​Ann Marie Mitchell Is Running For State Rep. In Pennsylvania

This Patch article is sponsored by Ann Marie Mitchell.

Ann Marie Mitchell is running for state representative in Pennsylvania's 178th District. Learn more about Mitchell's campaign and priorities in this exclusive Patch one-on-one:

Patch: What attracted you to politics, and how did you get started?

Ann Marie Mitchell: I am not a politician, and running for office was not on the list of things I wanted to do. But I am tired of Harrisburg not working for the families of this district, and working for big corporations instead of the communities that send them there. Harrisburg doesn’t work for us, and I am running to change that.

Patch: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your campaign.

Ann Marie Mitchell: I grew up in a working-class family and am the first woman in my family to graduate from college. Thanks to hard work and scholarships, I attended the Wharton School of Business and earned my Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. I’m a working mom and a daughter of a senior, and I know the value of a dollar. I understand how important access to affordable education and good-paying jobs with benefits is to our families. I am independent-minded and know how to work across the aisle after decades in business.

Patch: How long have you lived in Bucks County?

Ann Marie Mitchell: I have lived in this community in central Bucks County for over 20 years, and I also went to college and law school here in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Patch: Tell us about your career and service in Pennsylvania.

Ann Marie Mitchell: I have spent decades working here in Pennsylvania, with 25 years working as a business person and an attorney, with a concentration in recycling and environmental protection. This has taught me how to bring people together and get things done; and as a wife and the mom of two college-age students, I can tell you personally that reaching consensus isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but it is something I have learned to do throughout my life and career.

Patch: What are some ways you give back to the community?

Ann Marie Mitchell: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the strength of our community here in Bucks County. Today, more than ever before, people are stepping up to help; whether it’s family, acquaintances or strangers, we’ve come together to support each other. I’ve been checking in with neighbors and community members, and making sure people have access to the help that they need, which makes us stronger. Whether from my days as a Brownie all the way to a senior Girl Scout and a candystriper at the local hospital to running to serve our community, service to community has been a core value and a family value.

Patch: If you were to be elected, what would some of your top priorities/policies/changes be?

Ann Marie Mitchell: We can no longer afford the status quo in Harrisburg. It’s time to start getting real things done to help our community. It’s no secret there are big problems that we need to address — starting with the current health and economic crisis. Now is the time for responsible, balanced, independent leadership grounded in facts and science, with a new representative with service at their core to make sure Pennsylvanians can safely get back to work and school. We need to do everything we can to lower the cost of prescription drugs, pass (not just talk about) paid family leave, and ensure that no one loses their health coverage due to a pre-existing condition or job loss.

Patch: What distinguishes you from other candidates?

Ann Marie Mitchell: I know how to get to the heart of an issue. I am not afraid to have tough conversations, and I will fight for the people of our district. I don’t take money from corporations and won’t hand out big corporate tax breaks that take money out of the pockets of hardworking Pennsylvanians. Additionally, I am the only candidate to earn endorsements from the American Federation of Teachers, the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals, SEIU Healthcare, CeaseFire PA, Orange Wave for Gun Safety, Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, the Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood and more.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced during this election?

Ann Marie Mitchell: I’ve heard from folks in this district: the seniors struggling with rising taxes and water costs, the parents concerned about school safety, worrying about their kids drinking contaminated water, and the people frustrated by stagnant wages, lost jobs and struggling businesses. The underlying health care and opioid crises affecting us all have been made even worse by COVID-19. As their neighbor, I share their concerns. Things will not change for the better unless we send not only a fighter to Harrisburg but also someone who cares deeply about the issues facing Bucks County and this district.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part about running in this election?

Ann Marie Mitchell: Speaking to thousands of people throughout our community has been the best part of running for office. I have really found the energy and enthusiasm this year to be really wonderful, and speaking with young voters who are casting their first votes is also exciting. People are really engaged and interested, and want to see change in Harrisburg.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your campaign?

Ann Marie Mitchell: I encourage readers to visit my website to learn more about me, and view my full list of endorsements. They can learn more at VoteAnnMarieMitchell.com.