Erie County played host today to a statewide push to connect with voters ahead of Election Day.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined local leaders and candidates for a weekend of outreach. Supporters gathered at the Erie Coordinated Office on State Street as Davis made Erie his first stop in a three-county tour.
Davis says visiting communities like Erie gives state leaders a clearer picture of what voters are focused on heading into the final 100 days before the election.
“Erie is a critical community, and you have seen the governor and I in Erie time and time again, whether that’s announcing Main Street grants or delivering more resources for Erie County Public Schools,” Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said.
Local candidates joined Davis for the kickoff. Katherine DiVittorio, who is running for the State House in District 4, shared what concerns are coming from Erie’s neighborhoods.
“I’ve heard a lot of interest in housing. Obviously, we’re looking at a lot of the inequity and issues within housing, as well as having that security within housing. I know that there are a lot of concerns among voters about outside funds coming in from Harrisburg and how they’re being distributed. Out in the county, where I usually am, we’re looking at things like workforce development, the workforce pipeline, and education,” DiVittorio said.
Justin Wagner, who is running for Congress in the 16th District, says Erie’s role in statewide outreach is significant because of the diversity of voices across the county.
“Because they’re standing up for the things they believe in, and that’s incredibly important. It’s incredibly invigorating to see people take that action, to stand up and say, ‘I’m not going to sit on the couch anymore,'” Wagner said.
Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Eugene DePasquale shared how engagement can influence leaders’ approach in the months ahead.
“I need to make sure that we meet that agenda: lowering costs, raising the minimum wage, and putting a stop to wars of choice,” DePasquale said.
Leaders say these early conversations help shape how they connect with communities as Election Day approaches.