July 15, 2016
State Representative Sheryl Delozier, 88th District
by Jill Gleeson, Photography by Paul Vasiliades and Michelle Yinger
State Representative Sheryl Delozier, 88th District
Long before State Representative Sheryl Delozier so much as thought about a career in politics, she was learning one of the most important lessons a prospective female leader can.
“I was raised in a household where gender was irrelevant,” explains Delozier, a Republican who serves the 88th Legislative District in Cumberland County. “My father had two girls, and it didn’t matter to him if we were boys or girls. We just were people who could do anything that we put our minds to.”
Delozier was elected to the State House in 2008. Her career prior included working for and with some of Pennsylvania’s biggest political heavyweights. Delozier was a senior staffer to Governors Ridge and Schweiker. She also served as state coalition director for longtime U.S. Senator Arlen Specter.
When asked if she’s had any female political role models, Delozier laughs and replies, “It has been a lot of guys, hasn’t it? Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of women who have taken on those big roles. It is exciting that a woman is running for president. While I may not agree with her philosophically, it’s one more barrier that’s being broken.”
Up for re-election this November, Delozier says she is proud to be known for her approachability and willingness to work both sides of the aisle, a trait increasingly rare in these days of gridlocked government. But as much as she loves what she calls “consensus-building and public policy,” don’t look for Delozier to take her talents to D.C.
“I enjoy representing the 88th District,” Delozier notes. “I think it’s a fantastic area, and I’m proud to represent it. I also have a 13- and a 15-year-old, and working in Congress would mean a lot of time in Washington away from my family. Baseball and lacrosse games and being a part of those things with them right now is my priority.”
This article appears in the July 2016 issue of Harrisburg Magazine