Sara Innamorato

Sara Innamorato is a former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where she served the 21st district from 2019 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Innamorato is recognized for her political engagement and advocacy on various social issues. Following her tenure in the state legislature, she was elected as the county executive of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in 2024.

Early life and career

Sara Innamorato was born on April 24, 1986, and raised in Ross Township, Pennsylvania. She attended the North Hills School District, where she completed her primary and secondary education. Innamorato pursued higher education at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in business. Her academic achievements laid a foundation for her future endeavors in both the private and nonprofit sectors.

After the economic downturn in 2008, Innamorato participated in a leadership program at Apple, which marked the beginning of her professional journey. Following her time in the private sector, she transitioned to the nonprofit arena, where she focused on critical issues such as vacant land reclamation, food justice, and digital equity. Innamorato also founded Innamo Co., an independent marketing firm dedicated to promoting social good. Additionally, she co-founded She Runs SWPA, a non-partisan organization aimed at encouraging women to pursue political office, reflecting her commitment to increasing female representation in politics.

Legislative service

Innamorato's political career began in earnest when she ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2018. As a candidate affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, she secured the Democratic Party nomination by defeating the incumbent, Dom Costa, in the primary election. Her victory was notable, as she garnered a significant majority of the votes. Although she faced no opposition on the ballot, Costa initiated a write-in campaign, which drew attention to her remarks regarding the demographic and social dynamics of her district. Innamorato's comments were interpreted in various ways during the campaign, leading to discussions about race and economic issues in her constituency.

In the general election, Innamorato won decisively, receiving a substantial majority of the votes cast. Following her election, she became a member of several committees, including Finance, Labor & Industry, Transportation, and Urban Affairs, where she contributed to legislative discussions and policy-making processes.

In 2020, Innamorato sought re-election and faced initial opposition from Stephen Zappala III, the son of the Allegheny County District Attorney. However, Zappala withdrew from the race, allowing Innamorato to run unopposed for the Democratic nomination. In the general election, she successfully defeated her Republican challenger, John Waugh, further solidifying her position in the state legislature.

In December 2022, Innamorato announced her candidacy for the position of Allegheny County executive, aiming to become the first woman to hold this office. To focus on her campaign, she resigned from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in July 2023. Her departure resulted in a tie in the House, leading to a special election to fill her seat. The special election was held in September 2023, resulting in a victory for Democrat Lindsay Powell.

Policy focus and district

During her time in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Innamorato focused on a range of policy issues that reflected her commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and public health. One of her notable legislative efforts was her sponsorship of a bill aimed at expanding automatic voter registration services for individuals utilizing state government services. This initiative was part of a broader electoral reform agenda promoted by the House Democratic Caucus.

Innamorato was a vocal opponent of hydraulic fracturing, citing public health concerns associated with drilling activities and their impact on local communities. She consistently voted against legislation that would provide tax incentives to petrochemical plants, labeling such measures as corporate welfare. In her advocacy, she organized public hearings to facilitate dialogue between labor unions and anti-fracking groups, emphasizing the need for sustainable job creation alongside environmental protection.

Housing affordability was another key area of focus for Innamorato. She supported initiatives aimed at promoting inclusionary zoning and affordable housing, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when she called for a moratorium on evictions. She authored legislation proposing statewide rent and mortgage freezes to assist residents during the economic recovery phase of the pandemic.

In the realm of public health, Innamorato advocated for universal health insurance in Pennsylvania, aligning with the principles of a Medicare-for-All approach. She also sponsored legislation to establish a free and universal "Baby Box" program for expectant mothers, aimed at reducing infant mortality rates and providing essential resources for maternity and childcare.

Innamorato's legislative service was marked by her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents in District 21, which encompasses a diverse demographic landscape. Her focus on social equity, environmental sustainability, and public health reflects her broader vision for a more inclusive and just society. Following her tenure in the state legislature, Innamorato transitioned to the role of county executive, where she continues to influence policy and governance in Allegheny County.