Third Democrat wants to unseat US Rep. Kelly
A third Democrat is running for the U.S. House seat occupied by Mike Kelly, R-16th.
Edward DeSantis, 32, of Sharon, Mercer County, said he thinks he stands the best chance among the Democratic field of defeating Kelly. It's his first time running for office, and he said he felt called into the race by his dissatisfaction with Kelly.
“Mike Kelly, he only cares about himself and holding his seat,” DeSantis said. “He doesn't care about this district.”
DeSantis was born and raised in Sharon. He said he works in the finance industry — specifically, with automotive lenders to set up car loans for customers.
He's unmarried, but has a significant other.
DeSantis said he likes the two other Democrats seeking the party's nomination, but he hasn't heard specific enough plans from either to defeat Kelly.
He's joining Kristy Gnibus of Erie County and Daniel Smith Jr. of Adams Township in the race.
DeSantis gave an overview of his policies in an interview Friday.
The first topic he addressed is environmental concerns.
“Climate change is real, 100 percent,” DeSantis said. “Any denial is ignorance of the fact or lack of education on the issue.”
Climate change motivated DeSantis when he was 18 years old to register with the Green Party.
Since then, he switched to the Democratic Party, then to the Republican Party and then back to the Democratic Party. He said his wanting to participate in primaries inspired some of the switching, as did moderate views. He said in the end he found his views align with the Democrats.
DeSantis also listed education and health care reforms as high priorities. He wants to eliminate student debt and implement a system similar to Medicare for All.
“If we can bail out mega-corporations, why can't we bail out actual people in this country?” DeSantis said.
The candidate said he earned a master's degree in public administration from Gannon University. He pursued it because he wanted to work in government, but not run for office, he said.
“Running for office wasn't the goal,” DeSantis said. “I wanted to be in government, but on the small, local economic development level.”
The 16th District includes all of Erie, Mercer, Crawford and Lawrence counties, plus about half of Butler County.
While the other candidates in the race hail from the more densely populated areas, DeSantis said he doesn't see his home as a liability.
“I think it gives me an advantage in the population that actually makes up the district,” he said.
