Pennsylvania Midterms: Local Stars Back State Candidates

Two Pennsylvania-based celebrities released video endorsements on Sunday to support local Democratic candidates in the Tuesday general election. Carson Kressley, an actor and designer from Allentown, backed Mark Pinsley. Pinsley is the Democratic candidate for State Representative in District 16. He faces incumbent Republican Jarrett Coleman in that race.

Aimee Mullins, a Paralympian and actress, supported Christopher Thomas. Thomas is the Democratic challenger for State Senate District 24. He is running against incumbent Republican Tracy Pennycuick. Both districts cover parts of multiple counties in the state.

Erin Frederick, the founding executive director of The Hometown Project, coordinated these appearances. She stated that voters often feel overwhelmed by local ballots. Many residents do not know the specific duties of county legislators or school board members. Frederick said these officials make decisions that affect daily life, including property taxes and education funding.

The Hometown Project has worked with more than 125 artists nationwide to promote local races. The organization previously partnered with Danny DeVito, Selena Gomez, and Sarah Jessica Parker for similar efforts. Frederick noted that public figures can have a strong influence on their hometown fans. This influence can help candidates who are less known to the general public.

Democratic Party officials view this year's midterms as a chance to regain control of state government. A report from The Pennsylvania Independent noted that Democrats have not controlled all three branches of state government simultaneously in 31 years. Winning both the House and Senate would be a major shift in the state's political balance.

State senators in Pennsylvania serve four year terms. The videos for Pinsley and Thomas were released in Pennsylvania, where many observers see Democratic victories as the primary goal of the cycle. The candidates are competing for seats that represent specific geographic areas within the commonwealth.

Pinsley represents a district that includes portions of Lehigh and Bucks counties. Thomas represents a district that includes portions of Berks and Montgomery counties. Voters in these areas will choose between the challengers and the incumbent Republicans on Tuesday.