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This small Pennsylvania town just elected the state's first-ever out transgender mayor

This small Pennsylvania town just elected the state's first-ever out transgender mayor
ericadeuso.com

Erica Deuso

Eria Deuso has become the first out transgender mayor in Pennsylvania.

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A small town in Pennsylvania has become the first in the state to elect an out transgender mayor.

Eria Deuso, a trans woman and Democrat, has been elected mayor of Downington, which is about 30 miles west of Philadelphia in Chester County. The final tallies show she earned 64 percent of the vote compared to Republican Rich Bryant's 35 percent.

"Downingtown, thank you. Yesterday’s victory shows what we can accomplish when we come together with respect, hope, and purpose. I’m honored by your trust and ready to get to work," Deuso said in a statement posted online. "Being elected as Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor is deeply meaningful, and I carry that responsibility with pride and humility. I hope it reminds anyone who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated that your voice matters, and that you belong in the room where decisions are made."

Downington has a population of just over 8,000, according to the 2020 census. Deuso moved to the town in 2007, and lives with her husband, Michael, their dog, and three cats. She and is currently a committeeperson with the Chester County Democratic Committee, and has served on boards including the Pennsylvania Equality Project, PFLAG West Chester, and Emerge Pennsylvania. She also previously ran for state legislator.

Deuso was one of the more than 170 candidates across the nation that were endorsed by LGBTQ+ Victory Fund in the 2025 General Election. President and CEO Evan Low said in a statement that "With Erica Deuso’s election, Downingtown has made history — and sent a message far beyond Pennsylvania."

"As one of the few out transgender mayors elected in America, Erica’s leadership will inspire trans youth across the country who are looking for hope in a time of relentless attacks," Low said. "Her victory proves that when we lead with authenticity, empathy, and vision, communities respond with trust and support."

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Ryan is a reporter at The Advocate, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She first became a published author at the age of 15 with her YA novel "Someone Else's Stars," and is now a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics, and the IRE, the society of Investigative Reporters and Editors. Her first cover story, "Meet the young transgender teens changing America and the world," has been nominated for Outstanding Print Article at the 36th GLAAD Media Awards. In her free time, Ryan likes watching the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild, listening to the Beach Boys, and practicing witchcraft.
Ryan is a reporter at The Advocate, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She first became a published author at the age of 15 with her YA novel "Someone Else's Stars," and is now a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics, and the IRE, the society of Investigative Reporters and Editors. Her first cover story, "Meet the young transgender teens changing America and the world," has been nominated for Outstanding Print Article at the 36th GLAAD Media Awards. In her free time, Ryan likes watching the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild, listening to the Beach Boys, and practicing witchcraft.
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