All Politics Are Local: Say Yes To Jess
Another Election Day is just around the corner, and for voters in one suburban Philadelphia township, is a chance to write local history when they cast their ballots. It’s all about one candidate, and how local diversity and inclusion may change the balance of power on Upper Darby’s Township Council. Every morning, on a quiet leafy street in Secane, PA, among well-kept split-level homes and manicured lawns, Jess Branas starts her day with a brisk walk around the block joined by her beloved rescue Pit/Lab mix, a loyal canine called Nacho. After a pre-breakfast workout, she’s ready to tackle whatever lies ahead. As a former schoolteacher, bestselling author of books on LGBTQ+ dating, community advocate, and host of the popular Drinks With Jess podcast Branas’ well-rounded experiences have prepared her thoroughly for her latest venture. An avowed Eagles fan and political junkie, Jess serves tirelessly as the Legislative District Director for Rep. Heather Boyd (D-Drexel Hill) in PA-163, which includes Upper Darby Township.
In addition to all these pursuits and achievements, Branas, 46, is currently running for Upper Darby Township Council in District 2, on the Democratic ticket. “This is a critical time for residents of the District,” Branas says, acknowledging the need for key public safety and quality of life improvements for this bedroom community of nearly 90,000 constituents. “I’m running to become everyone’s voice on the Council, regardless of party affiliation.” Party affiliation is also a buzzword in this largest of Pennsylvania’s townships, because if Branas wins in two weeks, the balance of power on the Council will flip, from red to blue. That will represent a major shift in legislative policymaking, which Branas feels is essential to the township’s future.
Looking forward is also a sine qua non for Branas, whose candidacy is historic in its own way. If elected, Branas will become the first out, proud lesbian to serve on the Council, reflecting Upper Darby’s increasingly diverse demographics. “It’s all about making the LGBTQ+ community more visible, and serving in public office does that,” Branas observes. According to the Victory Institute, which supports and promotes gay, lesbian, bi, and trans politicians, LGBTQ+ people are only 0.23% of all elected officials nationwide. In a politically-charged climate in which anti-LGBTQ legislation is sweeping the country, representation in government is indispensable to preserving long-sought, hard-won civil rights.
The candidate, a long-term township resident, also wants to see improvements in parks and green spaces, stronger partnerships with cities and villages in the township, and equal opportunities for all in work and daily life. Branas’ easy smile and cordial demeanor enhances her role as a neighbor who has become known as the pubic face of PA-163, getting locals help with everything from disability services to assistance with the DMV. This familiarity with the township’s people, will stand Branas in good stead as a member of their Council. The old adage that “all politics are local” is certainly relevant in the Branas campaign, for where change happens on hometown streets, so, too, does the Commonwealth change. Look for Jess on the campaign trail in her trademark black T-shirt and jeans, and “Say Yes To Jess!” at the polls a fortnight from now.
