Lancaster’s People Power

James Malone, Beverly Brinkley and Jen Hendricks outside of the East Petersburg Community Center on special election day, March 25, 2025

Suzette Wenger | LNP Staff Photographer

I’m headed to my first organizing home, Lancaster, for a retreat this weekend, so I’m reflecting on my organizing roots. Whenever I get a chance to visit, I’m inspired and reminded about why I started doing this in May of 2022. I think right now, a lot of us can relate to the same feelings.

When Roe was overturned, I felt scared, powerless, and angry at my elected officials for abandoning us, the working people they serve. I didn’t think there was anything significant I could do to protect myself and my community, but fortunately, I was wrong. 

Back in 2022, we organized to get Senator Casey to support reproductive freedom for his first time by coming together across our differences and standing in our power together. Organizing in Lancaster showed me time and time again that when we come together we win. We take another step toward the future we’re all working toward; a future where we all live with safety, dignity, and the resources we need to thrive, not just survive.

This Tuesday was no different. Working people in Lancaster are longing for change, and making it happen!! Lancaster elected Democrat James Malone over MAGA extremist and Elon Musk superfan, Josh Parsons. Malone is the first Democrat to represent Lancaster County since 1889, but this race wasn’t about political party. Malone stuck to the issues impacting our working families and reminded Lancaster of who we are: people who take care of our neighbors. 

This win was not an anomaly. — It resulted from 8 years of intentional, strategic organizing by Lancaster Stands Up and our partners. Together, we crafted a multi-year plan to grow our electoral bench and build a strong base in SD-36. We understood that real change requires groundwork, so we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. This victory proves that organizing works, and we’re more determined than ever to keep pushing forward—through, between, and beyond elections—to secure lasting power for our communities. 

Brick by brick, we’re building a Pennsylvania that works for all of us. So I’m inviting you to join us!

If you’re already a dues-paying member, consider donating to help us continue our fight for the safety, dignity, and resources all Pennsylvanians need.

In community, 

Hannah

P.S. Join TAKE, PA Coalition for Trans Youth, NEPA Stands Up, legislative allies, and community partners for a Trans Day of Visibility Rally, on MONDAY (March 31st), 12-4 pm, on the front steps of the PA State Capitol in Harrisburg. Hear from inspiring speakers, connect with others who support equality and justice, and celebrate our community while we defy those who want to strip us of our rights.