[VT | May 12, 2026 | Philadelphia PA]
Democratic U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon Runs for Reelection
The 2026 Pennsylvania congressional elections continue to draw attention across the state. Current U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon is running for reelection in Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District (PA-05).
Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District primarily includes Southwest Philadelphia, Delaware County, and surrounding suburban communities, and is considered one of the Democratic Party’s key congressional districts in Pennsylvania.
Scanlon has served in Congress since 2018 and has long been involved in issues related to the judiciary, education, labor, and infrastructure.
This profile looks at:
- Who Mary Gay Scanlon is
- Her major policy and public service priorities
- Public and political activities
- Issues relevant to immigrant and Asian American communities
- Why the 2026 congressional election matters
Background
Mary Gay Scanlon was born in 1959 in Buffalo, New York.
She graduated from:
- Colgate University
- University of Pennsylvania Law School
Before entering Congress, she worked extensively in:
- Labor law
- Education and public interest legal work
- Nonprofit and community affairs
She previously served as:
- Counsel for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA)
- Legal advisor to multiple education and public interest organizations
In 2018, Scanlon was first elected to Congress in a special election and later continued representing Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District following redistricting.
Major Policy and Public Service Priorities
Education and Public Schools
Education has remained one of Scanlon’s major policy priorities.
She supports:
- Increased public school funding
- Expanded early childhood education
- Lower college education costs
- Special education programs
- Greater investment in teachers and school resources
She has also participated in congressional discussions involving student loans and education equity.
Healthcare and Social Welfare Policy
Scanlon supports:
- The Affordable Care Act
- Medicare and Medicaid programs
- Lower prescription drug costs
- Expanded mental health services
- Reproductive healthcare policies
She has consistently opposed cuts to federal social welfare programs.
Infrastructure and Transportation
As a Philadelphia-area member of Congress, Scanlon has long supported:
- Federal infrastructure investment
- SEPTA public transportation funding
- Roads and bridge projects
- Clean energy and environmental initiatives
Infrastructure and transportation policy continue to affect commuting patterns and economic development throughout the Philadelphia region.
Gun Violence and Public Safety
Scanlon has consistently supported:
- Universal background checks
- Gun safety legislation
- Community violence prevention programs
- School safety initiatives
Public safety and community violence remain major public policy issues throughout the Philadelphia area.
Public and Political Activities
Scanlon currently serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Rules Committee and has long participated in congressional work involving:
- Constitutional and legal affairs
- Congressional oversight
- Labor and education issues
She has also participated in numerous public activities throughout the Philadelphia region involving:
- Infrastructure projects
- Community events
- Education and labor organizations
- Public policy discussions
During Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s inauguration in 2023, Scanlon spoke with CUS and said she looked forward to continuing cooperation with the state government.
In 2024, she also attended public events in Pennsylvania supporting Kamala Harris.
Issues Relevant to Immigrant and Asian American Communities
Education and Family Resources
Education has long remained an important issue for immigrant and Asian American families in the Philadelphia region.
This includes concerns involving:
- Public school quality
- College affordability
- STEM education
- Distribution of school resources
which continue to be influenced by federal education policy.
Small Businesses and Community Development
Many immigrant and Asian American families are involved in:
- Small businesses
- Restaurants
- Retail businesses
- Service industries
Federal economic, tax, and infrastructure policies continue to affect local business conditions and household costs.
Public Transportation and Infrastructure
Many immigrant communities in Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs rely heavily on:
- SEPTA
- Regional rail services
- Public transportation systems
Federal transportation funding and infrastructure investment continue to shape community connectivity and commuting access.
Campaign Website and Social Media
Campaign website, Facebook, Instagram, X
Why the 2026 Congressional Election Matters
Members of Congress will continue to influence issues involving:
- Education policy
- Healthcare policy
- Infrastructure funding
- Gun safety legislation
- Social welfare programs
- Immigration policy
- Federal budget priorities
For immigrant and Asian American communities in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, federal policy decisions may continue to affect:
- Education access
- Small business conditions
- Healthcare services
- Community safety
- Public transportation
- Multilingual public services
- Civic participation opportunities
As the 2026 election approaches, Pennsylvania’s congressional races and related policy debates are expected to remain closely watched.
