A U.S. congressional district director and former Upper Darby School Board member has been picked as the Democratic choice for the special election in the 163rd state legislative district — in a race that will determine who has leadership in the state House.
“As a former teacher and local mom, I am running to make sure that every person and family in our district gets the resources and representation they deserve,” Heather Boyd said. “I will work tirelessly to make sure residents of the 163rd district have a seat at the table in Harrisburg. Working in the state and federal government, I’ve seen firsthand how listening to the people makes democracy work. I have the experience necessary to get results for our community on Day 1.”
A special election for the 163rd district seat will be held simultaneously with the primary election on May 16. The former holder of the seat, Mike Zabel, resigned on March 16 following accusations of sexual misconduct. The Democrat first won the seat in 2018.
Boyd, 46, has served as district director and senior adviser to U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5, of Swarthmore. Prior to that, she worked as chief of staff for state Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-161, of Nether Providence.
She also has taught history and art history at the high school and college levels for 10 years.
Boyd served as an Upper Darby School Board member from 2015 to 2018. While there, she was advocate for free breakfasts and lunches for all students to ensure that no student went hungry and had the best possible opportunity to succeed.
Scanlon spoke of Boyd’s candidacy:
“I have known Heather Boyd for over a decade as a dedicated public servant and effective community organizer. She has been a valuable leader on my congressional team, sharing her passion for issues involving children and families, and helping develop a robust and responsive constituent services program that has assisted tens of thousands of people in our community.
“I am proud to support Heather’s candidacy to be State Representative for Pennsylvania’s 163rd District. Her dedication and experience with local, state, and federal government will serve the people of the 163rd well.”
Boyd also received support from the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Associated Professionals.
“PASNAP is proud to announce our endorsement for Heather Boyd in the special House election for Pennsylvania’s 163rd District in the heart of Delaware County — a high-stakes race that could not be more important, because it alone will determine the leadership of the PA House,” PASNAP’s endorsement read, describing Boyd as “a friend and ally of frontline health care workers. PASNAP stands behind her 100 percent.”
Boyd was one of three candidates who sought the Democratic nomination. She received 91% of the vote on the first ballot.
“We pride ourselves on running an open process and giving all candidates an opportunity,” Colleen Guiney, Chair of the Delaware County Democratic Committee, said. “The House majority runs through Delaware County in May and Heather Boyd is the clear, resounding choice of local Democrats.”
Boyd, a resident of Drexel Hill, founded the Delaware County Chapter of NOW and has served for six years as chair of the Upper Darby Democratic Committee.
She and her husband, Sean, have two school-aged children. She is also the foster mom of two grown foster children and has one 3-year-old granddaughter.
The 163rd district includes Aldan, Clifton Heights, Collingdale and parts of Upper Darby.
