Erica Deuso | |
|---|---|
| Mayor-elect of Downingtown, Pennsylvania | |
| Assumed office January 7, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Phil Dague |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 27,1980 |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Alma mater | Drexel University (MBA) |
Erica Michelle Deuso (born August 27,1980) is an American politician. On November 4,2025,she was elected as the mayor of Downingtown,becoming the first openly transgender mayor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. [1]
Deuso works as a personnel and process quality manager (PPQME) for Johnson &Johnson. [2]
She serves on the Chester County Democratic Committee. She also serves on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Equality Project. [2] Deuso also sits on the board of Emerge Pennsylvania,an organization that promotes women political candidates. [3]
In May 2025,she won the Democratic Party's primary for the mayoral race for Downingtown,a town in Chester County west of Philadelphia,defeating fellow Democrat Barry Cassidy. [2] She received the Democratic Party's endorsement after Phil Dague decided not to seek reelection for a second term. [2] She ran against Republican Richard Bryant in the election. [4] On November 4,2025,she won the race,becoming the first openly transgender person to win a mayoral election in Pennsylvania. [5] She received 64% of the vote. [6] Following her victory,she posted on social media that it was "deeply meaningful" to be the first openly transgender mayor in Pennsylvania,saying she carries the "responsibility with pride and humility" and said she hoped that 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." [1]
Deuso is originally from South Burlington,Vermont. [2] She is a graduate of South Western High School in Hanover,Pennsylvania. She moved to Downingtown in 2007. [2] She has multiple degrees,including an masters degree in business administration,from Drexel University. [2]