Decision Maker

Jessica Benham

Pennsylvania House of Representatives - District 36

District 36, Pennsylvania

Jessica L. Benham is an American politician and disability rights activist, currently serving as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 36th District. A trailblazer in her field, she is the first openly LGBTQ+ woman and the first openly autistic individual elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. A member of the Democratic Party, Benham has been in office since 2020. She co-founded the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy in 2014, where she also served as Director of Development. Academically accomplished, Benham holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Communication Studies from Bethel University and a Master's in Bioethics from the University of Pittsburgh. Her work is marked by a strong commitment to disability rights and inclusive policies.