Jessica St. Clair

Jessica St. Clair earned a high school diploma from West Perry High School. St. Clair earned a graduate degree from Shippensburg University in 2008. St. Clair's career experience includes working as a science teacher.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I live in the Boiling Springs area. My two girls attend South Middleton schools. I volunteer at the library and am active in my church. I'm the first in my family to earn a college degree, at Pennsylvania’s public universities. I didn’t learn about the struggles of working families in a government office. I lived them and that is why I'm running.

I've spent my career at the intersection of science, public health, and accountability. I have inspected environmental and waste facilities for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, examined state and federally licensed health facilities for the PA Department of Health, and worked in quality assurance ensuring food and pharmaceutical products met regulatory standards. I know how

government oversight works and when it fails.

I have also taught science to students across Central PA schools. I currently teach health and science professionals at Harrisburg Area Community College. My education enabled my to lift myself out of childhood poverty. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to do that for many thousands of young people in our community. Students from nearly every county in central PA, nearly every state in the US, and even nearly every country in the world.

Family, faith, education, community, inclusion and opportunity. These are what is important to me. My favorite quote is "Be the change you wish to see." I demonstrate these values in how I choose to spend my time.

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?

Affordability and Economic Opportunity

Neighbors across District 87 are working hard and still feeling the squeeze on gas, groceries, housing, healthcare, and childcare. I've lived that reality firsthand. I work part-time because full-time work doesn't cover childcare costs. The income I make is to cover our health insurance. Nobody should have to choose between seeing a doctor and paying rent. Housing costs are rising faster than wages, and our communities need more mixed-income planned development that gives families real options at every income level. In Harrisburg, I'll fight for policies that help neighbors afford to stay and ensure decision-makers understand what these costs actually feel like.Public Education and Safe, Strong Schools

I taught middle school, high school, and community college science. I know what under-resourced classrooms look like, and what becomes possible when students have what they need. When a gun came through one of our schools, I felt the panic every parent feels. When I saw my own Representative voting to expand gun access afterward, I couldn't sit by any longer. In Harrisburg, I'll fight to reduce gun violence, protect children from the mental health harms of social media, expand access to school counseling, and ensure fair funding reaches every classroom. Every child deserves to learn somewhere safe.Environmental Protection and Public Health

With backgrounds in environmental inspection and public health facility review, I understand how the rules protecting our air, water, and communities are supposed to work. Data centers are coming to Pennsylvania. The question is whether we put smart guardrails in place to keep utility costs low and protect our water supply. Public health means more than clean air and water. It means funding the life-saving research that keeps our families healthy and addressing the growing crisis of workplace violence in healthcare facilities, where the people caring for our neighbors deserve to feel safe themselves. Healthy communities are the foundation everything else is built on.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about the issues that shape everyday life for neighbors across District 87. Affordable healthcare, safe and well-funded schools, environmental protection, and economic opportunity are not abstract policy debates to me. They are things I have lived, worked in, and taught about throughout my career. As a science educator, environmental inspector, and public health reviewer, I bring hands-on experience to these issues that is rare in Harrisburg. I would seek committee assignments in education, healthcare, and environmental and conservation science, because those are the areas where my background can make an immediate difference for the people I represent. However, I will support all legislation than protects my neighbors.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am proud to be endorsed by Represent PA and 314 Action. These organizations share my commitment to evidence-based policy, accountable representation, and building a Pennsylvania that works for everyone. Their support reflects the kind of campaign we are running: grounded in science, rooted in community, and focused on results.