Stephanie Borowicz

Stephanie Borowicz is an American politician currently serving as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 76th district. She has held this position since 2019 and has been re-elected in subsequent elections. Borowicz is known for her active participation in legislative matters and her involvement in various political controversies that have garnered both local and national attention.

Early life and career

Stephanie Borowicz was born on March 23, 1977, in Orlando, Florida. She completed her high school education at Altamonte Christian School, graduating in 1995. Following her high school education, Borowicz pursued higher education at Vanguard University, a private Christian institution located in Orange County, California. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies, complemented by a minor in Bible studies. This educational background reflects her commitment to both academic and spiritual development.

Before entering politics, Borowicz worked as an elementary school teacher, where she contributed to the education and development of young students. In addition to her teaching career, she served as president of a non-profit organization, which likely provided her with experience in leadership and community engagement. In 2009, Borowicz relocated to Clinton County, Pennsylvania, where she would later begin her political career.

Legislative service

Borowicz's political career began in earnest when she decided to run for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2016. In that election, she challenged the long-serving incumbent Mike Hanna but was unsuccessful. However, her political aspirations did not wane. In 2018, after Hanna announced he would not seek re-election, his son, Mike Hanna Jr., entered the race. Borowicz ran against him and won, marking her entry into the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Her victory was notable, as she won by a margin of approximately 1,500 votes.

Since taking office, Borowicz has been re-elected in both the 2020 and 2022 elections, indicating a sustained level of support from her constituents. As a member of the Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus, she aligns herself with a group of legislators who advocate for limited government and individual liberties. Her tenure has been marked by various legislative initiatives and public statements that have sparked discussions and controversies.

One of the most notable moments of Borowicz's legislative career occurred when she delivered an invocation at the beginning of a state house session. During this prayer, she invoked the name of Jesus multiple times and expressed support for President Donald Trump and Israel. This invocation coincided with the swearing-in of Movita Johnson-Harrell, the first Muslim woman to serve in the Pennsylvania House. The prayer drew criticism from Johnson-Harrell, who described it as "weaponized prayer" and an example of Islamophobia. Borowicz responded to the criticism by asserting that her prayer was consistent with her beliefs and that it was not intended to offend.

In May 2019, Borowicz faced scrutiny when a photograph surfaced of her posing with a man wearing a shirt associated with the American Guard, a group linked to white supremacist ideologies. The Anti-Defamation League called for her to apologize for the photo, but Borowicz's response did not directly address the concerns raised about the American Guard. Instead, she emphasized her openness to engaging with constituents and participating in public events.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Borowicz introduced a resolution suggesting that the virus was a divine punishment for societal sins and proposed a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer. This resolution reflected her religious beliefs and her perspective on the pandemic's significance. Additionally, following the 2020 United States presidential election, she joined a group of Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania to sponsor a resolution demanding the decertification of the state's electoral votes, citing allegations of election fraud.

In 2022, Borowicz introduced legislation modeled after Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law, which aimed to restrict discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools up to the fifth grade, with her advocating for an extension through twelfth grade. This legislative effort was in response to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's initiative to promote gender-inclusive classrooms. Although her bill was referred to the Education Committee, it did not advance during that legislative session. Borowicz reintroduced the bill in 2023, indicating her continued commitment to this issue.

In 2024, Borowicz reportedly confronted former Capitol Police Officers Harry Dunn and Aquilino Gonnell during their visit to the State House. These officers had defended the Capitol during the January 6 attack, and Borowicz's comments during this encounter drew attention and controversy among her colleagues.

Borowicz has also taken a stance against certain funding initiatives, such as a grant program intended to provide menstrual products in public schools. She opposed this program, arguing that it represented an overreach of government involvement in personal matters and could lead to a dependency on government support.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of Pennsylvania's 76th district, Borowicz's policy focus reflects her Republican values and her constituents' interests. Her legislative initiatives often emphasize traditional values, limited government, and religious beliefs. Borowicz's background as a teacher and her involvement in non-profit work inform her perspectives on education and social issues.

The 76th district, which Borowicz represents, encompasses a diverse population with varying needs and concerns. Her approach to legislation often seeks to address the interests of her constituents while aligning with the broader goals of the Republican Party. Her advocacy for educational policies, particularly regarding discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity, resonates with a segment of her district that prioritizes traditional family values.

Borowicz's tenure has been characterized by her willingness to engage in contentious political discussions and her ability to attract media attention. Her actions and statements often reflect a broader national conversation about the role of religion in public life, education policy, and the political landscape in Pennsylvania. As she continues her service in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Borowicz remains a prominent figure in state politics, navigating the complexities of governance while representing her constituents' interests.