Pennsylvania has elected its first trans mayor, Erica Deuso, marking another historic win for LGBTQ+ communities in PA and beyond. In Downingtown, PA voters elected Deuso who won 64 percent of the vote, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The town, a suburb of Philadelphia, has a population of over 8,000 people.
Following the election, the mayor-elect released a statement writing: “Voters chose hope, decency, and a vision of community where every neighbor matters.” “I am deeply honored to be elected as Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” she added.
Prior to running for office, Deuso served on the boards of various LGBTQ+ organizations including Pennsylvania Equality Project, PFLAG West Chester/Chester County, and Emerge Pennsylvania. She also serves as an executive member of the Chester County Democratic Committee.
According to The Washington Blade, Deuso’s campaign didn’t centralize her LGBTQ+ identity. Instead, Deuso campaigned on issues affecting Downingtown most, like public safety, environmental resilience, and town infrastructure.
“Downingtown voters delivered a resounding message today, affirming that Erica represents inclusive, forward-looking leadership their community deserves, while rejecting the transphobic rhetoric that has become far too common across the country,” said Janelle Perez, executive director of LPAC, a super PAC that endorses LGBTQ women and nonbinary political candidates throughout the country.
“This victory isn’t about one person, it’s about what happens when people come together to choose progress over fear. It’s about showing that leadership can be compassionate, practical, and focused on results. Now the real work begins, building a Downingtown that is safe, sustainable, and strong for everyone who calls it home,” Deuso said.
According to a LGBTQ+ Victory Institute report released this summer, the U.S. has seen a 12.5 percent increase in trans elected officials since 2024.
