State Committee Candidates: Women & Female-Identifying​

Erica Deuso

Https://www.EricaDeuso.com

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Bio

Erica Deuso is the Mayor of Downingtown and a lifelong Democrat who believes strong local leadership builds a stronger party statewide. In January 2026, she made history as the first transgender mayor in Pennsylvania and the only transgender mayor currently serving anywhere in the country.

Her election was decisive and data driven. Voter turnout in Downingtown exceeded Chester County by more than 4% points, and she won by a 2:1 margin. Those results reflect trust, disciplined organizing, and a message rooted in community, safety, and fairness. Erica knows how to turn values into votes.

She brings deep experience in party building. She has served as treasurer for multiple Democratic organizations, sits on multiple non-profit boards, and has worked across municipal, county, and state networks to move resources where they matter most. She understands campaign finance law, compliance, and the mechanics that keep candidates viable.

Professionally, Erica works in the pharmaceutical industry, where she manages complex operations, budgets, and accountability. She applies the same rigor to public service.

As a member of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee, Erica will focus on turnout, data sharing, candidate support, and strengthening local committees. You will get a partner who shows up, does the work, and wins.

Lani Frank

Lani Frank

I am pleased to announce that I am running for re-election to PA State Committee in Chester County. 

I truly enjoyed serving our Chester County Democratic community from 2010-2018, and as a progressive, I stand for progress and social justice and equality for all. 

I was the co-founder and past Chair & Vice Chair of the PA Progressive Caucus, and while I am not currently an elected member, I continue to participate in their activities. 

I am the former Vice Chair of the Chester County Democrats, and while I am not currently a member of the Executive Committee, serving on State Committee would enable me to re-engage there as well. 

I currently participate with Chester County Marching Forward, (a local progressive group focusing on voter outreach, education, messaging and democracy).

I advocate for a clean and healthy and safe environment, universal access to healthcare, strong public education, common sense gun regulations, protecting and preserving Medicare/Medicaid, women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, child tax credits, eliminating college debt, reforming the Supreme Court, a living wage, and a strong Democracy by ensuring the right for all citizens to vote. 

I hope you will join me in my journey by supporting me and voting for me on our Democratic primary ballot. Thank you for your consideration. 

https://www.facebook.com/LANIFFRANK

Diane O'Dwyer

Diane O'Dwyer

Re-Elect Diane O’Dwyer – Progressive. Pragmatic. Unifier.

  • Appointed to fill State Committee vacancy in 2020 
  • Elected as State Committee Member in 2022 with second highest number of votes
  • Active with State Committee Women’s Caucus, Senior Caucus and Rural Caucus
  • Currently serving as your elected Chester County Recorder of Deeds (since 2024)
  • Experienced organizer and leader
  • Campaign volunteer, activist and Committeeperson since 2004 
  • Former Zone Leader of Central Chester County Democrats (Zone 10)
  • Local Team Leader / Canvass Coordinator for both Obama campaigns and Hillary for America
  • Campaign Chair and Finance lead for Kathi Cozzone for Lieutenant Governor in 2018
  • Poll worker program director at Chester County Voter Services 2018-2019
  • CCDC committee work includes Unity Task Force and Voter Outreach
  • Vice President of Board of Directors for the Housing Partnership of Chester County

“I strive to be a unifying force, grounded in our shared values of fairness, opportunity, and inclusion. I consider myself a pragmatic progressive — when making endorsement decisions, both message and electability matter.”

Contact me at diodwyer1@gmail.com

Charlotte Valyo

Charlotte Valyo has served the Chester County Democratic Committee (CCDC) in leadership roles for more than a decade, bringing deep organizational knowledge and a collaborative, results-driven approach to party building at both the county and state Levels.

She has served as CCDC Chair since June 2021, following nine years as Zone 11 Zone Leader representing Schuylkill Township, East Pikeland Township, and Spring City. From 2020 to 2021, Charlotte also served as Zone Leader Caucus Chair, strengthening coordination and communication among zone leaders across the county.

Before becoming Chair, Charlotte chaired the 2019 and 2020 election review committees, led CCDC fundraising initiatives, and organized candidate meet-and-greet events to support Democratic candidates throughout Chester County.

As CCDC Chair, Charlotte serves as a member of the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee (PADems). Her current term ends in June 2026, and she is running for re-election for the PADems State Committee. During her tenure, she has built strong relationships with PADems leadership and state committee members statewide and has worked collaboratively to streamline mailer approvals, expand training opportunities, and improve statewide campaign coordination.

Charlotte remains focused on strengthening Democratic infrastructure and ensuring effective collaboration between county and state party organizations.

Other female candidates