Hi, I’m Carol Obando-Derstine, and I’m excited to announce that I’m running for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 7th District!

This race is going to be one of the most competitive in the country in 2026, and I’m determined to flip it from red to blue. But to do it, I need to know that you’re with me. Will you join my campaign as one of our first Founding Donors?

I’m the daughter of two working-class union members. My family immigrated to the United States when I was just 3 years old. We came with all the hopes and dreams of so many immigrants before us who wanted the best for their families. While there were challenges along the way, my family built the better life that they were looking for in the U.S.

As I watched my parents make sacrifices in order to provide for our family, I learned the value of a strong work ethic. That work ethic led me to serve in a variety of roles: youth advocate, nonprofit leader, public servant, educator, and engineer.

While I’ve held different titles, my dedication to serving my community has remained unchanged. And I’ve always strived to be worthy of the generosity this country has shown my family and me.

Right now, our current representation doesn’t understand the challenges that our community is facing. I won’t stand by as extreme Republicans like Ryan Mackenzie work with Donald Trump and Elon Musk to chaotically implement tariffs that jack up costs for Pennsylvania families while they cut taxes for their billionaire donors.

I’m running for Congress because this district deserves better.

I will stand up for the district and fight for real economic change, to build an economy where working families like the one I grew up in can afford housing, groceries and utilities, and have a pathway to real prosperity.

I’m building a people-powered campaign, and to do that, I need you with me. Can I count on you to contribute and become a Founding Donor to my campaign today?

Thank you,

Carol Obando-Derstine