Eugene DePasquale

Eugene A. DePasquale is a former American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and later as the Pennsylvania Auditor General. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented the 95th district in the Pennsylvania House from 2007 to 2013. Following his tenure in the state legislature, DePasquale was elected Auditor General, a position he held from 2013 to 2021. He has also been involved in academia as an adjunct professor and has participated in various political campaigns, including a bid for Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district in 2020 and the Pennsylvania Attorney General election in 2024.

Early life and career

Eugene DePasquale was born on August 3, 1971, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He completed his early education at Central Catholic High School before pursuing higher education. DePasquale earned a bachelor's degree from the College of Wooster, followed by a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Pittsburgh. He later obtained a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School.

DePasquale is the eldest of three brothers. His family faced significant challenges during his upbringing, including the loss of his youngest brother to muscular dystrophy while DePasquale was in law school. At that time, their father, a veteran of the Vietnam War, was serving a lengthy prison sentence on narcotics charges. These personal experiences shaped DePasquale's perspective and commitment to public service.

His political lineage includes his grandfather, Eugene "Jeep" DePasquale, who served on the Pittsburgh City Council from 1971 to 1989. This familial connection to public service may have influenced DePasquale's own career trajectory.

In 1997, DePasquale relocated to York, Pennsylvania, where he began his professional career. He initially served as the director of economic development for the City of York in the early 2000s. Following this role, he worked at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from 2003 to 2006, where he held the position of deputy secretary for community revitalization and local government support.

Legislative service

DePasquale's entry into politics came when he announced his candidacy for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006, following the resignation of incumbent Steve Stetler. The York County Democratic Party selected him as their nominee, and he successfully won the election against Republican candidate Karen Emenheiser. His victory marked the beginning of his legislative career, representing the 95th district, which encompasses the city of York, Spring Garden Township, parts of West Manchester Township, and the boroughs of North York and West York.

During his first term, DePasquale was re-elected in 2008, achieving a significant victory over Republican candidate Lon Emenheiser. His popularity continued into the 2010 election cycle, where he faced no opposition in both the primary and general elections. Throughout his time in the Pennsylvania House, DePasquale focused on various legislative issues pertinent to his constituents and the broader state.

In 2011, DePasquale announced his candidacy for the position of State Auditor General, aiming to succeed the term-limited incumbent Jack Wagner. His campaign emphasized the importance of environmental protection, particularly concerning Marcellus shale drilling, and he pledged to conduct an immediate performance audit of the Department of Environmental Protection to safeguard the state's water supply. He won the general election against Republican state representative John Maher, marking a transition from the state legislature to a statewide elected office.

Policy focus and district

During his tenure in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, DePasquale was involved in various legislative initiatives that reflected the needs and concerns of his district. His work included addressing issues related to economic development, environmental protection, and community revitalization. His background in local government and economic development likely informed his legislative priorities, as he sought to enhance the quality of life for residents in his district.

As Auditor General, DePasquale continued to focus on critical issues affecting Pennsylvania. His audits and reports addressed significant concerns, including the management of the state's water resources, child protection services, and the backlog of untested rape kits in law enforcement agencies. His findings often led to recommendations for policy changes and improvements in state agencies, demonstrating his commitment to accountability and transparency in government operations.

DePasquale's approach to public safety was evident in his response to the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, where he called for greater monitoring of gun sales to individuals in emotional distress. He co-chaired a School Safety Task Force with Governor Tom Wolf, which aimed to gather feedback on safety measures in schools to prevent potential tragedies.

In addition to his focus on public safety, DePasquale's office investigated election security, revealing instances of improper gifts accepted by officials from voting-machine vendors. This investigation highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity in the electoral process, a concern that gained prominence following the 2016 election.

After completing his term as Auditor General in 2021, DePasquale transitioned to academia, taking on the role of an adjunct professor at Widener University School of Law and later at the University of Pittsburgh. His involvement in education reflects his commitment to fostering the next generation of legal professionals and public servants.

In the political arena, DePasquale continued to be active, running as the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district in 2020 and later for the Pennsylvania Attorney General in 2024. Although he did not win these elections, his candidacy underscored his ongoing engagement in public service and the political landscape of Pennsylvania. In 2025, he was elected as the chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, further solidifying his role in state politics.

Through his various roles in public service, Eugene DePasquale has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents and the broader Pennsylvania community, with a focus on accountability, safety, and effective governance.