State Committee Candidates: Men & Male-Identifying
Christopher Kowerdovich (incumbent)
U.S. Army “PA Guard” Iraq War Vet Christopher Kowerdovich here. Raised on a farm here in Chester Co, my story starts the same way my commitment to public service does, with a bottom-up approach to organizing giving everyday people a voice in shaping their lives.
Growing up working class and serving as an enlisted queer soldier “healthcare specialist” in the Army taught me: the value of showing up for others & honest communication.
From policy advocacy, designing LGBTQ+ voter outreach material, to going on podcasts, my focus has always been at the Pennsylvania Democratic Party State Committee: lift people up, organize with purpose, and make sure no community is an afterthought.
I’m asking for your vote to continue transparency, strategy, & results to the Pennsylvania Democratic Party State Committee with bottom up organizing.
Brian J. McGinnis
I’m running for re‑election to the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee to continue a lifetime of work strengthening our party from the ground up. I’ve been involved in Democratic organizing since 2004, helping build the local infrastructure that has powered our county’s transformation. In 2005, I co‑founded the West Goshen Democrats, and I’ve served as a zone leader for the Bradford Democrats, working year after year to expand voter engagement and support strong candidates at every level.
On West Chester Borough Council, I authored the Responsible Contractors Ordinance, restored women’s healthcare access in borough insurance, and helped pass a budget that protected essential services without raising taxes. I’ve focused on transparency, long‑term planning, and fiscal responsibility.
From 2014 to 2018, I served as Chairman of the Chester County Democratic Committee, leading a historic shift that delivered our first Democratic row officers, record fundraising, and a permanent headquarters. As a State Committee member, I’ve been a conduit for judicial campaigns and statewide coordination, elected in 2022 as the top male vote‑getter countywide.
I believe in a Democratic Party that listens, organizes, and delivers. With your support, I’ll continue fighting for our shared values and a stronger Pennsylvania.
Hans van Mol (incumbent)
Hans van Mol has had a near 10-year relationship with the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee, where he has earned a reputation as a thoughtful, steady, and effective advocate for Democrats across Chester County. Over that time, he authored the first major bylaw change in 15 years to expand youth representation, advanced multiple party platform resolutions, and focused on ensuring that local Democrats have a real voice in statewide decision-making.
From 2023 to 2025, Hans served as President of the Pennsylvania Young Democrats, leading one of the most significant periods of growth and modernization in PAYD’s history. He expanded chapter organizing across the Commonwealth, drove a full bylaws overhaul, rebuilt the High School and College Dems, and elevated PAYD’s visibility in statewide elections. The highlight of his tenure was hosting the Young Democrats of America National Convention in Philadelphia for the first time in 45 years, bringing together hundreds of delegates representing every state to showcase the strength of PA’s youth political infrastructure.
Hans also serves as a Tredyffrin Township Supervisor, where he champions transparent governance, long-term fiscal planning, and practical local solutions for infrastructure, public services, and community needs.
Professionally, Hans is the District Office Director for PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton (the first female Speaker), managing constituent services, community outreach, and public programming. Working directly for the Speaker gives Hans deep insight into statewide issues and a front-row seat to the policymaking that affects every community in Pennsylvania.
Hans is running to be RETAINED with a clear message: “Keep Chester County at the Table.” Getting elected may put someone in the room, but the real work happens at the table, where priorities are set and decisions are made. Hans brings the relationships, experience, and steady leadership needed to make sure Chester County isn’t just present, but heard.
Russ Phifer (incumbent)
Political Resume:
- Lifelong Democrat and Chester County Resident since 1953.
- Became a CCDC Committee person in 2004 and have been re-elected 5 times.
- Served as Secretary of the OxGrove Dems from 2006-2017.
- Ran for Chester County Recorder of Deeds in 2011.
- Founded the CCDC Candidate Recruitment & Development Committee (CRDC) in 2012.
- Developed candidate training programs and trained many candidates for local office.
- Served as Campaign Treasurer and/or Chair on several campaigns for local office.
- Joined the CCDC Chair’s Club as a Charter Member and have maintained continuous membership.
- Elected Zone leader of the OxGrove Democrats in 2018 and served one term.
- In 2022, I was appointed as an At-Large Member of the PA Democratic State Committee and have attended every meeting since then. I regularly share comprehensive meeting notes with the Kennett and OxGrove zones. I became the first person from Southern Chester County to serve on State Committee since the 1970s.
Professional Background:
- BA Degree in History from College of Wooster in 1974.
- 45-year career in environmental health & safety.
- Served as a Consultant for US State Department on safety & security in Iraq.
- Over 150 professional presentations at national & international meetings.
- Elected a Fellow of the American Chemical Society in 2010.
- Served as Chair of numerous Committees, Divisions and Task Forces.
- Appointed a member of the Chester County Local Emergency Planning Committee in 1987 and served as Vice-Chair for 30 years. Re-appointed by Chester County Commissioners in 2025.
- Serve on London Grove Township Environmental Advisory Council.
- Serve as Executive Director of the National Registry of Certified Chemists, a US H&HS approved National Board for certification of Clinical & Toxicological Chemists.
Ashton Simmons
Ashton Simmons is an elected official on the Board of Auditors in West Pikeland Township, law school professor at Hofstra University, and seasoned real estate executive at Binswanger with nearly 25 years of nationwide experience spanning development, leasing, and property management across retail, multifamily, industrial, and office sectors.
Throughout his career, Ashton has overseen and contributed to more than $1 billion in ground-up developments and major redevelopment projects. He is particularly known for his expertise in repositioning and revitalizing shopping centers on both the East and West Coasts. He excels at building collaborative relationships with municipal leaders and community stakeholders to navigate entitlements, secure approvals, and generate long-term value.
Most recently, Ashton served as President of Operations for a national real estate development firm. He has also held leadership roles at prominent companies, including Brookfield, CenterCal Properties, Seritage Growth Properties, and LBG Real Estate Companies, with titles ranging from Managing Director to Senior General Manager.
In addition to his industry work, Ashton is Vice President of the Board of Directors at FC Delco, and sits on the Corporate Board of the YMCA of the Greater Brandywine.
Ashton holds a J.D. from Hofstra University, an M.B.A. from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a B.S. in International Finance from Morgan State University. He is a licensed real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and the Long Island Real Estate Group (LIREG).
Other male candidates:
- Abdul Mughees Chaudhri (incumbent)
- Jay Arnold
- Kieran Francke
- Paul Lahm
- Zachary Hall