly, the job of state senator entails making tough decisions and taking tough votes, and I've certainly done that on numerous occasions, sometimes taking stances that weren't the most popular, but that I believed were in the best interest of students, staff, and taxpayers.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Remember that leadership is about service.

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

Voters should know that I'm a lifelong Chester County resident who grew up in a single-parent household, got a great education, and has been afforded some awesome opportunities. I wouldn't mind another opportunity to serve as their state senator.