Erica Deuso
Erica Deuso | |
|---|---|
_in_the_video_'Respect_and_Humanity_on_the_Campaign_Trail_25'.png) Deuso in 2025 | |
| Mayor of Downingtown, Pennsylvania | |
| Assumed office January 5, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Phil Dague |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 27, 1980 |
| Party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Michael Obert |
| Alma mater | Drexel University (BS, MBA) |
Erica Michelle Deuso (born August 27, 1980) is an American politician who has served as the mayor of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, since 2026. With her election, she became the first openly transgender mayor in Pennsylvania.[1]
Career
[edit]Deuso works as a personnel and process quality manager for Johnson & Johnson.[2]
In May 2025, she won the Democratic primary for the mayoral race in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, defeating fellow Democrat Barry Cassidy.[2] Deuso ran against Republican Richard Bryant in the general election, which she won with 64% of the vote, becoming the first openly transgender person elected mayor in Pennsylvania.[3][4]
Deuso currently serves on the Chester County Democratic Committee, and also sits on the board of Emerge Pennsylvania, an organization that promotes female political candidates.[5]
Personal life
[edit]Deuso is originally from South Burlington, Vermont.[2] She is a graduate of South Western High School in Hanover, Pennsylvania, and attended Drexel University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in 2003 and a Master of Business Administration degree in 2012.[2][6] She moved to Downingtown in 2007.[2]
References
[edit]- ↑ Riedel, Samantha (November 5, 2025). "Erica Deuso Makes Trans History, Elected as Pennsylvania Mayor". Them. Archived from the original on November 13, 2025. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Erica Deuso wins Downingtown's Democratic mayoral primary, will face Republican Richard Bryant". WHYY-FM. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. May 21, 2025. Archived from the original on June 16, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
- ↑ "Downingtown elects Erica Deuso, Pennsylvania's first openly transgender mayor". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. November 5, 2025. Archived from the original on November 13, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
- ↑ Cooper, Kenny (November 5, 2025). "Downingtown elects Pennsylvania's first openly transgender mayor". WHYY-FM. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Archived from the original on November 10, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
- ↑ Badr, Basio (November 5, 2025). "Erica Deuso's Historic Run Focuses on Pennsylvania' Community Bonds". Emegypt. Archived from the original on November 13, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
- ↑ Rowello, Lauren (January 17, 2024). "The three Es of Erica Deuso, Chester County candidate for state rep". Philadelphia Gay News. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
- Living people
- 1980 births
- American transgender politicians
- American transgender women
- Drexel University alumni
- Johnson & Johnson people
- LGBTQ mayors of places in the United States
- LGBTQ people from Pennsylvania
- LGBTQ people from Vermont
- Pennsylvania Democrats
- People from Downingtown, Pennsylvania
- People from South Burlington, Vermont
- Politicians from Chester County, Pennsylvania
- Women mayors of places in Pennsylvania