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Erica Deuso (Mayor of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, candidate 2025)
Erica Deuso (Democratic Party) is running for election to Mayor of Downingtown in Pennsylvania on November 4, 2025.[1]
Elections
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Erica Deuso completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Deuso's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Hey, I’m Erica Deuso! I have called Downingtown home for 18 years, and in 2014, welcomed my now-husband into our community. We absolutely love it here. We share our house with our dog, Mosaic, and three cats who definitely run the place.
I grew up in Vermont and moved to Pennsylvania in my teens because my dad secured a job here, and I ended up staying here for school, earning my degrees from Drexel. I’ve always been curious about how things work, which led me to a background in science and business. But more than anything, I love connecting with people and being part of a strong community.
One of my biggest passions is travel—especially internationally. Michael and I love exploring new places, trying different foods, and seeking out local breweries wherever we go. I’m a bit of a foodie, so I’m always up for finding a new restaurant, whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall or a must-visit spot. When we’re home, you’ll probably find us hiking, checking out a new brewery, or just enjoying time with friends.
At the end of the day, I believe in looking out for each other and making our community the best it can be. That’s what Downingtown means to me—good neighbors, great people, and a place that truly feels like home.
- SAFE: One of the most important responsibilities of the mayor is supporting our police and emergency services. Our first responders work hard every day to keep Downingtown safe, and I believe we need to ensure they have the resources and training they need to do their jobs effectively. I also believe in strong community partnerships between law enforcement and residents, fostering trust and open communication. Whether it’s public safety, emergency preparedness, or making sure our neighborhoods feel secure, keeping Downingtown safe is my top priority.
- SUSTAINABLE: Sustainability means planning for Downingtown’s future, and a big part of that is addressing flooding. We know how devastating flooding can be, and we need to invest in smart, long-term solutions to protect homes and businesses. Beyond that, sustainability means looking at our infrastructure—like ensuring our roads, sidewalks, and utilities are well-maintained and making sure our new Amtrak/SEPTA train station serves our community effectively. It also means being responsible stewards of the environment, keeping Downingtown green, and making sure that as we grow, we do so in a way that includes affordable housing options so everyone who wants to live here can afford to do so.
- STRONG: Downingtown is at its best when we come together as neighbors. We have amazing traditions that make this town special, and I want to make sure we continue and enhance those, from community events to local gatherings that bring people together. A strong community also means a thriving local economy, and I believe we need to attract small businesses while making sure the ones already here have the support they need to succeed. Finally, investing in our public spaces—our parks, trails, and community areas—ensures that Downingtown remains a welcoming, vibrant place for families, friends, and neighbors to enjoy.
I’m a good listener, a problem solver, and someone who brings people together. I don’t think leadership is about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to listen, learn, and work with others to find the best solutions for our community. I also follow through on what I commit to. Whether it’s my work with local organizations, my background in science and business, or just being someone people can count on, I believe in showing up and doing the work. Most of all, I love this town and the people in it. I want to make sure everyone feels heard and included in the decisions that shape Downingtown. I believe that approach—listening, problem-solving, and working together—is what makes a good leader, and it’s what I’ll bring to the job.
The mayor’s job is to listen, lead, and bring people together. While the Borough Council makes the laws, the mayor focuses on keeping our town safe, making sure our police and emergency services have the support they need. The mayor is also Cheerleader-in-Chief, helping local businesses, pushing for smart growth, and making sure Downingtown stays a great place to live. Most of all, the mayor should be someone who listens to everyone and makes sure all voices are heard.
I’m passionate about equality and inclusion because I’ve seen firsthand how discrimination hurts not just individuals but entire communities. I’ve witnessed it, I’ve experienced it, and I know how important it is to ensure everyone in Downingtown feels heard and valued. We’re strongest when all voices are at the table. That means fighting discrimination, advocating for fair policies, and making sure local government works for everyone. We don’t always have to agree, but we should always listen, learn, and support one another. Downingtown thrives when it’s a welcoming, inclusive place for all who call it home.
What I love most about Downingtown is the Good Neighbor spirit—how people look out for each other and make this town feel like home. Whether it’s chatting with a friendly face at a local business, neighbors helping each other after a storm, or coming together for community events, there’s a real sense of connection here. I also love that Downingtown has both history and heart. We’ve got deep roots but are always moving forward, with exciting things like our growing small business community and the new train station on the way. But at the end of the day, it’s the people who make this town special. Downingtown is welcoming, resilient, and full of folks who care, and that’s what makes me proud to call it home.
Also, Lione's makes amazing pizza.
LPAC, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, the Center for Freethought Equality, the Mid-Chester County Democrats
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been navigating the world as a transgender woman. At every turn, I run into people (or our government) who have preconceived notions about me, my life, and my experiences simply because of that one part of who I am. It’s frustrating, and at times exhausting, to have to constantly prove that I’m more than just a label. I’m a wife, a friend, a neighbor, and someone who loves this community, but too often, people make assumptions before they ever take the time to know me. I’ve had to push through barriers, stand up for myself, and keep going even when it felt like the world was determined to make things harder. But that struggle has also made me stronger. It’s given me a deep understanding of what it means to be treated unfairly, and it’s fueled my passion for making sure that everyone—no matter who they are—feels heard, valued, and respected.
The mayor and the police should have a strong working relationship built on trust, respect, and open communication. Our officers are here to keep Downingtown safe, and it’s the mayor’s job to make sure they have the tools, training, and support to do that effectively. At the same time, it’s just as important that the community feels heard and that public safety reflects the values and needs of the people who live here.
The best policing happens when there’s trust between officers and the people they serve. That means making sure there’s open dialogue, transparency, and a shared commitment to keeping Downingtown a safe and welcoming place for everyone. It’s about working together—police, community, and local leadership—to make sure people not only are safe but feel safe in their neighborhoods.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
External links
[1] ↑ Submitted to Ballotpedia's candidate survey in 2025.
