Bisexual, autistic candidate wins election for PA House

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As an openly bisexual, autistic woman, Jessica Benham, of Pittsburgh, told ABC News she decided to run for a state legislature seat when she realized her communities have not been well represented in government.

Benham, 29, who co-founded and ran a grassroots advocacy group The Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy, said other autistic and LGTBQ Pennsylvanians share her sentiment.

"I was hearing from my community that they wanted someone who was like them to be represented," she said. "Their voice was long unheard."

Benham will fill that void in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives next year. The Democrat won the race for District 36 -- which includes parts of Pittsburgh -- with 62.5% of the vote on Election Day, according to election results.

Autism advocates say her historic win will help promote awareness for the millions of Americans with disabilities and encourage members of the community to seek political careers.

"There is a stereotype that public office is only for people with neurotypical social skills, people who are extroverted," Sam Crane, the legal director for the nonprofit Autistic Self Advocacy Network, told ABC News. "Ms. Benham's success might help others realize that's not typically the case."

Benham said she has been passionate about politics and advocacy work since an early age. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science and communication from Bethel University, a master's degree in communication from Minnesota State University and a master's degree in bioethics from the University of Pittsburgh.

During her time at the University of Pittsburgh, Benham helped form a union with other graduate students.


Five years ago, she co-founded her nonprofit and worked with other autistic advocates to fight for stronger rights for the community, particularly in terms of health care.

The organization advocated Paul's Law, state legislation that passed in 2018 and prohibits individuals with disabilities from being denied an organ transplant.

"That combination of advocating for health care and fighting back against union-busting lawyers, gave me an experience of what working Pennsylvanians experience," Benham said.