The Gist
State Representative, 177th District
Photo of Joe Hohenstein
Joe HohensteinOfficial portrait — PA House Democratic Caucus

Joe Hohenstein

Candidate for State Representative, 177th District

DemocraticIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; immigration attorney
Lives in
Philadelphia (Frankford)
Campaign website
votehohenstein.com

State representative for the 177th District since 2019. Before taking office he was an immigration attorney and small business owner and taught at Temple University's Beasley School of Law, where he developed its first immigration law clinic.

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Photo: Official portrait — PA House Democratic Caucus

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Calls for a tax structure that makes large corporations pay their fair share.

    Issues — Elect Joe Hohenstein

    Campaign website · Friends of Joe Hohenstein PAC · Joe Hohenstein's Platform · votehohenstein.com

    “a tax structure that makes massive corporations pay their fair share”
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Public safety

Education

  • Lists full, fair funding for Philadelphia schools among his top priorities.In office

    Rep. Joe Hohenstein's Biography

    Government record · Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus · Biography · pahouse.com

    “top priorities include full fair funding for Philadelphia schools”
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Economy & jobs

Environment & parks

  • Co-sponsors a bill banning pesticides containing PFAS 'forever chemicals' where safer alternatives exist.In office

    Rep. Khan, colleagues move to ban PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' in Pennsylvania pesticides

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Joe Hohenstein · Jan 14, 2026 · News release, Jan. 14, 2026 · pahouse.com

    “When a pesticide contains chemicals that do not break down, harm public health, and have safer alternatives, Pennsylvania should not allow their use.”
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Health & human services

  • Proposes a task force and technology to remove barriers people with disabilities face in state programs.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Technology First – Improving Access to State Government for People with Disabilities

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Jun 29, 2026 · Co-sponsorship memo, June 29, 2026 · palegis.us

    “we will be introducing legislation that will create a taskforce that will identify systemic principles that create barriers to accessibility in state programs”
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  • Proposes an optional $5 donation at PennDOT online renewals to fund services for deaf and hard of hearing people.In office

    Co-Sponsorship Memo: Contributions for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · May 26, 2026 · Co-sponsorship memo, May 26, 2026 · palegis.us

    “giving applicants the option to voluntarily donate $5 to ODHH when applying for or renewing a driver's license, ID card, or vehicle registration”
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Courts & justice

  • Co-sponsors a bill letting the Human Relations Commission document complaints about ICE civil-liberties violations.In office

    Pa. lawmakers detail bill to route ICE complaints to Human Relations Commission

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Joe Hohenstein · Jan 22, 2026 · News release, Jan. 22, 2026 · pahouse.com

    “empower the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to receive and document complaints from the public regarding civil-liberties violations by federal ICE agents … ICE's paramilitary tactics must be reined in and made accountable.”
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All sources (15)

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.