Erica Deuso could make history as Pennsylvania’s first transgender mayor if she wins the Downingtown race. Still, she emphasizes her focus is on serving the community rather than gender identity, writes Katie Bernard for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In fact, her campaign has mostly been unremarkable. She spends her Saturday mornings chatting with residents at the farmers market and the rest of the weekend meeting people in Downingtown. Most conversations center on local events; the topic of her gender identity rarely comes up.
Deuso, a Downingtown resident for 18 years, works in management at a pharmaceutical company and is a committeewoman in the local Democratic Party. She is also a board member of Emerge Pennsylvania, an organization that trains women and LGBTQ+ individuals to run for office.
Her platform focuses on traffic management, addressing domestic violence, community engagement, and promoting sustainable development.
“I’m not running on being trans, that’s not something I ever do or ever wanted to do,” said Deuso. “I wanted to make it about the neighbors.”
Although some focus on her gender identity, Deuso attempts to avoid negative discourse whenever possible, responding only when necessary.
“I want to handle it with grace,” she said.
Read more about Erica Deuso running for mayor of Downingtown in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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