Kellianne Frketic, a community advocate and working mother, announced her candidacy for the Pennsylvania State Representative in House District 39 on Monday. Frketic aims to challenge the status quo in Harrisburg, emphasizing a campaign grounded in visibility, accountability, and working-class representation.
Frketic, a native of Elizabeth Township, expressed her motivation for running stems from a growing frustration with what she termed “distant and disconnected leadership.” She stated, “I am running because our district deserves a representative who is present, accessible, and deeply connected to the people they serve.” Her vision for government centers on ensuring it works effectively for families and communities, underscoring the importance of lived experiences in public service.
With a background focused on food access and public service, Frketic previously held the position of food service director for local school districts, managing meal programs that catered to students and their families. Currently, she oversees senior food box programs at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. This role has provided her with vital insight into the challenges faced by Pennsylvanians from childhood through old age.
Frketic is a single mother to a 17-year-old son, and she understands the financial pressures many families encounter. She highlighted the significant burdens of mortgage payments, student loans, and rising living costs. Identifying as part of the “sandwich generation,” she balances the needs of her teenage son with the responsibilities of caring for aging relatives. “I know what it means to make tough choices and stretch every dollar,” she remarked. “The people of District 39 deserve representation from someone who actually lives the realities they face and will put in the work to help them.”
Her political journey began locally, where she attended township and school board meetings, advocating for issues affecting her community. This experience has shaped her belief in government as a service-oriented institution rather than a distant bureaucracy. “We need elected officials with a plan, a proven record of service, and a clear understanding that government exists to work for all of us,” Frketic said.
Frketic’s campaign platform focuses on engaging with constituents through regular listening sessions, enhancing constituent services, and ensuring transparent communication regarding legislative decisions. She advocates for the responsible investment of tax dollars to bolster communities, support working families, and promote an efficient state government.
The official kickoff of her campaign is set for January 10, 2024, from 18:00 to 20:00 at the South Park Community Center. The launch party will feature a host committee that includes notable figures such as Angela Girol, committee chair; Nicole Ruscitto, a member of the Jefferson Borough council; state Representative Emily Kinkead of House District 20; and Allegheny County Council members including Bethany Hallam and Aaron Adams.
“I’m running because District 39 deserves representation that looks like the people who live here,” Frketic stated. She concluded, “I’m ready to show up, listen, and work for our community.”
