This primary battle for the District 20 Pennsylvania House seat features Adam Ravenstahl, a four-term incumbent from the North Side, and Mike Devine, a political neophyte, but no stranger to the city where he works as a musician and a community organizer. The district stretches from Bellevue/West View through the North Side and across the Allegheny into Downtown, the Strip District and Lawrenceville.
Adam Ravenstahl
Biography
After graduating from Robert Morris University in 2007, Ravenstahl worked as a business analyst for UPMC Health Plan. He was first elected to represent the 20th District following a 2010 special election, the same seat once held by his grandfather Robert Ravenstahl. Brother to former Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. Son of District Judge Robert Ravenstahl, Jr. Married to Alisha Ravenstahl.
Health Care
At a CP candidate’s forum said he would support single-payer health care. Voted against last year’s 20-week abortion ban. Supported a 2013 bill to prevent health insurers from offering access to abortion services on health-care exchange markets except in certain circumstances.
Environment
In 2014, Ravenstahl voted for HB 2354, which allows state legislators to weigh in on federal Department of Environmental Protection mandated carbon emission reduction targets, essentially slowing and possibly altering the process.
Education
Ravenstahl writes on his Facebook page that “Making sure our children receive a quality education has always been my No. 1 priority. They are our greatest asset.” Endorsed by Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA).
Gun Control
Last year, Ravenstahl voted against a bill that would have authorized lawsuits against local governments with gun ordinances, a so-called “gun pre-emption” bill. He voted against a similar bill in 2014.
Friends and supporters
Endorsements from Equality Pennsylvania, SEIU Pennsylvania State Council, PSEA, Pittsburgh Fire Fighters Local No. 1, Allegheny County Democratic Committee, Allegheny County Labor Council, Steel City Stonewall Democrats.
Mike Devine
Biography
Devine, a musician, community organizer and DJ (known as Zombo), is a political newcomer. He describes himself as a “political outsider/community insider.” He has worked with several community organizations including Lawrenceville United and Friends of Arsenal Park. He and his wife Julie live in Lawrenceville.
Health Care
Devine supports single-payer universal health care. Says health care should “be like public education. You live here, you get what you need." Says he will “defend the right to contraceptive services, abortion access, and other reproductive health services.”
Environment
Wants to see Pennsylvania as a state commit to the Paris climate accords, and said he wants to ensure the Beaver County ethane cracker project can’t “pollute at will.” Says “future generations should not pay for our mistakes.”
Education
On his website, Devine outlines several priorities for reforming public schools, including reducing class sizes, increasing teacher pay and restoring after-school programs. Says schools still haven’t recovered from massive budget cuts from Governor Tom Corbett's tenure. Wants to move toward free college tuition for all state residents.
Gun Control
On his Facebook page, Devine says gun violence “affects every community, all Americans and isn’t partisan. That’s why we must address gun violence in all its forms.”
Friends and Supporters
Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates; is a Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America candidate.
