8. Madeleine Dean (D)
State: Pennsylvania
Race: 4th District
Platform highlights: Dean is advocating for a number of policies favored by many other Democrats in this election. For education, she’s pushing for universal preschool programs, student loan help, and more affordable college and trade school education options.
She also supports more universal healthcare, via a single-payer system or a greatly expanded Medicare option. At the same time, she reassures seniors that she will fight for continued payout of Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Dean is also a member of the Women’s Health Caucus, and as such has a particular focus on women’s healthcare. She states that reproductive healthcare is a fundamental right that should be available to all. Dean also clearly states her support for women’s right to choose and for Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case that effectively legalized abortion nationwide.
On her campaign website, Dean also outlines her support for increased gun control measures, improved infrastructure throughout Pennsylvania, and more support for groups addressing the opioid crisis. She has also come out clearly in support of environmental concerns, arguing that the United States should first address the issue by rejoining the Paris Environmental Agreement.
Why you should watch out for her: Though you may not have heard of Dean, even if you’re a Pennsylvanian, chances are this won’t be the last she appears in the political realm. She’s already served in the state’s General Assembly, for one. Many also consider her to be a rising star in state politics and beyond.
Campaign website: www.mad4pa.com