La'Tasha Mayes

La'Tasha Mayes is an American politician and activist currently serving as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 24th district, which includes parts of Pittsburgh. A member of the Democratic Party, Mayes has a background in community organizing and reproductive justice advocacy. Her legislative work focuses on healthcare equity, reproductive rights, and non-discrimination policies, reflecting her commitment to social justice and community health.

Early life and career

La'Tasha Mayes was born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She pursued higher education at the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 2003. Following her undergraduate studies, she attended Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University, obtaining a Master of Science degree in public policy and management in 2005.

Mayes's professional journey began in the realm of activism, particularly centered around reproductive justice. In 2004, she co-founded New Voices for Reproductive Justice, an organization dedicated to advocating for the reproductive health and rights of Black women and LGBTQ+ individuals in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mayes served as the president and executive director of this organization until 2022. Under her leadership, New Voices for Reproductive Justice became a prominent voice in the fight for reproductive rights, successfully winning a lawsuit in 2015 that led to the expansion of Medicaid coverage for over 74,000 low-income women in Pennsylvania.

In addition to her work in reproductive justice, Mayes played a significant role in lobbying for the establishment of human relations commissions at both the county and state levels. These commissions were created to enforce non-discrimination laws based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Following the enactment of such legislation in Allegheny County in 2009, Mayes was appointed vice chair of the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission. Her advocacy efforts continued as she identified the strengthening of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include a comprehensive LGBT non-discrimination ordinance as a key priority during her campaign for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

In 2015, Mayes sought to expand her influence in local governance by running for the Pittsburgh City Council in the 7th district. However, she was unsuccessful in the Democratic primary, losing to the incumbent, Deborah Gross. Despite this setback, her commitment to public service and advocacy remained steadfast.

Legislative service

La'Tasha Mayes announced her candidacy for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on January 19, 2022, aiming to represent the 24th district after the seat was vacated by Ed Gainey, who had been elected mayor of Pittsburgh. The Democratic nomination for the special election to fill the vacancy was determined by local party committee members on February 5, 2022. In this process, Martell Covington, a former legislative aide, received the plurality of votes and was nominated, while Mayes placed second among six candidates. Covington subsequently won the special election held on April 5, 2022, and was seated in the House on April 26.

Following the special election, Mayes ran again for the seat in the regular Democratic primary on May 17, 2022, seeking a full term beginning in 2023. In her campaign, she emphasized her commitment to improving community health, particularly in light of the healthcare inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayes argued that her extensive experience in reproductive justice made her a strong candidate to protect abortion rights in Pennsylvania, especially in the context of the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade, which occurred in June 2022.

In the Democratic primary, Mayes achieved a notable victory over the incumbent Rep. Covington, securing approximately 46% of the vote compared to Covington's 38%, with a third candidate, Randall Taylor, receiving 16%. Her win was significant, as it occurred despite Covington's endorsement from the county Democratic committee, and drew comparisons to other progressive candidates who had successfully challenged establishment figures in their respective races. Mayes went on to win the general election unopposed on November 8, 2022.

Upon taking office, La'Tasha Mayes made history as the first openly lesbian state legislator in Pennsylvania. Her election marked a significant milestone in the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in state government.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, La'Tasha Mayes serves on several committees, including Appropriations, Environmental Resources and Energy, Health, and Judiciary. Her committee assignments reflect her commitment to addressing a range of issues pertinent to her constituents and the state at large.

Mayes's legislative focus is heavily influenced by her background in reproductive justice and community advocacy. She aims to address healthcare disparities, particularly those affecting marginalized communities. Her work is informed by her belief in the importance of equitable access to healthcare services, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted existing inequities in the healthcare system.

In addition to healthcare, Mayes is dedicated to advancing policies that promote non-discrimination and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Her advocacy for a comprehensive LGBT non-discrimination ordinance underscores her commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated fairly and equitably under the law.

Mayes resides in Pittsburgh with her partner and daughter, and her personal experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community inform her legislative priorities. Her role as a state legislator not only allows her to advocate for policies that align with her values but also positions her as a representative of diverse voices within her district and the broader Pennsylvania community. Through her work, Mayes continues to contribute to the ongoing dialogue around social justice, healthcare equity, and the rights of marginalized populations in Pennsylvania.