Jessica Benham

Jessica L. Benham (born December 13, 1990) is an American politician and disability rights activist serving as a member-elect of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 36th District. She is the first openly LGBTQ+ woman and first openly autistic person elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Benham is one of the only autistic state lawmakers in the United States. She cofounded the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy in 2014.

Jessica Benham
Member-elect of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 36th district
Assuming office
January 5, 2021 (2021-01-05)
SucceedingHarry Readshaw
Personal details
PronunciationJessica L. Benham
Born (1990-12-13) December 13, 1990
Political partyDemocratic
Alma materBethel University (BA)
Minnesota State University, Mankato (MA)
University of Pittsburgh (MA)

Education

Benham completed a bachelor's degree in political science and communication at Bethel University. She earned a master's degree in communication at Minnesota State University, Mankato and a master's degree in bioethics at University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). While at Pitt, she was a member of the organizing committee to start a union for graduate students.[1] Benham is completing a doctorate in communication at Pitt.[2]

Career

In 2014, Benham cofounded the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy where she served as the director of development. It is a LGBTQ+ autistic-led advocacy group.[3][4] The group successfully advocates for state legislation including Paul's Law which prohibited those with disabilities from being denied organ transplants.[1]

In 2020, Benham was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 36th District where she succeeded Harry Readshaw. She is the first LGBTQ+ woman and first autistic person elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[4][3] Her campaign focused on healthcare, workers' rights, and a clean environment.[3] Benham received endorsements from local trades labor unions including in the natural-gas industry.[5]

Personal life

Benham is autistic and bisexual. She is married.[4]

References
  1. Pereira, Ivan (November 12, 2020). "Openly bisexual, autistic candidate wins election for Pennsylvania House seat". ABC News. Retrieved 2020-11-12.
  2. "Jessica Benham, MA | Center for Bioethics and Health Law | University of Pittsburgh". bioethics.pitt.edu. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
  3. Reynolds, Daniel (2020-11-06). "Jessica Benham, Bi Autistic Woman, Seals Historic Win in Pa. Election". Advocate. Retrieved 2020-11-12.
  4. Neumann, Sean (November 12, 2020). "Pennsylvania Lawmaker with Autism Makes Simultaneous History as First LGBTQ Woman in Statehouse". People. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
  5. Waltz, Amanda. "Pittsburgh's Jessica Benham makes history as first LGBTQ woman, openly autistic candidate elected to PA state legislature". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved 2020-11-12.
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