Edward DeSantis

Edward DeSantis was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Lourdes University in 2011 and a graduate degree from Gannon University in 2017. DeSantis’ career experience includes working in construction, marketing, entrepreneurship, sales, automotive finance, and the nonprofit sector.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

The great-grandson of Italian immigrants who came to Pennsylvania via Ellis Island and worked at a blast furnace in the Shenango Valley; and German-American farmers who sold what few crops they could afford to just outside of Shawnee, Kansas. My story wouldn't be possible in any other country in the history of the world. Both of my grandfathers answered their county's call; in the Navy in WW2 and the Army in Korea, respectively; and were able to find union protected careers to provide for their families. My grandmothers made the home, raised their children, and worked odd jobs here and there as needed. This story is nearly impossible to replicate in present day America.

I was raised in a single parent home, am the first member of my family to go to college (I have a Bachelor's in Marketing and Master's in Public Administration), named Top 40 Under 40 by the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce and I have real world professional experiences, and successfully negotiate with professional negotiators every single day. I've lived in Mercer County my entire life, have worked in Lawrence County for the last several years, and our campaign has staff who have lived it Butler, Lawrence, Crawford, and Erie counties for their entire lives.

This campaign is about principles and ensuring our neighbors have the opportunity to achieve the American dream.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Healthcare is a human right, and I believe that a National Healthcare Plan is the only solution.I believe in the dignity of work, will fight to protect worker's rights and expand your right to unionize, while punishing corporations who leave the country or close just to protect profits. Climate change is real, and it's time we must act now. Bold and innovative solutions must be taken or we will no longer have a stable environment. We can create high paying and sustainable careers right here in Western PA of we do this right.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare: I support a nonprofit, publicly funded, single payer, National Health Plan. Despite the success the Affordable Care Act, nearly 30 million Americans are uninsured, copays and deductibles are rising, and the corporations that control the system have rigged it to focus on their bottom line and deny you the choices you need. A National Health Plan will lower costs for Americans, remove the burden of networks and increase consumer choice, decrease prices of prescription medications, and should completely eliminate all current healthcare related debt. Western Pennsylvania deserves a leader, not a follower. Especially on this issue.

Equal Public Education: We live in a country where your zip code determines your children's education, and this is unacceptable. This isn't the American way. I support the creation of an educational system that trains and empowers the next generation, as well as adequately compensating teachers in every school district in America. It's about time we started putting money where it belongs, teach to the highest common denominator, as well as incentivize vocational training.

Climate: Failure to act now, means that our children will live in an unstable world. This not only means large scale disasters, rising sea levels, and an end to the hunting and fishing culture in Western PA; it means wars over resources and global economic devastation. We will rise to this occasion the only way we know how. Boldly and innovatively, the American way.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My grandfathers, Americus DeSantis and John Marx, were great men, and I hope to be live by the examples they set every day. I also very much admire Bobby Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Their stories are well known and needn't be repeated here, but they forged paths for the working class, stood up for social and economic equality, and did so knowing exactly what dangers they faced every single moment.

Although these shoes are unfillable by any person, I only hope I can live up to the examples they set.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

To be a listener and be empathetic to those who have stories to tell. Too often, those motivated by their own stories or other selfish issues, run for office because they think they should. We're asking for citizens to send us to represent them, and we should hear what they have to say, not hide behind a telephone townhall or be obsessed with our own stories.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Availability, empathy, and passion. I'm available to all constituents; when not in Washington, I will be at one of the district offices (at least one in each county) and hold in person forums and town halls regularly. I will listen to everything that every single constituent has to say, and be understanding of their needs and issues. And I will passionately fight for each and every single issue which will positively effect the district.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

September 11th, 2001. I was in 7th grade, in the library at Sharon High School as they had not yet scheduled a class for me (and several other students) at that particular time.

A teacher I didn't recognize came in and rolled a TV cart in and made a quick speech that I can recite to this day: "two planes were hijacked and crashed into the World Trade Center buildings in New York City. Yes, it was done on purpose, and no, we don't know yet by who. Your grandparents remember where they were the day Pearl Harbor was attacked; depending upon their age, your parents probably remember the days that John F Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, and Martin Luther King were killed; and now you'll remember every single moment that happened today, for the rest of your lives.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

A large video game retailer in the Shenango Valley Mall. I was a seasonal hire, but sold so many magazine subscriptions (yes, their hours were dependent upon that, for anyone who remembers the store) that they kept me on for a year or so after that.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Either: "Changes" by 2Pac, "The Hussle Way" by Nipsey Hussle, or "Sing Me Away" by Night Ranger

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The Framers saw the House of Representatives as the people's house. It's meant to be held most accountable to the people with elections every two years; it's charged with initiating bills related to raising revenue, impeaching federal officials who betray their oaths of office, and designed to facilitate compromises which have the greatest positive impact on the largest number of people. These unique qualities ensure that the House and Senate are separate, but co-equal partners of the Legislative Branch.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

What's more relevant and beneficial than government or political experience, are real-world professional experiences, passion, and drive. We have officials who own family inherited businesses, and are elected officials for decades but have no legislative accomplishments; but have freshmen members of Congress, who have never held elected office before, positively impact the entire country in just a few short months.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

We're currently at the most divisive our country has been in a generation, and are on the brink if it becoming worse. There's no need for it, but it's being stoked by elected officials who are afraid of their big money corporate donors and of losing re-election, so they stand for nothing and do nothing except tell their constituents to blame everyone else for their problems.

Lack of economic opportunity and income insecurity for the working and middle class, families are one procedures away from medical bankruptcy, medical and student loan debt are crippling our economy, children in underprivileged and rural communities have drastically lower opportunities for high quality education, and our planet is on the edge of a climate crisis from which we will never be able to recover. These challenges are equally important, and must be addressed solved in the coming decade.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Ultimately, I would leave the final decision up to the Leadership. However, if I were able to choose, I'd like to be on Education and Labor, Financial Services, and/or Energy and Commerce; and the appropriate subcommittees in relation to consumer protection, workers rights, education reform, and taking action on climate change.

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

N/A

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, as it was designed to keep our Representatives accountable to their respective constituencies.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I strongly favor term limits, as well as pension reform, for federal officials. I believe that five terms (10 years) is fair for Representatives, as it also creates the mandate for us to accomplish our goals in a quick and effective fashion.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

N/A

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Olivia: a single mom who fled an abusive relationship after learning she was pregnant, is about to have SNAP assistance cut while she's starting the process to finally get her G.E.D.

Pam: who has a pre-existing medical condition which prevents her from being able to work, who now wouldn't be able to afford her medication, groceries, utilities, and rent if not for HUD and SSD, is under constant threat of her life saving monthly check being cut.

"Larry": Who's husband has life saving medication that costs them almost $4,000 per month without insurance, just lost his job and benefits due to the company outsourcing his position overseas.

These are just 3 of the hundreds we hear every single day. Their stories are why I'm running.

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