Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
People-powered campaign sparked upset
Danielle Friel Otten said her victory was a mandate from Chester County voters.
First-time candidate Danielle Friel Otten, who defeated incumbent Becky Corbin in the race for Pennsylvania’s 155th state legislative district, said her victory was a mandate from Chester County voters who have tired of hearing about racism and division.
“Today, our community showed up together to stand for our American values,” she said. “Our victory is an affirmation of the work we knew needed to happen regardless of tonight’s outcome: having real conversations with our neighbors to build long-term community power.”
She said her People-Powered Campaign knocked on more doors than any state House campaign.
“We didn’t talk at people, we talked with people- about issues that matter to them,” she said. “We engaged young people by talking about climate change and the future that they want. We engaged parents by talking about education. We engaged people who have loved ones living with pre-existing conditions by talking about healthcare as a human right.
“Our victory in this election is more than the sum of the votes cast tonight. The relationships we have built in our community will last far beyond polls closing. We have so much more work to do to put people and our common life before corporations, and that work starts tomorrow.
“It’s up to all of us to create a world for all of us. I’m so proud of all of the leaders who stepped up to knock on their neighbors’ doors for the first time, had brave conversations with their friends and family, and stepped out of their comfort zone. Our community members grew as leaders, and we are all that much more powerful for the next steps we need to take to ensure access to affordable healthcare, provide quality education for every child, and stop Energy Transfer Partners and the oil and gas industry from destroying our communities.
Friel Otten, 40, a mother of two children, ages 2 and 4, works in the marketing and hospitality business. She is founder of both Uwchlan Safety Coalition and DelChesco United for Pipeline Safety, and has been a leading voice in the fight for transparency, accountability, and corporate responsibility.