Susan Boser

Susan Boser will again seek public office, this time aiming for a seat in the state Senate.

Boser has entered the Democratic primary to run for the 41st District seat, which opened due to the departure of retired state Sen. Don White.

White, a Republican, announced his retirement in January, citing health reasons.

White officially retired March 1 with two years remaining on his term in the district that represents eastern Butler County, Armstrong and Indiana counties, and part of Westmoreland County.

Boser was defeated by outgoing U.S. Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson in the 2018 election for the 15th Congressional District, the first since its redistricting.

Boser said she entered the race because she was concerned about the legislative decisions that are having a negative impact on those living in Pennsylvania.

“When elected, I will propose and support sensible policies that will have a positive impact on our residents,” Boser said. “These include affordable broadband access to rural residents, economic growth that provides living-wage jobs, and access to affordable health care including proven opioid treatment and emergency services.”

Boser said she also would like to give more state-level support to public libraries, storm water and other local services, entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Boser said she wants to further look at how the state funds public schools. She said she thinks the school-funding formula is unfair to school districts in rural areas.

“When elected as your state senator, I will work hard to strengthen our rural communities for our children and grandchildren,” Boser said.

Boser brings a background in public policy that affects residents of rural areas. She worked for 20 years as a social worker helping rural families and later served as the executive director of social services.

Boser later pursued a Ph.D. in human services policy at Cornell University, graduating in 2001. She teaches public policy as a professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Boser is active in local government and nonprofit organizations, including serving as a leader for the Indiana County Sustainable Economic Development Task Force and serving on the board of directors for the Community Guidance Center.

Boser is a mother of three children. She lives in Indiana County with her husband, David Brady.