Denise Maris
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Denise Maris (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to represent District 76. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Biography
Denise Maris was born in Brooklyn, New York. She earned an associate degree from Berkeley College in 1998, a bachelor's degree in business administration from Lock Haven University in 2018, and a master's degree in healthcare management from Lock Haven University in 2020. Maris graduated from Leadership Clinton County in 2018 and has served as a member of the Alumni Association. Her career experience includes working as a human resources director and as a paralegal. She has also been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Downtown Lock Haven Rotary Club
- West Branch Society of Human Resources
- League of Women Voters
- AmeriCorps
- Clinton County Democratic Women
- Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women
- Clinton County Democratic Committee
- Union County Democratic Committee
Elections
2024
See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76
Incumbent Stephanie Borowicz defeated Denise Maris in the general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Stephanie Borowicz (R) | 69.2 | 21,393 |
 | Denise Maris (D) | 30.6 | 9,453 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 64 | ||
| Total votes: 30,910 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76
Denise Maris advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76 on April 23, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Denise Maris | 98.7 | 2,978 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.3 | 40 | ||
| Total votes: 3,018 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76
Incumbent Stephanie Borowicz advanced from the Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76 on April 23, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Stephanie Borowicz | 98.7 | 5,750 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.3 | 77 | ||
| Total votes: 5,827 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Maris in this election.
2022
See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76
Incumbent Stephanie Borowicz defeated Denise Maris in the general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Stephanie Borowicz (R) | 67.4 | 15,776 |
| Denise Maris (D) | 32.6 | 7,627 | |
| Total votes: 23,403 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76
Denise Maris defeated Elijah Probst in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Denise Maris | 61.5 | 2,381 |
| Elijah Probst | 37.5 | 1,450 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.0 | 39 | ||
| Total votes: 3,870 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76
Incumbent Stephanie Borowicz advanced from the Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Stephanie Borowicz | 98.8 | 7,820 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.2 | 97 | ||
| Total votes: 7,917 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
To view Maris' endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Denise Maris did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
2022
Denise Maris completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Maris' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to hard working Puerto Rican parents, I moved to Clinton County in 2014 with my partner and two children. I worked as a Paralegal for 15 years which covered Domestic Relations, contracts, small claims and class action suits. When I saw an opportunity to build upon my Associates Degree, I attended Lock Haven University for my Bachelor’s Degree in business management while driving school bus for elementary children during the day. I made sure to find time in between working, being a mom and a full time college student to be involved with several community services projects. These projects consisted of participating in the annual CleanScapes program which helps to clean up local rivers of trash, and to purchasing gifts for needy families through the giving tree at Lock Haven University. I was also in AmeriCorps program during the summer of 2015, whereby I helped the Ross Library to assist seniors with their technology questions and the summer Lego Robotics program.
- I will represent everyone within the community regardless of party, religious or ethnic background. One of the main reasons I am running for representative is that the people of the 76th District are not being represented equally, and that the division within our community is prohibiting us from being a better, productive society. I have a vision that the 76th District could be a model to the state and the entire country when we all work together for the betterment of our community. Every voice will be heard and represented fully. I believe that when many different ideas and life experiences join together, we are all the better for it.
- There are three school districts in the 76th District: Keystone Central School District, Mifflinburg Area School District, and Lewisburg Area School District. Supporting these students, staff and faculty is crucial. Preserving the opportunities provided by the PA State System of Higher Education’s Lock Haven University offers our students the ability to attend college closer to home. I know that having access to a quality, affordable education empowers our students to compete on a global scale. I understand that the relationships that can be developed between our local students and local industry benefit both, and encourage our young people to stay, live, work, and raise their families here.
- Access to affordable, quality healthcare is vital to a healthy society. I view access to quality healthcare as a right, and not a privilege to be available only to those who can afford the high premiums. Being a daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, I understand first-hand the effects of PTSD on the family. Veterans also experience Traumatic Brian Injuries and other challenges from their time served. We must have appropriate services available to help all of them through readjustment into civilian life. I am pro-choice and will work hard to protect reproductive rights. The fundamental right to make decisions about our own bodies must be guaranteed. Without that, there is no true liberty.
I have a clear understanding of what the citizens of the 76th District are currently experiencing. I know what it is like to raise a family, and manage a household, all while living paycheck to paycheck. I understand the stress of unexpected expenses, the dread of an upcoming car inspection, a leaky roof, or an appliance repair or a replacement that will seriously impact your wallet. I have been there and have lived those stressors. I understand the burdens of high student loan bills, seniors being unable to remain in their homes because of rising taxes, utilities and property upkeep. The rising cost associated with quality child care often forces families to choose between one or two parents being able to work. I will address these issues and work hard to come up with responsible, affordable solutions, such as increasing the minimum wage to a living, thriving wage with increases built in so we do not have to keep addressing this issue.
I will address the difficulties faced by people who have a past criminal history that prohibits them from obtaining certain jobs. They have paid their debt to society and should be treated as full, free citizens. We must give them a path to continue on their road of rehabilitation and find success. This not only, helps the individual, but the entire justice system by helping to reduce recidivism rates. Individual economic success contributes positively to the economic success of the district and the state.
I will address the difficulties faced by people who have a past criminal history that prohibits them from obtaining certain jobs. They have paid their debt to society and should be treated as full, free citizens. We must give them a path to continue on their road of rehabilitation and find success. This not only, helps the individual, but the entire justice system by helping to reduce recidivism rates. Individual economic success contributes positively to the economic success of the district and the state.
I believe that my qualities of kindness and compassion are important for a successful officeholder. It drives me to work with others and consider their view when trying to reach compromise. That is something that is missing in our current political environment. I believe that my ability to talk and listen to everyone, and consider their reality is a way to bring us back together as Pennsylvanians.
The core responsibility of a State Representative is to speak on behalf of the voters. A State Representative needs to listen to all constituents, regardless of party, religion, ethnicity or LGBTQ+ status. All of the citizens in the district should feel that they are being heard and at least some of their ideas are being represented in their government.
The first historical event that happened that was the most impactful was the attack on 9/11. As a New York native, this happened right in my backyard. I knew right away that it was not an accident. I remember feeling shocked and horrified at what was happening. I was 29 and living in Philadelphia at the time, but still had many friends and family that lived and worked in the city. Watching the event unfold on the news made me feel angry that someone was attacking our country. When the new came that the Pentagon has also been hit by a plane, filled me with fear and made me worry for how we could protect ourselves. Finally, the brave people who downed the plane in Shenksville, saving the US Capitol from attack, touched my heart in ways that I cannot express. That day was filled with tragedy and dismay. I was encouraged by the way our country came together and noticed a new kindness expressed by everyone.
The last song that got stuck in my head was "Changes" by Tupac Shakur. The verse that runs through my head the most is "Let's change the way we live. Let's change the way treat each other. The old way wasn't working." This is such impactful that addresses the daily struggle that so many people face. It balances and inspires me to try to live by those words when I interact with people. It fuels me to continue to reach to people and spread my message of inclusivity.
Pennsylvania's greatest challenges over the next decade will be to remain competitive in the national and global work place. One of the problems we are currently facing is that our graduates are leaving to go to other states. We need to establish more affordable education and trade training. We must also make wages competitive and housing affordable to encourage people to stay. Too many of our talented citizens are leaving and we must make it more desirable for them to stay in our beautiful commonwealth.
We cannot let gerrymandering or map manipulation interfere with the voice of the voter. Fair Districts of PA has developed a plan for drawing the new lines after the census that is a transparent, accountable process that will best reflect the will of the voters. This plan has had wide bipartisan support but has not been permitted out of committee due to partisan politicians steering the agenda. The legislators are to be chosen by the voter, not the voters being chosen by the legislator. Only through a fair and transparent redistricting process that includes input of the people can we have elections that truly reflect the will of the voters.
Compromise is absolutely necessary for policymaking. Without that, there is no way to get any real work done. However, I do not think that you should compromise to the point of abandoning your core values. The goal should be to find an equitable, middle ground.
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Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 76 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 5, 2022
Current members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Joanna McClinton
Majority Leader:Kerry Benninghoff
Minority Leader:Jesse Topper
Representatives
District 1
Patrick Harkins (D)
District 2
Robert Merski (D)
District 3
Ryan Bizzarro (D)
District 4
Jake Banta (R)
District 5
Eric Weaknecht (R)
District 6
Bradley Roae (R)
District 7
Parke Wentling (R)
District 8
Aaron Bernstine (R)
District 9
Marla Brown (R)
District 10
Amen Brown (D)
District 11
Marci Mustello (R)
District 12
District 13
John Lawrence (R)
District 14
Roman Kozak (R)
District 15
Joshua Kail (R)
District 16
Robert Matzie (D)
District 17
Tim Bonner (R)
District 18
K.C. Tomlinson (R)
District 19
Aerion Abney (D)
District 20
Emily Kinkead (D)
District 21
Lindsay Powell (D)
District 22
Joshua Siegel (D)
District 23
Dan Frankel (D)
District 24
La'Tasha Mayes (D)
District 25
Brandon Markosek (D)
District 26
Paul Friel (D)
District 27
Daniel Deasy (D)
District 28
Jeremy Shaffer (R)
District 29
Tim Brennan (D)
District 30
Arvind Venkat (D)
District 31
Perry Warren (D)
District 32
Joe McAndrew (D)
District 33
Mandy Steele (D)
District 34
District 35
Dan Goughnour (D)
District 36
Jessica Benham (D)
District 37
Mindy Fee (R)
District 38
John Inglis (D)
District 39
Andrew Kuzma (R)
District 40
Natalie Mihalek (R)
District 41
Brett Miller (R)
District 42
Dan Miller (D)
District 43
Keith Greiner (R)
District 44
Valerie Gaydos (R)
District 45
Anita Kulik (D)
District 46
Jason Ortitay (R)
District 47
Joe D'Orsie (R)
District 48
Timothy O'Neal (R)
District 49
District 50
Bud Cook (R)
District 51
District 52
Ryan Warner (R)
District 53
Steven Malagari (D)
District 54
Greg Scott (D)
District 55
Jill Cooper (R)
District 56
Brian Rasel (R)
District 57
Eric Nelson (R)
District 58
Eric Davanzo (R)
District 59
Leslie Rossi (R)
District 60
Abby Major (R)
District 61
Liz Hanbidge (D)
District 62
James Struzzi (R)
District 63
Josh Bashline (R)
District 64
R. James (R)
District 65
Kathy Rapp (R)
District 66
Brian Smith (R)
District 67
Martin Causer (R)
District 68
Clint Owlett (R)
District 69
Carl Metzgar (R)
District 70
Matthew Bradford (D)
District 71
Jim Rigby (R)
District 72
Frank Burns (D)
District 73
Dallas Kephart (R)
District 74
Dan Williams (D)
District 75
Mike Armanini (R)
District 76
District 77
Scott Conklin (D)
District 78
Jesse Topper (R)
District 79
Louis Schmitt (R)
District 80
Scott Barger (R)
District 81
Richard Irvin (R)
District 82
Paul Takac (D)
District 83
Jamie Flick (R)
District 84
Joe Hamm (R)
District 85
David Rowe (R)
District 86
Perry Stambaugh (R)
District 87
Thomas Kutz (R)
District 88
Sheryl Delozier (R)
District 89
Rob Kauffman (R)
District 90
Chad Reichard (R)
District 91
Dan Moul (R)
District 92
Marc Anderson (R)
District 93
Mike Jones (R)
District 94
Wendy Fink (R)
District 95
Carol Hill-Evans (D)
District 96
Nikki Rivera (D)
District 97
Steven Mentzer (R)
District 98
Tom Jones (R)
District 99
David Zimmerman (R)
District 100
Bryan Cutler (R)
District 101
John Schlegel (R)
District 102
Russell Diamond (R)
District 103
Nate Davidson (D)
District 104
Dave Madsen (D)
District 105
Justin Fleming (D)
District 106
Thomas Mehaffie (R)
District 107
Joanne Stehr (R)
District 108
Michael Stender (R)
District 109
Robert Leadbeter (R)
District 110
Tina Pickett (R)
District 111
Jonathan Fritz (R)
District 112
Kyle Mullins (D)
District 113
Kyle Donahue (D)
District 114
District 115
Maureen Madden (D)
District 116
Dane Watro (R)
District 117
Jamie Walsh (R)
District 118
James Haddock (D)
District 119
Alec Ryncavage (R)
District 120
Brenda Pugh (R)
District 121
Eddie Pashinski (D)
District 122
Doyle Heffley (R)
District 123
Tim Twardzik (R)
District 124
Jamie Barton (R)
District 125
Joe Kerwin (R)
District 126
Jacklyn Rusnock (D)
District 127
Manuel Guzman (D)
District 128
Mark Gillen (R)
District 129
District 130
David Maloney (R)
District 131
Milou Mackenzie (R)
District 132
District 133
Jeanne McNeill (D)
District 134
Peter Schweyer (D)
District 135
Steve Samuelson (D)
District 136
Robert Freeman (D)
District 137
Joe Emrick (R)
District 138
Ann Flood (R)
District 139
Jeff Olsommer (R)
District 140
Jim Prokopiak (D)
District 141
Tina Davis (D)
District 142
Joseph Hogan (R)
District 143
Shelby Labs (R)
District 144
Brian Munroe (D)
District 145
Craig Staats (R)
District 146
Joseph Ciresi (D)
District 147
Donna Scheuren (R)
District 148
Mary Daley (D)
District 149
Tim Briggs (D)
District 150
Joseph Webster (D)
District 151
Melissa Cerrato (D)
District 152
Nancy Guenst (D)
District 153
Ben Sanchez (D)
District 154
Napoleon Nelson (D)
District 155
District 156
District 157
District 158
Christina Sappey (D)
District 159
Carol Kazeem (D)
District 160
Craig Williams (R)
District 161
Leanne Krueger (D)
District 162
David Delloso (D)
District 163
Heather Boyd (D)
District 164
Gina Curry (D)
District 165
Jennifer O'Mara (D)
District 166
Gregory Vitali (D)
District 167
Kristine Howard (D)
District 168
Lisa Borowski (D)
District 169
Kate Klunk (R)
District 170
Martina White (R)
District 171
District 172
Sean Dougherty (D)
District 173
District 174
Ed Neilson (D)
District 175
Mary Isaacson (D)
District 176
Jack Rader (R)
District 177
District 178
Kristin Marcell (R)
District 179
Jason Dawkins (D)
District 180
Jose Giral (D)
District 181
Malcolm Kenyatta (D)
District 182
Benjamin Waxman (D)
District 183
Zachary Mako (R)
District 184
District 185
Regina Young (D)
District 186
Jordan Harris (D)
District 187
Gary Day (R)
District 188
Rick Krajewski (D)
District 189
Tarah Probst (D)
District 190
Roni Green (D)
District 191
Joanna McClinton (D)
District 192
Morgan Cephas (D)
District 193
Torren Ecker (R)
District 194
Tarik Khan (D)
District 195
Keith Harris (D)
District 196
Seth Grove (R)
District 197
Danilo Burgos (D)
District 198
Darisha Parker (D)
District 199
Barbara Gleim (R)
District 200
Christopher Rabb (D)
District 201
Andre Carroll (D)
District 202
Jared Solomon (D)
District 203
Anthony Bellmon (D)
Democratic Party (102)
Republican Party (101)
