State Committee Candidates: Women & Female-Identifying
Endorsed by the Chester County Democratic party
- Michelle Smith
- Jenn Fenn
- Kristin Gerling
- Carlotta Johnston Pugh
Other candidates
- Lani Frank
- Charlotte Valyo
- Diane O’Dwyer
- Ginny Kerslake
- Ashley Lahm
Profiles
Kristin Gerling
First elected to the State Committee in 2022, it has been an honor to serve my first term while actively engaging with the Southeast Caucus, multiple constituency caucuses, and state party leadership. I’m especially active in the Progressive Caucus, including supporting the recent resolution condemning the weaponization of ICE, which successfully passed. I would like to continue my work on State Committee and be a liaison for your voices to be heard at the State level, but also bring back information and resources to our Chester County organization.
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.
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.
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
Ashley Lahm
Ashley Lahm is a School Board Director, grassroots organizer, and working mom committed to building a stronger Democratic Party.
As one of the youngest candidates in this race, Ashley represents a new generation of Democratic leadership, bringing digital fluency, lived experience, and the urgency required to win.
She serves on the West Chester Area School Board (Region 2) and as Assistant Zone
Leader of the West Whiteland & West Pikeland Democrats (Zone 14).
Ashley believes State Committee must invest in year-round organizing, modern strategy, and stronger grassroots engagement so Democrats are prepared long before Election Day.