Candidates for the 163rd state legislative race

Name: Heather Boyd

Age: 48

Occupation: State Representative

Political experience: He served on the Upper Darby School Board and served as district director for State Rep. Leanne Krueger from 2015-2018; served as district director and senior advisor to U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon from 2018-2023; as of 2023, he served as a state representative in the 163rd House District

Why do you run and what are your priorities in this race?

I am running for state representative to ensure that our school districts receive a fair and equitable share of public education funding. I represent the Upper Darby, William Penn and Southeast Delco school districts, which are among the most underfunded districts in the state. I was honored to work with and support this year’s budget, which will provide over $1.1 billion in increased state funding for our schools, including nearly $27 million in additional dollars for our three districts. But this is not enough to right the wrongs that have been committed over the last 50 years. We need long-term state investment in our public schools, and I am running again to ensure that there is continued political will to continue the Basic Education Financing Commission’s seven-year plan to restore equity to our schools. Our students deserve it and so do our local taxpayers.

Another priority for me is protecting women’s reproductive rights. Our U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and sent protections for women’s rights back to the states. As a Pennsylvania representative, I am committed to ensuring that women have access to reproductive health care and continue to have the right to make private decisions about their bodies.

I serve on the Labor Committee and am proud of the work we have done as a committee to expand workers’ rights, invest in workforce development and apprenticeship programs, and pass a significant minimum wage increase. I’m also proud to have voted to give our retired teachers, school staff, police and firefighters a cost of living raise, something they haven’t received in 20 years! However, these and many other priorities, such as protecting access to contraception, protecting the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, and protecting the rights of our LGBTQ+ community, failed to pass the Senate. I will fight to achieve these goals this session.

It is critical that we expand affordable housing in Pennsylvania and hold landlords accountable for ensuring that properties are safe and livable. I was also recently named co-chair of the Juvenile and Youth Justice Caucus to continue the work of the 2021 Juvenile Justice Task Force.

Why should voters choose you for this seat?

My experience as a school board director and a state and federal district superintendent has given me an understanding of the legislative process, the budgeting process, and how to effectively deliver state services to our community. I have nine years of experience working with all levels of government and understand how to cut through bureaucracy and serve the people of my district.

What do you like most about the district?

Diversity. I think I live in the absolute best neighborhood in Pennsylvania. Our housing stock is affordable and beautiful. Everywhere I go, in this county, this region, and even this state, almost everyone I meet has a connection to Upper Darby, Clifton Heights, Collingdale, Aldan, or Darby Township. It’s like the entire state came from my district. I love the diversity of the community, the variety of restaurants, access to public transportation, walkability, and the wonderful people I meet and serve every day.

Challenger: Jeffrey Jones

Age: 54

Political experience: Thread

Why do you run and what are your priorities in this race?

I’m running to be an advocate for the hardworking residents of the 163rd District as their state representative in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. We all deserve representation that meets the needs of our community on behalf of all of us, not because of party or personal agenda. I am a long-time resident of the Drexel Hill neighborhood in Upper Darby County, where I live with my wife and children.

I would like voters to know that what is important to me is:

1. Putting people first: Elected officials should serve the people, not pursue personal or partisan goals. My campaign focuses on being a voice of “common sense” for our community because I live here and our quality of life is being degraded by the neglect of partisan politics.

2. Support first responders: Our brave first responders deserve the tools, resources and training necessary to protect our community and keep us safe.

3. Education and Economic Growth: I support reforms in education and workforce training, as well as policies that promote economic development and support small businesses. Our top priority must be the quality of our children’s education. If a school district is failing, families deserve better options and choices for educating their children.

Why should voters choose you and what do you like most about the district?

I chose to put down roots for myself and my family in Drexel Hill because of the rich diversity of the community. We used to have fantastic schools with great programs that promoted the arts and fostered unity. Our quality of life has improved thanks to a strong sense of community with our neighbors. Unfortunately, I feel like we have become a more divided and distant community. What I appreciate most is the depth of heart and compassion that I believe still exists in our district. I truly believe that together we have the potential to heal and work towards a more united and prosperous future for all in the 163rd District.

District

Pa. 163rd District House covers Aldan, Clifton Heights, Collingdale and parts of Darby Township and Upper Darby.