Updated March 4, 2022 at 11:07 am.
Thursday, over 40 LGBTQ+ leaders from across Pennsylvania endorsed Attorney General Josh Shapiro and State Representative Austin Davis for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The endorsement comes from a diverse group of LGBTQ+ leaders, including public officials, leaders of community organizations, and activists from all across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The announcement comes amid news of growing support for a Shapiro-Davis ticket. Last weekend, Shapiro and Davis were endorsed by the Steel City Stonewall Democrats. Last week, a column in the Philadelphia Gay News laid out their perspective on the Lieutenant Governor’s race and the importance of the election to deliver results for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians.
During the press conference at the William Way LGBT Community Center in Philadelphia, LGBTQ+ leaders spoke about the threats facing our community and the need for support in Harrisburg. Shapiro and Davis pledged to stand with the LGBTQ+ Community and highlighted their plans for passing nondiscrimination legislation and advancing equality.
“We’re seeing it in Texas, Florida, and right here in Pennsylvania, LGBTQ+ rights are under attack – and it’s on us to stand up for equality and ensure Pennsylvania is safe and welcoming for all,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “Throughout my career, I have always fought to advance equality and protect LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians’ rights, and I will continue that work as Governor, banning discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, expanding our hate crime laws to cover our LGBTQ+ communities, and investing in mental health resources to support LGBTQ+ youth.”
“I am humbled and grateful to have the support of so many leaders from LGBTQ+ communities from all across our Commonwealth – and I am ready to continue fighting for them as Pennsylvania’s next Lieutenant Governor,” said State Representative Austin Davis. “Every Pennsylvanians’ rights should be protected under the law, and in Harrisburg, I have worked to protect LGBTQ+ rights and advance equality. Alongside this impressive group of LGBTQ+ leaders and activists, a Shapiro-Davis administration will continue that work to ensure that LGBQT+ Pennsylvanians are protected, supported, and have their rightful seat at the table as we build our Commonwealth’s future.”
The full list of leaders:
Adams County
Chad Alan Carr (Gettysburg) | Councilmember, Gettysburg Borough Council
Allegheny County
Chelsey Engel (Pittsburgh)
Jeff Freedman (Pittsburgh) | Co-Creator, QBurgh
C. Lee Hill, Jr. (Pittsburgh) | President, Steel City Stonewall Democrats
Jessica Semler (Etna) | Councilmember, Etna Borough Council
Dena Stanley (Etna)
Carrie Tongarm (Shaprsburg) | Councilmember, Sharpsburg Borough Council
Deb Whitewood (South Fayette) | Plaintiff, Whitewood v. Wolf (Marriage Equality for
Pennsylvania)
Bucks County
Jon Panofsky (Warminster) | Vice Chair, Bucks County Young Democrats + Former Member,
Centennial School Board
Centre County
Matt Yarnell (Port Matilda) | President, SEIU Healthcare PA
Clinton County
Bre Reynolds (Lock Haven)
Crawford County
Randy Herbert-Weed (Townville)
Cumberland County
Dr. Katie Dalke (Silverspring Township)
Erie County
Will Koehler (Erie)
Michael Mahler (Erie) | Editor, Erie Gay News
Franklin County
Laura Pearce (Chambersburg)
Bryce Richardson (Chambersburg)
Phil Whitley (Chambersburg)
Huntingdon County
Anthony Bullett (Huntingdon)
Lehigh County
Corrinne Goodwin (Allentown)
Luzerne County
Justin Correll (Laurel Run) | Mayor, Laurel Run Borough
Michelle Kessler (Mountain Top) | Secretary-Treasurer, UFCW Local 1776
Montgomery County
Ricky Buttacovoli (Lansdale) | President, Ricky’s Pride PAC
Adah Bush (Cheltenham) | Former Chair, Liberty City Democratic Club
Bill Caldwell (Norristown) | Former President, Norristown Borough Council
Aidan DeStefano (Pottstown) | Trans Student Advocate, Doe v. Boyertown
Tim Hayes (Dublin) | Councilmember, Dublin Borough Council
Tom Hasani (Upper Moreland) | Member, Upper Moreland Township School Board
Alex Myers (Hatboro) | Councilmember, Hatboro Borough Council
Cathy Pagano (Lower Gwynedd) | Auditor, Lower Gwynedd Township
Anne Pavone (West Norriton) | Commissioner, West Norriton Township Board of Commissioners
Lori Schreiber (Abington) | Montgomery County Clerk of Courts + Commissioner, Abington
Township Board of Commissioners
Philadelphia County
John Brady
Tyrell Brown
Andre Carroll
Elizabeth Coffey Williams
Julian Domanico
Rue Landau
Rick Lombardo
Micah Mahjoubian
Mark Segal | Founder and Publisher, Philadelphia Gay News
Kendell Stephens
Pike County
Sean Strub (Milford) | Mayor, Milford Borough
Schuylkill County
Mikaela Gavaletz (Pottsville)
Dr. Maria Sanelli (Lake Wynonah) | Founder, Schuylkill County Stonewall Democrats