Skip to content
Pennsylvania ballot
Photo of Heather Boyd

Heather Boyd

DemocraticIncumbent

Public service

Heather Boyd is a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 163 in the 2026 election. They are the incumbent.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Heather Boyd lives in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.[1] She graduated from Port Huron Northern High School.[2] Boyd earned a B.A. in history from the University of Michigan in 1998, an M.A. in art history from James Madison University in 2001, and an M.A. in history from the University of Delaware.[3] Her career experience includes working as the district director, the campaign manager, and a senior advisor to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon; the chief of staff to Pennsylvania State Representative Leanne Krueger; and an instructor with Delaware County Community College.[1][3] Boyd founded the Delaware County Chapter of NOW and has served as the chair of the Upper Darby Democratic Committee.[1]

Graduate:
University of Delaware, 2003
Bachelor's:
University of Michigan, 1998
High school:
Port Huron Northern High School

Campaign themes

Heather Boyd has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Send a message to Heather Boyd asking her to fill out the survey.

If you are Heather Boyd, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Heather Boyd to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing heatherboyd163@gmail.com.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a mom of four boys and grandmom to 1 darling granddaughter. My family has lived in Drexel Hill for 17 years. Two of my sons are still in public school, while the other two are twin boys who came into our family as teenagers, and are now adults. My education has been at public universities. I have a BA in History from the University of Michigan, an MA in Art History from James Madison University and an MBA and ABD in the History of American Civilization at the University of Delaware, where I also met my husband Sean, a mechanical engineer. Like many new moms, I juggled trying to make a living while raising small children (and then teenagers). This was, and continues to be, a difficult and expensive juggle for many, if not most, families. My experience has taught me how important it is to reinstate the Child Tax Credit, help families with child care costs and develop paid family leave policies! Our families deserve support to thrive.

I taught college level history online, and also in person at PAFA and DCCC before leaving teaching for public service. I served as a school board director in Upper Darby, and District Director to State Rep. Leanne Krueger and then as District Director and Senior Advisor to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. These positions have taught me how to navigate government, develop budgets and provide state and federal services to our communities.

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?

Our PA Supreme Court found our public education funding system unconstitutional in 2022. I am proud to represent Upper Darby, William Penn and Southeast Delco, but these school districts have been systemically underfunded for decades. We knew this, but the court finally provided a path to right this wrong. This underfunding has put an unfair burden of public education costs heavily on the local tax payers in our communities. I am committed to the seven year funding plan set out by the Basic Education Funding Commission to return our school districts to equitable funding - for our students and for our local tax payers.The US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade and returned the protection of women's reproductive rights to the states. I believe that the private decisions a woman makes about her own body MUST be protected. I also will work to ensure that access to abortion, contraception and health care are preserved in PA. A right is not a right without access.

This overturning of Roe v Wade has the potential to return additional privacy rights to the states, so I am committed to protecting the fundamental rights of women to make their own health care decisions, and for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to access all of the rights afforded to all Pennsylvanians.I want to protect, defend and expand opportunities for working people. We are currently living through the largest wealth disparity between the rich and the poor that has ever existed in our country. I want to restore the middle class, including protecting the rights of workers to organize, increase our dreadful minimum wage to a living wage, require corporations to pay their fair share in taxes and require equal pay for equal work. We need to expand access to affordable housing and job development. We need to make higher education more accessible and affordable. I want to ensure a level playing field for all Pennsylvanians.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Education Funding, Access to Health Care, Protecting Reproductive Rights, Affordable Housing, Juvenile Justice, Justice System Reform, Expanding Access to Voting Rights, Civic Education, Protecting Workers Rights, Access and Affordability of Higher Education.

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

I am empathetic, compassionate and passionate. Because I believe that government can be an instrument of good, I am a strong, committed public servant. I am a good listener, and a hard worker. I believe that being inclusive leads to transparency. I seek out input, rather than wait for those who want to give it. I believe in evidenced-based research and decision making, and I do love research!

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Research the bills brought before you, first in committee and also on the floor. Listen to your constituents' needs, and develop legislation that will meet those needs. Cooperate and be willing to compromise with other legislators to achieve the best outcome you can for all Pennsylvanians. Provide state services and educational outreach regarding state programs for constituents and businesses in our districts. Advocate for grant funding for municipalities, public services and non-profits.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A strong community where everyone gets the opportunities to be educated, healthy and able to chart their own path.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Providing a strong educational foundation, both in K-12 and Higher Education to create a civically engaged community and a strong economy.

Access to affordable housing.

Ensure that we have a 21st century workforce, which includes incentivizing and supporting public servants like child care providers, teachers, home care assistants, police, fire fighters and social workers.

Protecting our beautiful environment, balanced by the ability to protect and create family-sustaining, union jobs.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Its definitely helpful.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, of course. Legislatures are a democratic form of government. We are elected by the people, and we must find common ground with a majority of our fellow legislators in order to pass legislation. This requires conversation, negotiation, persuasion and cooperation. Building relationships and discussing ideas helps legislators find that common ground.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 13

Keystone Equality

Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF)

Delaware County Democratic Committee

Planned Parenthood

SEIU

PSEA/PACE

PA AFL-CIO

Delco Labor County

PASNAP

CeaseFirePA

What committees interest you?

Education, Health, Labor, Housing

Heather Boyd did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2023 Candidate Connection survey.

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

Source(opens in new tab)