Paul Friel is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 26th District in Chester County, which includes townships such as East Coventry, East Nantmeal, East Pikeland, East Vincent, North Coventry, South Coventry, Warwick, and West Nantmeal, as well as the boroughs of Elverson, Phoenixville, and Spring City. Born circa 1969 in Pennsylvania and raised in Gilbertsville, he is a lifelong resident, businessman, and family man married to his high school sweetheart, Mary, with whom he raised four children in the Owen J. Roberts School District. Elected in November 2022, he defeated longtime Republican incumbent Tim Hennessey and assumed office on January 3, 2023. His platform emphasizes public education funding, environmental protection, and bipartisan governance. Notable achievements include his business leadership in manufacturing, retail, and environmental sectors, community service on nonprofit boards like Camp Rainbow and the Philadelphia Boys’ Choir, coaching wrestling, and prior service as president of the Owen J. Roberts School Board.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from St. Pius X High School in 1987; earned a B.A. from Temple University in 1993.
• Business Experience: Director of operations at his family's cabinet manufacturing business; past president and CEO of Swiss Farms, Saxby’s Coffee, and Agle Nutrition; owner of PACE Environmental, an environmental testing and engineering firm.
• Political Experience: Unsuccessful campaign for Pennsylvania House in 2020; elected to Owen J. Roberts School District Board of Directors, serving as president; elected as Democrat to Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 2023 term ; seeking re-election in 2024.