Stephanie Berardi today announced her campaign for Pennsylvania state representative in the 154th Legislative District, running as an independent candidate under Progress for Pennsylvania. Drawing on her experience in environmental policy and public service, Berardi will make environmental protection and public health the central focus of her campaign.
“Environmental protection is about more than policies and regulations. It’s about safeguarding the health, safety, and livelihoods of the people who live and work in our communities—from families and small-business owners to construction workers and first responders,” Berardi said.
Her tenure working for Pennsylvania state government included work with former state Rep. Steve McCarter and state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, followed by a position as regional communications manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. She worked on air and water quality, environmental cleanup, brownfields, waste management, waterways and wetlands, environmental justice and energy programs.
“My background in government and environmental policy has shown me how decisions made in Harrisburg directly affect people’s daily lives,” said Berardi. “From protecting air and water quality to addressing environmental cleanup and environmental justice, I’ve seen how important it is to be transparent, put public health first, work across party lines, and make decisions that protect the well-being of our communities.”
Berardi points to the February 18, 2025, SPS factory fire as a defining moment in her career and ultimately led to her decision to run. She spent the day alongside firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders and liaised with officials in Cheltenham, Jenkintown, and Abington to help communicate critical information to residents during the crisis. Her involvement continued in the aftermath, reinforcing the importance of clear communication, community coordination, and a sustained commitment to protecting residents and addressing the concerns that remain after an environmental emergency.
“Leadership is about showing up, working together, and putting people first,” Berardi said. “In a crisis, there is no room for politics. There is only the work of keeping people informed, protecting the community, and helping people through it.”
Berardi is also moving forward following the recent sudden loss of her brother. She says the loss has strengthened her determination to continue serving her neighbors and pursuing work she believes matters.
“Losing my brother has reminded me how precious life is and how important it is to keep moving forward,” Berardi said. “I’m choosing to keep going, keep serving and keep working to make a difference.”
Berardi is funding her campaign with support from friends and family and says she is not backed by political organizations or special-interest groups.
“I believe progress is possible when people are willing to do the work,” Berardi said. “That’s what I’ve done throughout my career, and that’s what I intend to bring to Harrisburg.”
Berardi brings more than a decade of experience in government, communications, environmental advocacy and holds a master’s degree in sustainability from the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of government and political work, Berardi is a former Disney radio personality, small-business owner, mom, and wife of a musician and award-winning recording engineer.
Berardi is hosting a community event at Calluna Plants and Gifts (2012 Paper Mill Rd, Oreland, Pa.) on Friday, October 16 from 6 PM – 9 PM. She will also be participating in the Cheltenham Area Branch NAACP Candidate Forum on Monday, October 19 at 7 PM at Glenside Hall (185 S. Keswick Ave., Glenside, Pa.).
Stephanie Berardi is an independent candidate for Pennsylvania state representative in the 154th Legislative District, running under Progress for Pennsylvania.
For more information, visit www.stephanieberardi.org.
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