The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has nominated Gina H. Curry as their candidate in the  Nov. 2 special election for the vacant 164th  District state House seat. The opening arose when former Democratic state Rep. Margo Davidson resigned in disgrace after she was caught stealing taxpayer money.

Curry was nominated by recommendation of the Delaware County Democratic Committee following its local candidate forum and straw poll in mid-August. The committee says the vetting process was instrumental in selecting a candidate. The Delco endorsement paved the way for Curry to receive the  unanimous endorsement of the Pennsylvania State Executive  Committee.

Curry is a change agent for advocacy, activism and equity, according to a press release from Colleen Guiney, Delaware County Democratic chair. Curry is an educator with over 20 years of experience working with youth and families in the K-12 and collegiate environments, involved in policy development and practice.

She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice with a concentration on sociology from St. Joseph’s University. Curry has experience in the behavioral health field as a clinical supervisor, behavioral specialist, and therapeutic consultant to children and families. She says she also enjoys supporting and mentoring youth and young professionals in leadership skills development, volunteerism. and civic engagement. Curry serves as the vice-chair of the Delaware County Democratic Committee and is a WDCDC Executive Board Member. She is a member of the Chester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and EU PEAT: Prison Education Advisory Board, which supports education rights and healthy reintegration for incarcerated citizens in an effort to provide hope ‘outside the bars.’

Curry lives In Upper Darby with her husband and their three children, two of whom graduated from the Upper Darby school district. Her youngest daughter still attends school in the district.

“I look forward to the upcoming campaign,” said Curry. “I am eager to meet community members, stakeholders, families, and business owners to enable listening to ideas and concerns of the voters of the 164th. If I have the honor to be elected, I will work to bring the voice of the voters to Harrisburg.”

“Ms. Curry is a devoted public servant and community activist,” Guiney said. “She has worked to serve the children of Upper Darby as a twice-elected school board member and is currently vice-chair of the Upper Darby School Board, helping oversee a  $215 million dollar budget and the education of approximately 12,000 students. During her tenure as an elected official serving the largest school district in Delco, Ms. Curry has shown fierce dedication to the families of Upper Darby. I look forward to seeing her strong voice in Harrisburg as an advocate for her entire district.”