Representative Danielle Friel Otten

Danielle Friel Otten is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing the 155th legislative district. She is a member of the Democratic Party.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Otten moved to Chester County to attend college at West Chester University, where she fell in love with the area's countryside and community-focused character. She spent most of her professional career in marketing and hospitality, serving on executive teams of Philadelphia's notable hospitality brands. As a former owner of a retail shop in downtown West Chester, she developed firsthand understanding of how state policy impacts small businesses and local economies.

Otten is a mother and community leader whose path to elected office was shaped by environmental and public safety concerns. When she learned that the Mariner East 2 Pipeline would route highly explosive natural gas liquids through her neighbor's yard near where her children played, she mobilized her community. She was integral in establishing the Uwchlan Safety Coalition and co-founding Del-Chesco United for Pipeline Safety, a coalition of eight organizations across Delaware and Chester counties advocating for public health, safety, and private property rights.

Education

Otten attended West Chester University in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Political Experience

Otten was elected to the Pennsylvania House in November 2018, defeating the incumbent representative with 55% of the vote. Her 2018 campaign focused on opposition to the Mariner East pipeline and concerns about corporate influence in politics. She won the Democratic primary by garnering 82.1% of the vote against East Pikeland Supervisor Ron Graham.

She was reelected in 2020, winning the Democratic primary with 74% of the vote and the general election with 55% of the vote.

As a legislator, Otten has established herself as a vocal advocate for environmental protection and climate action. She serves as co-chair of the bicameral, bipartisan PA Legislative Climate Caucus and as Pennsylvania State Lead for the National Conference of Environmental Legislators. She currently sits on the Aging & Older Adult Services, Environmental Resources & Energy, and Human Services committees, with particular focus on transitioning Pennsylvania to renewable energy sources and protecting communities from pollution and climate change impacts.