Senator Maria Collett ** represents Pennsylvania's **12th Senatorial District, covering parts of Montgomery County from Lower Moreland in the east to Salford Township in the west. Now serving her second term, she was the first Democrat elected to this seat and currently holds key leadership roles, including Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus Chair , Minority Chair of the Aging & Youth Committee, and member of the Health & Human Services, Institutional Sustainability & Innovation, Judiciary, and Rules & Executive Nominations Committees. Notable achievements include championing the Nursing Workforce Initiative with a $55 million student loan relief program for nurses, prime sponsorship of the Family Care Act for statewide paid family and medical leave, expanding the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit in the 2023-24 budget, and securing millions in state grants for public safety infrastructure like police upgrades and roadway repairs. A registered nurse and former attorney advocating for abused children, she focuses on affordable healthcare, mental health access, fair wages for frontline workers, public education funding, clean water, and family support.

Education and Political Experience

Collett transitioned from a legal career fighting for children victimized by abuse and neglect to nursing, specializing in pediatric home health, trauma, and long-term care. Her political experience includes her election as state senator for the 12th District, where she continues lifelong advocacy for vulnerable populations, now leading Democratic caucus strategy and committee work in Harrisburg.