Melissa Shusterman

Melissa Shusterman (born September 8, 1967) is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 157th District, which covers parts of Chester County and Montgomery County. She was elected in 2018.

Melissa Shusterman
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 157th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2019[1]
Preceded byWarren Kampf
Personal details
Born (1967-09-08) September 8, 1967
Augusta, Georgia, US
Political partyDemocratic
Children1
ResidenceSchuylkill Township, Pennsylvania
Alma materConestoga High School
Lafayette College
American University
WebsiteOfficial Website
Campaign Website

Early life and education

Shusterman was born in Augusta, Georgia and raised in Tredyffrin Township. She attended Conestoga High School.[2] In 1989, she graduated from Lafayette College with a bachelor's degree in Russian Studies and History. She later obtained a master's degree in Film and Television from American University in Washington, DC. Shusterman returned to the Chester County area and launched Fedora Media, a video production company, while raising her son as a single mother.[3]

Career

Shusterman was first elected in 2018, successfully unseating four-term incumbent Republican Representative Warren Kampf with 57 percent of the vote.[4] During her campaign, she was endorsed by organizations such as Planned Parenthood, the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, and the Sierra Club,[5] as well as by former President Barack Obama.[6] Her committee assignments include the Aging and Older Adult Services and Tourism and Recreational Development committees. Shusterman also serves as Democratic secretary of the Judiciary committee.[7] Shusterman is the first freshman representative to serve as a deputy whip for her party.[8]

Personal life

Shusterman resides in Schuylkill Township, Pennsylvania with her husband Hans and son Paris.[2]

Electoral history
2018 Pennsylvania House of Representatives election, 157th district
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Melissa Shusterman 17,681 56.58%
Republican Warren Kampf (incumbent) 13,567 43.42%
Democratic gain from Republican
2020 Pennsylvania House of Representatives election, 157th district
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Melissa Shusterman (incumbent) 24,854 62.53%
Republican Bryan Walters 14,894 37.47%
Democratic hold

References
  1. "Shusterman sworn in for first term as state representative". Daily Local News. 2019-01-03. Retrieved 2019-02-27.
  2. "Rep. Melissa Shusterman Biography". Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus. 2019. Retrieved 2019-02-27.
  3. Media, Digital First. "Shusterman announces candidacy for state representative in 157th District". Daily Local News. Retrieved 2020-09-26.
  4. Brennan, Chris (2018-11-07). "Pa. House and Senate remain in Republican control despite Democratic gains". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2019-02-26.
  5. "Endorsements Fall 2018". Sierra Club. 2018-06-27. Retrieved 2020-09-26.
  6. "President Obama Issues Second Round of Midterm Endorsements". The Charleston Chronicle. Retrieved 2020-09-26.
  7. Group, MediaNews. "Rep. Shusterman appointed secretary of Pa. House Judiciary Committee". Daily Local News. Retrieved 2020-09-26.
  8. Caucus, Pennsylvania House Democratic (2019-01-17). "Shusterman named Deputy Freshman Whip". www.pahouse.com. Retrieved 2020-09-26.


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