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Sara Innamorato

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Sara Innamorato
Executive of Allegheny County
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 2, 2024
Preceded byRich Fitzgerald
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 21st district
In office
January 1, 2019 – July 19, 2023
Preceded byDom Costa
Succeeded byLindsay Powell
Personal details
Born (1986-04-24) April 24, 1986 (age 38)
Political partyDemocratic
EducationUniversity of Pittsburgh (BS)
WebsiteCampaign website

Sara G. Innamorato is an American politician serving as the county executive of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania since 2024. She was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 21st district from 2019 to 2023.

Early life and education

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Innamorato was raised in Ross Township and attended the North Hills School District.[1] She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in business.[1]

Early career

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After the 2008 economic crash, she secured a spot in a leadership program at Apple.[clarification needed] She then left the private sector to work in the nonprofit sector, focusing on issues of vacant land reclamation, food justice, and digital equity.[2] She started Innamo Co., an independent marketing firm focused on "social good".[1] Innamorato is a co-founder of She Runs SWPA, a non-partisan organization focused on encouraging women to run for office.[1]

Political career

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2018 election

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Then a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), she won the Democratic Party nomination for the seat by defeating incumbent Dom Costa in the 2018 primary election with over 64% of the vote.[3]

PA House election, 2018:
Democratic primary, District 21
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sara Innamorato 5,912 64.15
Democratic Dom Costa (incumbent) 3,304 35.85
Total votes 9,216 100.00

Innamorato was unopposed on the ballot for the general election. Costa launched a write-in campaign late in the election cycle. Costa went public with the bid following a podcast interview in which Innamorato was quoted saying, "My district, which I know is like white working class, poor folk, who are racist, because it's so much easier for them to look to their side and say, 'I'm going to blame that person.'"[4] Costa campaign head Gary Britcher argued that Innamorato had called the district "racist".[4] Another interview quoted Innamorato in stating that the comment had been taken out of context and the Costa campaign's portrayal was "'not how I feel. From the beginning of this campaign, I've talked about my experience growing up in that district, and about the kindness of neighborhood (sic) who helped me through the instability of growing up.' Her point, she said, was that white working class voters 'are being exploited from all sides,' by economic and political elites who play on racial tensions to distract them from issues of economic injustice. 'Racism exists everywhere,' she said. 'My job is to represent everyone, and to not shy away from tough conversations.'"[5]

Innamorato received 85% of the vote in the general election.[6]

After the election, allegations surfaced that two violations of Pennsylvania campaign finance law were committed by the PAC "Americans Against Socialism," the principle funding mechanism for the marketing firm employed by the Costa write-in campaign.[7]

Innamorato's affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America ended in 2019.[8]

2020 election

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In 2020, Innamorato was initially opposed by Stephen Zappala III, the son of the Allegheny County District Attorney, for the Democratic Party nomination.[9] Zappala quietly withdrew his candidacy the following month.[10] As a result, Innamorato was unopposed on the ballot for the Democratic Party nomination.

Innamorato defeated Republican challenger John Waugh in the general election.

2023 election

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In December 2022, Innamorato launched her campaign to become the first female County Executive of Allegheny County.[11] Innamorato won her primary and faced Republican Joseph Rockey in the November general election.[12][13] She announced her resignation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.[14] She made the decision in order to dedicate more time to her campaign for the role of Allegheny County executive.[15][16]

2023 Allegheny County Executive Democratic Primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sara Innamorato 64,982 37.64
Democratic John K. Weinstein 50,935 29.51
Democratic Michael Lamb 34,147 19.78
Democratic Dave Fawcett 16,712 9.68
Democratic Theresa Sciulli Colaizzi 3,663 2.12
Democratic William Parker 1,961 1.14
Write-in 228 0.13
Total votes 172,628 100.00

Her departure from office resulted in a tie between Democrats and Republicans in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, now both with 101 seats.[17] A special election to replace Innamorato took place on September 19, 2023. Democrat Lindsay Powell defeated Republican Erin Connolly Autenreith with over 65% of the vote.[18]

Innamorato was elected in 2023.[19][20] She is the first woman to hold the position.

Committee assignments

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Political positions

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Electoral reform

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Innamorato is the prime sponsor of HB 1556, a bill designed to expand automatic voter registration services to all individuals who utilize state government and legislative services. The bill was developed as part of a suite of electoral reform bills advanced by the House Democratic Caucus.[22]

Environment

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Innamorato opposes hydraulic fracturing, citing many public health concerns in communities near drilling sites and refineries.[23] She has voted against legislation to grant tax exemptions and incentives to new petrochemical plants, labeling such proposals "corporate welfare".[24][25][26] However, Innamorato has also organized public hearings to encourage dialogue between labor unions and anti-fracking organizations, saying she believes the choice between "the environment" and "good union jobs, family sustaining jobs" is "false and ... antiquated."[24][25][26] Innamorato has stated that she has worked to draft legislation to prevent the dumping of chemicals and waste water used in hydraulic fracturing into sewage treatments plants and public waterways, due to alleged radioactive contamination.[27]

Innamorato has spoken in favor of Green New Deal legislation, as well as green and sustainable infrastructure development.[28][29]

Housing

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Innamorato has spoken in favor of Inclusionary Zoning and Affordable Housing initiatives.[30][31] During the COVID-19 pandemic, Innamorato joined with other lawmakers in calling for a moratorium on evictions.[31] She was the author of legislation that called for statewide rent and mortgage freezes for the duration of the COVID-19 response and economic recovery.[32]

Public health

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Innamorato has spoken publicly in favor of instituting a Medicare-for-All type universal health insurance program for Pennsylvania.[28]

She authored legislation creating a free and universal "Baby Box" program for expectant mothers in Pennsylvania. The program aims to reduce infant mortality and provide essential maternity and childcare items.[33][34]

Innamorato sponsored legislation intending to end the practice that allowed medical students in Pennsylvania to perform pelvic examinations on unconscious women without their consent.[35]

Innamorato has spoken publicly about struggles with opioid abuse and death from overdose within her own family.[36][37] She favors what she terms "harm reduction strategies" to combat the epidemic; including policies such as decriminalization and rehabilitation for drug users.

Public transit

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Innamorato supports improving and expanding public transportation and transit access in her district.[38][39] She has also stated that she thinks Pennsylvania should "focus on systems that are publicly held that are going to move the most people in the most efficient way possible."[40]

She supported legislation to change the Pennsylvania code, allowing for Parking Protected bike lanes.[41]

Social services

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Innamorato supports increasing funding and the availability of social services and programs in Pennsylvania.[42] She provided testimony at a public hearing, in opposition to legislation that would end the Pennsylvania General Assistance Program.[43][44]

Taxation

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Innamorato advocates for a policy called the "Fair Share Tax Plan". The proposal advocates for several policy initiatives to restructure Pennsylvania's tax system.[45]

Innamorato supported legislation giving Second Class cities in Pennsylvania the legal authority to freeze property taxes for long-time and elderly residents.[46]

2020 presidential election

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Innamorato publicly endorsed Bernie Sanders for the 2020 Democratic Party Presidential nomination.[47]

Following the suspension of the Sanders campaign, Innamorato signed on to a joint statement calling on Joe Biden to embrace parts of Sanders' campaign platform.[48] Innamorato expressed concerns about Biden's conduct following allegations against him of sexual assault.[49]

Israel-Palestine Conflict

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Innamorato issued a joint statement on October 7, 2024 with Summer Lee (PA-12) and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey which was criticized by Jewish groups for being anti-semetic. Rabbi Yitzi Genack called the statement "tone deaf" given the "false equivalence between Jews defending themselves and attacks and murders and rapes and burnings of Jewish people".[50]

She condemned the DSA for their statement describing the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel as "inevitable" due to "the conditions imposed by Israeli occupation". She countered the sentiment, emphasizing Israel's right to self defense and affirmed her solidarity with the Jewish people as well as the direct victims of the attack.[51]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Rep. Sara Innamorato | Biography". pahouse.com. Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  2. ^ "Meet Sara". Sara Innamorato for County Executive. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  3. ^ "Pennsylvania Primary Election Results". WTAE. WTAE ABC Pittsburgh. May 16, 2018. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Democratic Socialist Candidate Under Fire For Calling Constituents Racist". Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  5. ^ "In Closing Hours, Innamorato Faces Opposition – And Reports A Threat". WESA.fm. WESA. November 5, 2018. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  6. ^ "Official Results Representative In The General Assembly 21st District". Allegheny County Division of Elections. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  7. ^ "Complaint Alleges Violation of Campaign Finance Law In Aim To Derail Election Of Democratic Socialist". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  8. ^ "I haven't been affiliated with the DSA since 2019. I urge my opponent to stay focused on who is actually being harmed in the conflict in Israel and Gaza instead of trying to score cheap political points off of people's pain". Twitter. October 11, 2023.
  9. ^ "Steve Zappala, Son of Allegheny County DA, Is Running For State House 21". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  10. ^ "Some Omissions, And Criticism, As Local Democrats Seek Party Endorsement". WESA.fm. WESA. January 20, 2020.
  11. ^ "With progressives on a winning streak, Innamorato launches county executive bid". 90.5 WESA. December 15, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  12. ^ "Democrat Cherelle Parker wins primary for Philadelphia mayor". www.apnews.com. May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  13. ^ "Sara Innamorato wins the Democratic primary for Allegheny County executive in a big victory for progressives". www.post-gazette.com. May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  14. ^ "Innamorato resigns from state House of Representatives". July 19, 2023.
  15. ^ "Democrat quits Pa. House, leaving chamber tied at 101-101 ... - WNEP". July 19, 2023.
  16. ^ "A Pa. House Democrat is resigning amid the budget impasse, costing the caucus its one-vote advantage". July 19, 2023.
  17. ^ "Democrat quits Pa. House, leaving chamber tied at 101-101, special election set". WNEP. July 19, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  18. ^ Lyons, Kim (September 20, 2023). "Democrat Lindsay Powell projected winner of Allegheny County special election". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  19. ^ Ulrich, Steve (December 15, 2022). "Innamorato, Fawcett latest to enter Allegheny County executive race". PoliticsPA. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  20. ^ Potter, Chris; Morrison, Oliver (November 7, 2023). "Sara Innamorato claims victory in Allegheny County executive race, defeating Joe Rockey". WESA. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  21. ^ a b c d "Representative Sara Innamorato". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  22. ^ "State Rep. Sara Innamorato Wants Every Eligible Pennsylvania Voter Automatically Registered". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  23. ^ "A Small Western PA Community Reveals How Natural Gas Drilling Can Fracture Alliances On Both Sides Of The Aisle". State Impact Pennsylvania. December 2, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  24. ^ a b "Petrochemical Town Hall Near Pittsburgh Spotlights Pollution, Health Worries". State Impact Pennsylvania. March 4, 2020.
  25. ^ a b "Fight Over Natural Gas Tax Break Divides PA Democrats". whyy.org. WHYY.
  26. ^ a b "Takeaways From A Town Hall In Millvale Discussing The Petrochemical Industry In Southwestern PA". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  27. ^ ""Government Has Failed You" – Pittsburgh State Rep. Drafts Bill to Stop Radioactive Fracking Waste (TENORM) From Entering Public Waters". Public Herald. December 10, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  28. ^ a b "On The Agenda For Pennsylvania's DSA-backed Freshmen: Small Steps Toward Larger Progressive Vision". Pennsylvania Capita-Star. Pennsylvania Capital-Star. February 12, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  29. ^ "ALCOSAN Releases New, Greener Plan To Control Sewage Overflows, Critics Says It's Not Enougher". WESA.fm. WESA. September 19, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  30. ^ "Inclusionary Zoning Public Hearing Reveals Strong Support From Residents". wesa.fm. WESA. July 17, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  31. ^ a b "Pennsylvania At A Crossroads". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  32. ^ "Pennsylvania Legislators Preparing Rent, Mortgage Freeze Bill". WTAE. WTEA. April 2, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  33. ^ "State Lawmakers Discuss Solutions For Pennsylvania's Infant Mortality Rate". NorthCentralPA.com. April 26, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  34. ^ "Lawmakers to Introduce Legislation Address Maternal/Infant Health Crisis In PA". pahouse.com. Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  35. ^ "In PA, It's Legal For Medical Students To Perform Pelvic Exams On Unconscious Patients Without Consent. A New Bill Aims To Change That". Pittsburgh City Paper. Pittsburgh Cty Paper. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  36. ^ "To Combat Opioid Crisis, PA Must Embrace Harm Reduction Strategies". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  37. ^ "Overdose Awareness Day Celebrates 'Survivors and Revivers'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  38. ^ "State Rep. Innamorato Takes To The Bus For A 'Mobile Townhall'". wesa.fm. WESA. April 24, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  39. ^ "Millvale Town Hall Meeting Addresses Lack Of Port Authority Busing In Borough". TribLive. Shaler Journal. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  40. ^ "What Happened To Those Feasibility Studies For Additional Passenger Rail In Pennsylvania". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  41. ^ "Bike Riders Pedal For Change In State Law". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  42. ^ "Pennsylvania At A Crossroads We Must Reforge Social Compact". pahouse.com. Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  43. ^ "House Committee Votes To End Cash Assistance For Disabled Adults, People With Addiction". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  44. ^ "PA Republicans, Democrats Stake Out Positions In General Assistance Battle". whyy.org. WHYY. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  45. ^ "A Fair Share Tax Proposal For Pennsylvania". Third and State. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  46. ^ "New Legislation Would Offer Tax Relief For Longtime Residents Of Gentrifying Neighborhoods". wesa.fm. WESA. January 22, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  47. ^ "Innamorato Tosses Support Behind Bernie Sanders". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  48. ^ "Bernie Sanders Drops Out Of Presidential Race, Local State Reps Say Support For Biden Must Be "Earned"". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  49. ^ "PA's Four Congresswomen Will Campaign For Joe Biden As He Faces Pressure On Sexual-Assault Accusation". The Philadelphia Inquirer. April 30, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  50. ^ Gunderson, Kalea (October 8, 2024). "Rabbi calls politicians' joint statement on Oct. 7 'tone deaf'". wtae.com. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  51. ^ Deto, Ryan (October 12, 2023). "Sara Innamorato denounces Democratic Socialist statement on Israel-Gaza conflict". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
[edit]
Political offices
Preceded by Executive of Allegheny County
2024–present 		Incumbent
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