Voters Guide

Candidates for PA Governor, US Congress (PA-16), and PA State House for areas that included Erie County were asked about their positions on LGBTQIA+ issues. Please note that Pennsylvania's 2026 primary election is May 19. The last day to register to vote for the primary is May 4, and the last day to request a mail-in ballot is May 12.

These were the questions asked for all races:

We, as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?

What actions can you take for protecting the rights and safety of LGBTQ youth, especially our transgender youth?

In terms of healthcare, how will you work to improve and expand access with focus on affordability and inclusivity? For example, gender affirming healthcare for transgender individuals?

What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?

PA Governor

Not Responding: Josh Shapiro (D-Inc), Stacy Garrity (R)

US Congress (PA-16)

Not Responding: Mike Kelly (R-Inc)

We, as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?

Justin Wagner (D)

In terms of what I will strive to do in order to fight for fair and adequate housing for at-risk youth, I am committed to passing he Homeless Children and Youth Act (HCYA) of 2025 (S. 1667 / H.R. 6403) or similar comprehensive legislation. I am committed to prioritizing ample funding for HUD, and I am ready to learn about any kinds of political pathways to guaranteed housing for all. This is one of my personal principles that I will be fighting for in Congress.

No matter the individual, housing is becoming historically out-of-reach. This puts the pressure on poor and working people to the max, which destroys families, personal mental health, and economic future. I will prioritize money for HUD, Social Security, SNAP, and other such services that create vital lifelines, while looking for savings in bloated medical and military contracting budgets. I will be looking to participate in legislation that limits single family/multi-family real estate empires. I will be prioritizing streamlined rezoning laws that allow us to build millions more homes, and cre

What actions can you take for protecting the rights and safety of LGBTQ youth, especially our transgender youth?

Justin Wagner (D)

The current administration is using federal agencies (HHS, DOE, DHS) to forcefully out students and restrict their healthcare. I commit to codifying non-discrimination into federal law(the Equality Act, for example) so it isn't subject to the whims of whoever is in the White House. I've sworn many times to protect and defend all the people of this nation. Government that uses its power to target children's healthcare or privacy is rogue to accountability.

In terms of healthcare, how will you work to improve and expand access with focus on affordability and inclusivity? For example, gender affirming healthcare for transgender individuals?

Justin Wagner (D)

First and foremost, healthcare is a human right. That includes gender affirming care, women's health and hygiene care, and sexual healthcare as well. For all people.

Our healthcare system in this country is broken. A person needs to have a full-time job to then have to deal with their employer's choice in healthcare insurance provider, or struggle financially while simultaneously fitting a series of requirements in order to qualify for government-sponsored insurance.

This is on top of a culture that, while achieving incredible progress for the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people, has a long history and severe problem with prejudice. That prejudice exists in doctors offices, employer conversations, and health insurance phone calls. It exists in the interactions with youth and their parents. It exists in outcomes dictated by institutions leaning on decades-old legal decisions.

The medical community needs to understand Trans and LGB+ people. There must be standards of care such that anyone, regardless of their physiological needs, can rely on compassionate and quality treatment. This starts in certifying the education of doctors and nurses, and continues with policy and adequate investment in Title IX programs and the like.

What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?

Justin Wagner (D)

I grew up with gay and non-conforming people in my immediate family. I've seen what an ignorant teacher or a dismissive school councilor does to a kids sense of self. I have seen what medical professionals who outright ignore someone's health emergency inflict not just in terms of physical suffering, but long term trauma.

I will always listen to the experts. I will always keep marginalized people in mind while I'm legislating.

And I will hold regular, in-person town halls... as well as keep my lines of communication open to you. That is my obligation, and I intend to uphold it

PA State House District 1

Not Responding: :Patrick Harkins (D-Inc)

PA State House District 2

We, as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?

Bob Merski (D-Inc)

I voted recently for HB1800, the marriage equality bill. If it comes to the floor for a vote, I will vote for HB300, the Fairness Act, establishing sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

What actions can you take for protecting the rights and safety of LGBTQ youth, especially our transgender youth?

Bob Merski (D-Inc)

As a former educator, I taught LGBTQ youth in Erie's Public Schools. LGBTQ youth deserve the same proctections to safety as all students. When I taught at Collegiate Academy, the district converted a single stall restroom for faculty into a gender neutral restroom to accommodate transgender youth. I support anti bullying legislation, which would include LGBTQ youth. Every child deserves to be safe and have their human rights protected.

In terms of healthcare, how will you work to improve and expand access with focus on affordability and inclusivity? For example, gender affirming healthcare for transgender individuals?

Bob Merski (D-Inc)

Affordability in health care is a real issue in the United States, including prescription medication. I believe that health care decisions should be made between the patient and their doctor, not the government. I am working on legislation now that would allow patients to challenge an insurance company denial of health care. It would require insurance companies to have a neutral doctor examine a patient, not just look at the charts, after challenged on their denial of health care.

What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?

Bob Merski (D-Inc)

I believe in the worth and dignity of every human being. I have hired interns from the LGBTQ community. Our office has assisted transgender people with name changes on their birth certificates, My voting record and presence at Pride events reflects being an ally to the LGBTQ community.

PA State House District 3

We, as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?

Ryan Bizzarro (D-Inc)

I was proud to support my friends and colleagues Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and Rep. Jessica Benham in voting to support the Fairness Act earlier this session

Donna Reese (R)

While laws already exist to protect people, I recognize that enforcement can be difficult and that many cases go unreported or are hard to prove.

As an elected official, I would focus on practical steps that make those protections more effective. This includes supporting clearer reporting processes, ensuring complaints are taken seriously, and strengthening accountability so existing laws are enforced consistently and fairly.

What actions can you take for protecting the rights and safety of LGBTQ youth, especially our transgender youth?

Ryan Bizzarro (D-Inc)

First, we need to continue to work to get the Fairness Act to the Governor's desk, fair and equal treatment under the law is not just the minimum of guaranteed rights to our citizens, but the minimum to attract and retain the employees and businesses we need to ensure a stable future for our commonwealth. Second, we need to ban conversion therapy and any other attacks on the intrinsic right of LGBTQ people to live and express themselves, no one should have to justify their existence or be forced to try and change who they are.

Donna Reese (R)

My belief is that all children deserve equal protection and dignity under the law. At the same time, ensuring safety sometimes means addressing the specific challenges certain groups face. As an elected official, I would support strong anti-bullying policies, ensure schools have clear processes to protect students from harassment, and promote access to counseling and support services for any child who needs them.

I also believe in working with parents, educators, and community organizations to foster environments where every young person feels respected and safe. While laws are important, culture and accountability matter just as much.

Ultimately, my focus is on making sure every child-regardless of who they are-can grow up in a safe environment, free from harm, and treated with dignity.

In terms of healthcare, how will you work to improve and expand access with focus on affordability and inclusivity? For example, gender affirming healthcare for transgender individuals?

Ryan Bizzarro (D-Inc)

Absolutely, in the wake of the fall of Roe v. Wade I have hosted five hearings on reproductive healthcare access issues as well as three hearings on prenatal care and inclusivity. We have to talk about these issues and destigmatize the language around healthcare to ensure not just access but also that our laws support those healthcare workers as they do their jobs

Donna Reese (R)

Access to affordable healthcare is one of the most important challenges facing our community. Too many individuals and families are already struggling with rising premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs, and any approach must take that reality into account.

I believe healthcare decisions are deeply personal and should be made between patients and their medical providers. At the same time, there are differing views on what constitutes medically necessary care versus elective procedures, and those distinctions have a direct impact on insurance costs and accessibility for everyone.

As an elected official, I am committed to listening to medical professionals, patients, and the broader community to better understand these issues and to find balanced solutions that expand access while keeping healthcare affordable for all.

What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?

Ryan Bizzarro (D-Inc)

I am a fighter, I have a long track record of legislative accomplishments and I'm proud of that. We have only had one year in the majority and yet have made more progress on LGBTQ issues than in the previous 20 years and yet there is still more work to do. With your help, we will continue to fight for inclusion, equity, and making PA a safe place for all.

Donna Reese (R)

Many people assume that, as a conservative Republican, I am automatically opposed to or unsupportive of the LGBTQ community. That assumption doesn't reflect who I am or how I was raised.

I was introduced to diversity at a very young age-long before it was openly discussed. My older stepbrother was gay, and my older sister was in an interracial marriage at a time when that was far from widely accepted. As the youngest in my family, these experiences were simply part of my normal. I grew up understanding that people are people, and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

Because of that, I've spent my life approaching others without judgment based on who they are. At the same time, I've also experienced what it feels like to be judged-often being labeled or misunderstood because of my political affiliation. I've been called intolerant or worse simply for having differing views on certain issues, and I know firsthand how unproductive and hurtful that kind of labeling can be.

What I would want the LGBTQ community-and everyone in our community-to know about me is this: I believe in treating people with kindness, respect, and fairness. We don't have to agree on every issue to treat each other with dignity. In fact, I believe our community is strongest when we can have respectful conversations, listen to one another, and work toward common ground.

In a perfect world, we would all judge less, help more, and lead with empathy. That's the kind of approach I try to bring to my life, and it's what I would strive to bring as an elected official as well.

PA State House District 4

Not Responding: Jacob Banta (R-Inc)

We, as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?

Kat DiVittorio (D)

Discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations is wrong, and no Pennsylvanian should lose opportunities, housing, or access to services because of who they are. As a legislator, I would support updating the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act so protections against discrimination clearly apply statewide, not just in the zip codes where local ordinances happen to exist.

I also believe protections need to be practical, not just symbolic. That means making sure people have a clear, accessible process to report discrimination and that complaints are addressed fairly and in a timely way. Laws matter, but enforcement matters too.

At the same time, this is about something very basic: every person deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness in their workplace, in the housing market, and in public life. We do not have to agree on everything to agree that people should be safe from discrimination and able to participate fully in their communities.

As an elected official, I would approach this the same way I approach other issues: listen to affected communities, focus on workable policy, and support protections that make Pennsylvania a fairer and more welcoming place to live and work.

What actions can you take for protecting the rights and safety of LGBTQ youth, especially our transgender youth?

Kat DiVittorio (D)

Every young person deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported at home, at school, and in their community. That includes LGBTQ youth, including transgender youth. As a parent and someone with close loved ones in the queer community, this issue is personal to me.

As a legislator, I would support clear, enforceable protections so no child is subjected to bullying, harassment, or discrimination simply for being who they are. I also believe schools should have practical guidance and resources to maintain safe learning environments for all students. That means strong anti-bullying policies, clear nondiscrimination standards, and ensuring students and families know where to report and get support if problems do arise.

This should not be approached through fear or political point-scoring. Young people do better when the adults around them lead with responsibility, fairness, and common decency. Our job is to protect kids, support families, and make sure every student can focus on learning in a safe environment.

If elected, I would approach this the same way I approach other issues affecting children and families: by listening, focusing on practical solutions, and doing what we can to make sure no young person is left feeling unsafe or unsupported.

In terms of healthcare, how will you work to improve and expand access with focus on affordability and inclusivity? For example, gender affirming healthcare for transgender individuals?

Kat DiVittorio (D)

Healthcare should be affordable, accessible, and a respectful experience for everyone. All over this country, and in our district particularly, people are struggling with high costs, provider shortages, travel times that are too long, and gaps in mental health care. I would support efforts to lower costs, protect coverage, and expand access to care so people can get the services they need closer to home.

I also believe healthcare decisions should not be guided by politics, but rather, by patients, families, and medical professionals. This includes ensuring fair treatment of patients, respecting their privacy, and ensuring that they are not denied care because of who they are.

After working with the 2024 JCLA cohort on a project about the mental healthcare crisis, I feel strongly that expanding access also means improving the way care is delivered. Too often, people are met with one-size-fits-all systems that do not reflect their actual needs. Whether someone is seeking inclusive care, trauma-informed support, autism-informed services, or care that meets the needs of older adults, people deserve providers who take them seriously and treat them with dignity.

Inclusive care matters because the trust that patients have in their healthcare providers matters. When people are afraid of being judged, dismissed, or discriminated against, they are less likely to seek care in the first place. As a legislator, I would support policies that improve access to affordable care, strengthen mental health services, and uphold clear nondiscrimination protections so every Pennsylvanian can receive care with dignity and respect.

What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?

Kat DiVittorio (D)

My support for the LGBTQ community is personal. I have queer loved ones I care for deeply, and I have seen firsthand how much it matters to be safe, respected, and taken seriously.

To me, this is not about politics. It is about the ability for people to live honestly, feel accepted, and move through the world without being judged, dismissed, or discriminated against.

That has stayed with me and made me more aware of how much everyday support matters at home, at school, in healthcare, and in public life. If elected, I would bring that same understanding with me and do my best to make Pennsylvania a place where people are treated fairly and with decency and respect.

PA State House District 6

Not Responding: Michael Charles Walker (D), Brad Roae (R-Inc)