The Gist
State Representative, 97th District
Photo of Jess Branas
Jess BranasCampaign photo — Friends of Jess Branas

Jess Branas

Candidate for State Representative, 97th District

Democratic

Background

Occupation
Consultant and educator
Lives in
East Lampeter Township
Campaign website
jess4pa.com

A former Upper Darby Township Council member (elected 2023) and former House district office staffer who worked in constituent services for Rep. Mike Zabel and as district director for Rep. Heather Boyd. A Lancaster native, she is a former Spanish teacher, radio host and podcaster.

Report

Photo: Campaign photo — Friends of Jess Branas

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Supports starting the budget earlier and freezing legislators' pay when the budget is late.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 97 - VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · State budget process · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “If it's delayed, I support freezing legislators' pay until they finish their job.”
    Report

Education

  • Supports fully funded public schools.

    Issues - JESS 4 PA

    Campaign website · Friends of Jess Branas · Public School Funding · jess4pa.com

    “I believe in strong, fully-funded public schools where teachers are supported, classrooms are stocked, and our kids are prepared to take on the future.”
    Report

Housing

  • Calls for more housing funding, tenant protections and raising the eviction ceiling.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 97 - VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Most pressing issues · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “we must increase funding for housing, defend tenants' rights, and support current legislation that raises the eviction ceiling”
    Report

Economy & jobs

  • Supports raising Pennsylvania's minimum wage.

    Issues - JESS 4 PA

    Campaign website · Friends of Jess Branas · Affordability & Raising the Minimum Wage … Affordability & Raising the Minimum Wage · jess4pa.com

    “it's the first real step toward making our communities affordable again … That's why raising Pennsylvania's minimum wage isn't just a line on a resume”
    Report

  • Proposes eliminating flat customer charges ("junk fees") on utility bills.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 97 - VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Most pressing issues · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “I will fight to erase the … junk fees … seen as flat customer charges on utility bills.”
    Report

Environment & parks

  • Opposes data centers in Pennsylvania and calls for state rules on their energy and water use and reporting.

    Pennsylvania State Representative District 97 - VOTE411 Voter Guide

    Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Data centers … Data centers · onyourballot.vote411.org

    “First and foremost, I am opposed to data centers coming into our commonwealth. … it's also imperative that we create regulations that ensure usage reporting and expenditures to provide transparency of operations of these facilities to the public”
    Report

Health & human services

  • Supports affordable health care, with medical decisions left to patients and their doctors.

    Issues - JESS 4 PA

    Campaign website · Friends of Jess Branas · Affordable and Reliable Healthcare · jess4pa.com

    “that covers you when you're sick, and that puts decisions back in the hands of you and your doctor”
    Report

Government & transparency

All sources (8)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.