When Erica Deuso moved to Downingtown about 20 years ago, she found a place to call home, and a community that would inspire her to run for public office.
Deuso now serves as mayor of the Chester County borough after winning the November 2025 election with 64 percent of the vote, report Liz Crawford and Will Kenworthy for CBS News Philadelphia.
Her victory made her Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor, but according to Deuso, that wasn’t what mattered most to voters.
In her first TV interview as mayor, Deuso said that when she began her transition in 2009, she braced for the unknown. What she got instead was a borough that showed up for her.
Neighbors offered kindness, and her community rallied around her, an experience that stayed with her for good.
“I decided to run for mayor because this town has given so much to me,” said Deuso.
During her campaign, she knocked on more than 2,000 doors throughout the borough to speak directly with residents about their concerns.
Those conversations revealed that people were focused on issues such as traffic congestion and housing affordability. Her gender identity barely came up.
Downingtown is home to roughly 9,000 residents and has become one of Chester County’s most sought-after communities. Deuso said its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of neighborliness continue to set it apart.
“I love this town. I love the people,” she said.
As she settles into her first year as mayor, Deuso hopes to serve all residents while helping shape the future of the community she proudly calls home.
Read more on how Erica Deuso’s connection to Downingtown helped shape her path to public office at CBS News Philadelphia.
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