Meet John: A Politician Who’s Redefining Leadership

John’s story doesn’t fit the typical mold of a politician. His path to leadership wasn’t paved with high-profile internships or a string of political appointments, but with grassroots service, personal commitment, and a deep sense of justice. Over the course of his career, John has transformed from a GED teacher in Braddock, Pennsylvania, to the state’s Lieutenant Governor—fighting for criminal justice reform, second chances, and economic justice along the way.

From Humble Beginnings to Lifelong Service

John’s roots are grounded in Pennsylvania, where he was born to teenage parents. Growing up in York, PA, he watched his father work tirelessly to put himself through college while balancing a night job. Inspired by his father’s resilience, John followed in his footsteps, attending Albright College where he played football and studied hard to carve out his own future.

But it was at the age of 23 that John’s life would take a transformative turn. He joined Big Brothers/Big Sisters and was paired with an 8-year-old boy named Marcus, who had recently lost his father to AIDS. John promised Marcus’ mother before she passed away that he would continue to guide her son toward a better life. Fifteen years later, John and Marcus had both kept their promise—Marcus graduated from Washington and Jefferson College, and John had begun his political journey.

Making a Difference in Braddock

John’s drive to serve didn’t stop with mentoring. He joined AmeriCorps, helping establish computer labs in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District and teaching GED classes to young parents. This experience gave him a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Pennsylvania’s underserved communities, and it ignited a desire to make real change.

In 2005, John set his sights on Braddock, one of Pennsylvania’s poorest and most struggling towns. Inspired by the people he met while working in Braddock, he decided to launch a GED program. His initiative quickly gained traction, and just a few years later, in 2005, he ran for mayor of Braddock. Against all odds, he won the crowded primary by just one vote.

As mayor, John spent 13 years rebuilding Braddock. He worked tirelessly to bring jobs to the area, improve education, and develop creative urban policies to revitalize the town. Under his leadership, Braddock saw the establishment of a community center, urban gardens, and even a free store run by his wife, Gisele.

Fighting for Justice and Equality

John’s political journey didn’t stop at local government. He and Gisele have long been champions of progressive causes, advocating for immigration reform, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality. When Pennsylvania lawmakers continued to push discriminatory policies banning same-sex marriage, John stood up and officiated one of the first same-sex weddings in the state. Similarly, when the government proposed building a four-lane interstate highway through Braddock—an area that was already home to a high percentage of Black residents suffering from asthma—John was the only elected official in Western Pennsylvania to oppose the project, calling it “environmental racism.”

Taking on the State and National Stage

In 2016, John took his advocacy to the next level by running for U.S. Senate. Though he lost the Democratic primary, he surprised many by earning 20 percent of the vote in a crowded four-way race. Two years later, in 2018, John ran for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, and this time, he won decisively. He dominated the Democratic primary and secured a commanding victory in the general election.

As Lieutenant Governor, John has transformed the position into a powerful platform for social change. One of his first acts in office was to launch a statewide listening tour of all 67 counties, engaging with Pennsylvanians about the benefits of legalizing marijuana. The tour, which saw over 10,000 people attending in person and tens of thousands more engaging online, helped push the issue to the forefront of state politics. Just months later, Pennsylvania's governor publicly endorsed marijuana legalization, citing John’s influence and efforts.

Leading Criminal Justice Reform

John has also been a strong advocate for criminal justice reform, particularly for the wrongly convicted and incarcerated individuals deserving of a second chance. As chair of Pennsylvania’s Board of Pardons, John has led the fight for clemency, overseeing the release of non-violent offenders and working to overhaul the clemency process. Under his leadership, the board has recommended more commutations than under any lieutenant governor in decades.

John’s tenure has included several key reforms, such as eliminating application fees for pardons, making the application process more user-friendly, and transitioning the process to an online platform to increase accessibility. His work has already changed the lives of many incarcerated individuals, giving them a chance at a fresh start.

A Family-Oriented Approach to Leadership

Despite his busy political career, John and his wife, Gisele, remain dedicated to raising their three children—Karl, 12, Gracie, 10, and August, 7—in a home that reflects their values of service and community. Instead of living in the luxurious Lieutenant Governor’s Mansion, the family resides in a restored car dealership in Braddock, where they are committed to providing children who wouldn’t typically have access to a pool the opportunity to swim and enjoy a fun summer.

John and Gisele’s approach to leadership is rooted in empathy and community. As a family, they strive to set an example for their children, showing them that real leadership is about making a difference for the people you serve.

Looking Ahead: The Future of John’s Political Journey

John’s political career is far from over. Whether he’s pushing for economic justice, advocating for criminal justice reform, or fighting for marijuana legalization, his passion for service and commitment to equality continue to drive his work. As Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor, John has already made a lasting impact on the state, and his influence is likely to continue shaping the future of the commonwealth and beyond.