The PA GOP candidate for Governor wants to defund public education. At the local level, extremist school boards are enacting book bans, whitewashing curriculum and outright targeting LGBTQ+ students. Violent threats against teachers and school staff are becoming frighteningly common.
Pennsylvania is a top battleground in the right wing’s war on our public schools. Today, we’re highlighting 12 Democrats who know what educators face first hand and will FIGHT BACK for safe, balanced, and factual education.
Defend our schools and help flip the PA General Assembly. Can you donate $12 or more to our Back to School slate?
Meet our education champions:
Nick Miller (SD-14 Lehigh/Northampton) is president of the Allentown School Board and one of the youngest public officers in city history.
Lisa Borowski (HD-168 Delco) has a decade in public service and won her first campaign at the School Board level, flipping control of her district from red to blue.
Kathy Laughlin Benyak (HD-123 Schuylkill) is a counselor and coordinator for an apprenticeship and welding program who volunteers at a school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Chris Rodkey (HD-93 York) is an educator and minister who has taught adult GED, college, seminary, and graduate level courses.
Jill Dennin (SD-24 Berks/Montco) is a former Boyertown School Board member who fought for the rights of transgender students all the way to the Supreme Court! And won!
Paul Friel (HD-26 Chester) is a School Board member back for a rematch against a Trump-loving incumbent in a newly drawn district.
Jackie Baker (SD-20 Susquehanna/Wyoming/Pike/Wayne/Luzerne) is a longtime teacher in rural PA who fights for fair education access for all students.
Paul Takac (HD-82 Centre) is a College Township Councilman who works to expand access to educational technology and support students.
Laurie Smith (HD-18 Bucks) taught in public schools in Bensalem Township for over a decade and is ready to take her expertise to Harrisburg.
Vito Malacari (HD119-Luzerne) is a high school government teacher, president of his local teacher’s union and a fierce advocate for public education.
Doug Mason (HD-50 Greene/Washington) has been teaching for 30 years and helped develop and expand an award winning band program in his local school district.
Ilya Breyman (HD-178 Bucks) is a first-generation immigrant and education technology entrepreneur who is passionate about creating opportunities for students working to pursue their own American dreams.
Now that school is back in session, we are seeing first hand the damage GOP extremists can and are doing in our own communities. If you are interested in running for local office in 2023 or helping recruit candidates in your area, Turn PA Blue and our partners are here to help! Complete this short form and we’ll be in touch!
Defend our schools!
– Turn PA Blue
