Early support protects women incumbents; backs competitive challengers across Pa
PHILADELPHIA, December 10, 2025 — Represent PA, the only organization dedicated to electing more women to Pennsylvania’s state legislature, today announced its first round of investments for the 2026 election cycle: a total of $66,000* committed to incumbent women lawmakers and two previously endorsed challengers in highly competitive districts across the Commonwealth.
This early slate underscores Represent PA’s strategy of defending hard-won seats while continuing to expand women’s representation in Harrisburg.
A Strategic Start to 2026
Gwen Stoltz, Executive Director of Represent PA, said, “Our first investments set the tone for the year ahead—defending the women who are already delivering for their communities and helping new candidates break through in highly competitive districts. We are building a legislature that reflects the strength and diversity of Pennsylvania, and that work begins with strategic early support.”
State Senate Investments
Represent PA is endorsing three Senate incumbents—critical voices in Harrisburg whose leadership has advanced policies supporting working families, reproductive freedom and economic opportunity.
- Sen. Maria Collett (SD 12 — Montgomery, Bucks)
- Sen. Lindsey Williams (SD 38 — Allegheny)
- Sen. Katie Muth (SD 44 — Chester, Montgomery, Berks)
State House Investments
Represent PA’s largest group of endorsements supports women leaders defending diverse communities across Pennsylvania:
La’Tasha Mayes (HD 24), Mandy Steele (HD 33), Jess Benham (HD 36), Nikki Rivera (HD 96), Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (HD 129), Tina Davis (HD 141), Melissa “Missy” Cerrato (HD 151), Melissa Shusterman (HD 157), Christina Sappey (HD 158), Carol Kazeem (HD 159), Leanne Krueger (HD 161), Gina Curry (HD 164), Jenn O’Mara (HD 165), Kristine Howard (HD 167), Lisa Borowski (HD 168), MaryLouise Isaacson (HD 175), Liz Fiedler (HD 184), Tarah Probst (HD 189), Speaker Joanna McClinton (HD 191) and Morgan Cephas (HD 192).
Support for Previously Endorsed Challengers
Recognizing the importance of expanding the map in 2026, Represent PA is also investing in two previously endorsed challengers running in highly competitive suburban districts:
- Hadley Haas (HD 44 — Allegheny)
- Elizabeth Moro (HD 160 — Chester/Delaware)
Meg Pritchard, Chair of Represent PA’s Endorsement Committee, said, “Every cycle, we see that early funding is one of the biggest predictors of success. These women are proven leaders and top-tier candidates, and we are proud to stand with them from day one. Represent PA is laser-focused on electing more women because it leads to better policy outcomes for every Pennsylvanian.”
Represent PA will continue to review candidates and make additional endorsements throughout the cycle.
About Represent PA
Getting its start in 2014, Represent PA helps progressive women claim their seat at the table. Represent PA focuses on investing in democratic women candidates for the Pennsylvania House and Senate. We’re leading the way in PA for women to create a reflective democracy. We are building our “mutual fund” for elections – raising money, analyzing races and candidates – to invest where we can challenge the status quo. Today, Represent PA focuses on paving the way for progressive women so that tomorrow those voices will shape government in Harrisburg and Washington. To learn more about Represent, visit representpa.org, find us on Facebook, Instagram or follow us on Twitter.
Media Contact:
Heidi Siegel
Communication Director
+1 215 287 2677
siegelh@comcast.net
* Following this initial announcement, Represent PA also committed $1,000 in early support to Rep. Leanne Krueger (HD 161, Delaware). Going forward, Represent PA’s first-round investment total will be reflected as $67,000.