Three out LGBTQ state representatives from the Pittsburgh area won re-election Tuesday, November 3, preserving queer representation in the Pennsylvania House as Democrats expanded their legislative majority and claimed control of the state Senate.
State Representatives Jessica Benham, La’Tasha D. Mayes, and Abigail Salisbury will return to Harrisburg for another two-year term. Each previously made history by being elected to the General Assembly. Together, their victories illustrate how LGBTQ political representation in Western Pennsylvania has evolved from groundbreaking firsts into continued service in state government.
The results come during a significant shift in Pennsylvania politics. Democrats expanded their House majority and gained control of the Senate, creating a new opportunity for legislative action on policies that have faced obstacles in previous sessions.
Jessica Benham Secures Fourth Term in District 36
State Representative Jessica Benham won a fourth term representing Pennsylvania’s 36th Legislative District, defeating Republican Timothy McCune.
According to Associated Press results, Benham received approximately 78% of the vote to McCune’s 22%.
Benham first made history in 2020 as the first out LGBTQ woman and first openly autistic person elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
An out bisexual legislator and disability rights advocate, Benham has built a legislative record that includes advocacy for LGBTQ protections, disability services, consumer protections, and public health.
Her work has included proposals addressing funding for caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities, restrictions on surveillance technology, and air-quality improvements in buildings.
Her latest victory keeps one of Pennsylvania’s earliest out LGBTQ state legislators in office as the General Assembly prepares for a new legislative session.
La’Tasha D. Mayes Wins Another Term in District 24
State Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, the first out lesbian member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, also secured re-election.
Mayes ran unopposed in the November general election after defeating a Democratic primary challenger in May.
First elected in 2022, Mayes represents the 24th Legislative District, which includes portions of Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg.
Before entering the legislature, Mayes founded New Voices for Reproductive Justice and established a public profile through organizing focused on reproductive freedom, racial justice, and healthcare access.
- Advertisement -
In Harrisburg, she has continued to focus on maternal health equity, reproductive healthcare, economic justice, and policies affecting LGBTQ people and working families.
Mayes has also addressed concerns within Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ community directly. In May 2025, she held community conversations following the police raid of P Town.
Her re-election ensures that her work on these overlapping issues will continue into the next legislative session.
Abigail Salisbury Returns to Represent District 34
State Representative Abigail Salisbury also won another term in Pennsylvania’s 34th Legislative District, running without a general-election opponent.
Salisbury first won office in a February 2023 special election, becoming the district’s first out LGBTQ elected representative.
An attorney with experience representing nonprofits and small businesses, Salisbury has focused portions of her legislative work on local government, community development, nonprofit organizations, and infrastructure.
Her legislative record includes work on abandoned properties, municipal grant programs, and the replacement of lead water lines.
Her continued service reflects another dimension of LGBTQ representation in Pennsylvania. Out queer lawmakers are working across a wide range of policy areas, including issues not traditionally described as LGBTQ-specific.
LGBTQ Challengers Face Defeats Elsewhere in Western Pennsylvania
While three LGBTQ incumbents secured additional terms, other out LGBTQ candidates in Western Pennsylvania were unsuccessful.
In Beaver County’s 14th Legislative District, Democrat Jake Young lost to Republican incumbent Roman Kozak.
In Allegheny County’s 39th District, Democrat Dylan Altemara was defeated by Republican Andrew Kuzma.
And in Westmoreland County’s 57th District, Democrat Rob Francis lost to Republican incumbent Eric Nelson.
