State Committee Candidates: Men & Male-Identifying
Endorsed by the Chester County Democratic party
Other Candidates:
Brian McGinnis
Christopher Kowerdovich
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.
Paul J. Lahm
Website: https://lahmcandidates4pa.my.canva.site/
Earned CCDC endorsement
Paul Lahm is a Software Engineer, Judge of Elections, and longtime Democratic volunteer focused on strengthening our party’s infrastructure.
As Treasurer of the West Whiteland & West Pikeland Democrats and Judge of Elections since 2020, Paul understands governance, election processes, and organizing at the local level.
As a quality assurance engineer, Paul believes strong systems, clear processes, and accountability are essential to building a Democratic Party that wins consistently.
He is running for State Committee to ensure Democrats are organized, accountable, and prepared long before Election Day.
Russ Phifer
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.
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.