‘Who’s who’ in the Pennsylvania Midterms: Vying for District 5

This week’s candidates vie for the new House District 5 (previously District 7) seat, formally held by Patrick Meehan before he resigned due to allegations of sexual misconduct.  

Pearl Kim, Republican 

Pearl Kim, former senior deputy attorney general for the state attorney general’s office, puts it front and center that she is for the protection of sexual assault victims. Kim, one of 26 women running for office in Pennsylvania, is one of the few who are running on the Republican ballot. A first generation Korean-American, Kim offers some diversity in background, and political thought to a party that is seriously lacking it. Kim states amongst her most important issues: immigration reform, tougher laws on human sex trafficking, and increasing opportunities for the economically disadvantaged. 

Mary Gay Scanlon, Democrat 

Mary Gay Scanlon, a civil rights attorney, and long time resident of Delaware County, states among her most important issues: education reform, immigration reform, and promoting civic education. Scanlon directed the Pro Bono division of Ballard Spahr LLP and with her team was able to provide over 50,000 hours of pro bono legal services to low income clients and non-profit organizations. That pro bono work earned her program the American Bar Associations annual pro bono award this year.  Scanlon was also apart of a group of lawyers who helped hundreds of legal immigrants into the country during Trumps “Muslim Ban.” 

Shayma Musa can be reached at voices.spectator@gmail.com.

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