Davon Magwood is a dedicated working-class father of three, guided by the moral principles of Mr. Rogers and the work ethic of Franco Harris.

ABOUT | MAGWOOD FOR PA

Magwood earned the Democratic nomination in May for another change against incumbent Jill Cooper after previously challenging the Republican in 2024. He lives in New Kensington, where he has built a career in stand-up comedy and as a screenwriter. He has also helped organize drives for the community and has worked locally as a judge of elections in New Kensington. His platform focuses on fighting for the working class through affordability, housing, and community investment.

Pa. State House 55th District election: Cooper v. Magwood | 90.5 WESA

Alongside his culinary career, he volunteered for political campaigns and community initiatives, including Easter basket drives for mothers in shelters and local election judging.

Davon Magwood is a father of three and lives in New Kensington. He has volunteered for community initiatives, including Easter basket drives for mothers in shelters and serving as a local election judge.

Pa. State House 55th District election: Cooper v. Magwood voter guide

Raised by single mother, Davon stepped up early in life, working his way from dishwasher to executive chef in restaurants, gaining valuable insights into hard work and collaboration.

Party: Democrat
Place of residence: New Kensington
Education: Schenley High School, Pittsburgh
Current occupation: Restaurant management

Related experience: Judge of elections (2018-2023)

Davon Magwood currently works in restaurant management. He previously held restaurant positions ranging from dishwasher to executive chef. He has also worked in stand-up comedy and screenwriting.

Davon previously challenged incumbent Jill Cooper in 2024.

Magwood served as a judge of elections from 2018 to 2023. He currently serves as Region 1 chair of the Westmoreland County Democratic Committee. Magwood ran for Pennsylvania State Representative in District 55 in 2024, but did not win.

2026 Pennsylvania General Election 

What is the biggest LOCAL concern your district has that hasn't been met by action in Harrisburg, and what would you do about it if elected?
The biggest concern I hear across the 55th District is affordability. People are working hard, but their paychecks aren’t stretching as far as they used to. Groceries, utilities, housing, childcare, and healthcare are putting real pressure on working families and seniors. If elected, I’ll make affordability a priority in Harrisburg by fighting for better wages, affordable housing, stronger workers’ rights, and investments in our communities.
We need to make sure state resources reach Westmoreland County and help lower the everyday costs people are facing. Government should work for working people, not make it harder to get by.

Plans to prioritize affordability through better wages, affordable housing, stronger workers’ rights, and community investment.

- Plans to prioritize affordability through better wages, affordable housing, stronger workers’ rights, and community investment.

Economy

There have been a number of legislative proposals that would increase revenue for the state, including marijuana legalization, a tax on digital advertisements, and the legalization/taxation of “skill games.” Which, if any, of these do you favor, and why?
I favor legalizing and taxing adult-use marijuana and regulating and taxing skill games, with strong safeguards and a clear plan for how the revenue is spent. Pennsylvania is already surrounded by states with legal adult-use cannabis, and the state’s 2026 budget proposal estimates significant revenue from both cannabis and skill-game taxation.

Supports legalizing and taxing adult-use marijuana and regulating and taxing skill games with safeguards and a plan for revenue use.

- Supports legalizing and taxing adult-use marijuana and regulating and taxing skill games with safeguards and a plan for revenue use.

Healthcare

Would you support a ballot measure to limit property tax increases, and what would you want to see in the state budget? If you’re elected, how would you prioritize public education and the cost of living?
I don't think we have to agree on everything to get something done. One issue I believe Democrats and Republicans can work on together is making Pennsylvania more affordable, especially by addressing property taxes and the cost of living for working families and seniors. If Democrats win a trifecta, I would make fully funding public education a top priority while reducing our reliance on local property taxes. I’m not interested in partisan fights for their own sake.
I’m interested in finding common ground where we can and bringing resources and results back to the 55th District.

Plans to prioritize fully funding public education and reducing reliance on local property taxes if Democrats win control of state government.

- Plans to prioritize fully funding public education and reducing reliance on local property taxes if Democrats win control of state government.

Education

Should the state legislature enact laws concerning the impacts on water, energy, or land use from the development and operation of data centers? Would state regulation of data center development and operation interfere with the authority of municipalities to establish ordinances under the MPC (Municipal Planning Code)?
Yes, we should enact targeted, commonsense standards for data centers, especially around water use, energy demand, and land impacts. These facilities can bring jobs, but they also put real strain on local resources. State law should set clear baseline protections; like efficiency requirements, water safeguards, and grid planning. So communities aren’t left to manage those impacts alone.

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Should the state legislature enact laws concerning the impacts on water, energy, or land use from the development and operation of data centers? Would state regulation of data center development and operation interfere with the authority of municipalities to establish ordinances under the MPC (Municipal Planning Code)?
Yes, we should enact targeted, commonsense standards for data centers, especially around water use, energy demand, and land impacts. These facilities can bring jobs, but they also put real strain on local resources. State law should set clear baseline protections; like efficiency requirements, water safeguards, and grid planning. So communities aren’t left to manage those impacts alone.

At the same time, I believe in local control. State regulation should not override the ability of municipalities to govern land use under the Municipal Planning Code. Instead, it should complement it; setting minimum standards while preserving the authority of local governments to make zoning and planning decisions that reflect their community’s needs.

Supports statewide data-center standards for water, energy, and land impacts while preserving municipal land-use authority.

- Supports statewide data-center standards for water, energy, and land impacts while preserving municipal land-use authority.

Energy & the Environment

As of October 16, 2026, Davon Magwood’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

What changes, if any, would you support to enable better access, ensure security, and support the processes of our elections?
I would work to make voting more accessible, I support secure drop boxes for mail in ballots, I believe our department of elections does a great job making sure our elections are fair and secured.

Supports making voting more accessible and using secure drop boxes for mail-in ballots.

- Supports making voting more accessible and using secure drop boxes for mail-in ballots.

Voting & Elections

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