1. Jessica Benham is the first openly LGBTQ+ woman and first openly autistic person elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
13 Facts About Jessica Benham
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Jessica Benham cofounded the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy in 2014.
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Jessica Benham earned a bachelor's degree in political science and communication at Bethel University.
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Jessica Benham earned a master's degree in communication at Minnesota State University, Mankato and a master's degree in bioethics at University of Pittsburgh.
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Jessica Benham holds a doctorate in communication from the University of Pittsburgh, which she completed while serving as a state representative.
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In 2014, Jessica Benham cofounded the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy, where she served as the director of development.
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Jessica Benham helps educators, parents, and healthcare workers to better understand those with autism, and reduces roadblocks to employment for autistic adults.
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Jessica Benham has consulted and provided feedback for the Pittsburgh City Council's gun legislation, state level healthcare efforts, and the endeavor to create autism designations on driver's licenses and license plates.
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In 2020, Jessica Benham defeated opponent AJ Doyle and was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 36th District, where she succeeded Harry Readshaw.
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Jessica Benham is the first LGBTQ+ woman and first autistic person elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
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Jessica Benham's campaign focused on healthcare, workers' rights, and a clean environment.
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Jessica Benham received endorsements from local trades labor unions, including in the natural-gas industry.
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Jessica Benham has served as the Judge of Elections since 2018.