Bisexual Pennsylvania state legislator and disability rights advocate Jessica Benham secures fourth term

Bisexual lawmaker Jessica Benham won her reelection campaign to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the state’s 36th district, defeating Republican opponent Timothy McCune and securing a fourth term.

First elected in 2020, Benham is the first out LGBTQ+ woman elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, as well as the first autistic person. She represents District 36 in Allegheny County, which includes parts of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.

The Associated Press called the election early Wednesday morning. With over 95 percent of the estimated vote counted, Benham led McCune 78 to 22 percent, according to AP data.

Related: Jessica Benham, Bi Autistic Woman, Seals Historic Win in Pa. Election

As part of an initial “rainbow wave” of LGBTQ+ legislators elected to office in 2020, Benham’s win cements continuing queer representation for the 36th district.

During her time in office, Benham has pushed to ban Flock camera surveillance, prohibit price gouging during local disasters, and incentivize buildings to prioritize clean air. She has been an advocate for disability rights, sponsoring legislation that would increase funding for caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities. A member of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, Benham has also been a staunch supporter of queer and transgender rights during her tenure, supporting laws to protect minors from conversion therapy and recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride month.

Related: ‘Unfit to serve’: Pennsylvania GOP lawmaker faces resignation calls over antigay tirade about colleague

As Pennsylvania has a divided state government, Benham has had to battle anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the statehouse. In a particularly egregious instance in early October, Benham called for Republican State Rep. Aaron Bernstine’s resignation after he made anti-LGBTQ+ statements in which he accused openly gay Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta of having AIDS.

“No one should have to endure personal attacks or hateful rhetoric to do their job. We will continue to stand firmly against hate, intimidation, and bullying, and to defend the dignity of every person who serves in this chamber,” a joint statement from the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and the LGBTQ Equality Caucus read. “Representative Bernstine must be held accountable for his words and actions, which have made him unfit to serve.”