How did Janet Diaz win another primary without the Lancaster Dems endorsement?
For a second time, Janet Diaz has won the Democratic nomination for elected office without the support of the county Democratic party — this time to take on Republican Sen. Scott Martin and in doing so, becoming the the first county Latina nominated for a state Senate seat. She did… Read More

Statement on the Fight for Justice from Emerge Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Today, the Executive Board of Emerge Pennsylvania, a statewide organization dedicated to training, empowering, and electing Democratic women, released the following statement in response to the nation’s calls for justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and all the Black lives lost to senseless… Read More
Northwest Pennsylvania women train to run for office
Women can get professionals to help them run for elected office. Did you ever think about running for elected office? Kristy Gnibus, Lydia Laythe, Marci Mustello, Christal Lepak and Julie Slomski did more than think about it. They signed up for training in various programs, and they shared what they… Read More
In Delaware County, a historic race looms as Democrats seek their first council majority
For generations, there was no surer political bet in Southeastern Pennsylvania than Delaware County. Party bosses and watchdogs could rest assured that come every November, it would maintain its reputation as an ironclad Republican stronghold. But in less than a month, all bets will be off. For the first time… Read More
Councilwoman Diaz announces run for 13th state Senate district
Lancaster City Councilwoman Janet Diaz announced her bid for state Senate on Saturday. Diaz is running as a Democrat in the 13th senatorial district, which Republican Sen. Scott Martin currently represents. Her announcement comes especially early, since the primary election to be the Democratic candidate isn’t until April 2020. Martin,… Read More
‘Everything inside of me broke’: Newly elected Pa. lawmaker wants the Capitol to confront gun violence
The first time violence tore through state Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell’s family, she was 8 years old. Her father was shot and died in her mother’s arms on Easter Sunday, just outside of their home in West Philadelphia. The next time, she was barely a teen. Charles Anthony was her brother… Read More
Rothchild May be a First for Scranton
Voters in Scranton took a step toward making history in Tuesday night’s election. One of the winners of the Democratic nomination for city council could be the first openly gay person elected to city office. Jessica Rothchild knew she was taking a risk running for Scranton City Council. The physical… Read More
Twenty Women Running in the Democratic Primaries Received Emerge Pennsylvania Training
Emerge Pennsylvania alumnae and current class members will appear on the ballot for almost every level of local office in the Commonwealth. PHILADELPHIA – Emerge Pennsylvania alumnae started the year off with a strong win with Movita Johnson-Harrell’s victory in the special election for state house district 190. Next week,… Read More

Movita Johnson-Harrell Is Now the First Muslim Woman in the Pennsylvania State Legislature
As told to Madison Feller Historically, women have needed to be convinced to enter politics. But since the 2016 presidential election, thousands of women have decided to run. And we want them to win. So we’re giving them examples of a woman who has run. The point: You can, too. Read More
Emerge Pennsylvania Alumna, Movita Johnson-Harrell Wins Special Election
The newly elected State Representative is the first Muslim Woman Elected to the PA House. PHILADELPHIA – Women’s History Month is usually about celebrating achievements of the past, yet there are a select group of women who see it as a challenge to make history today. The March 12 special… Read More