Who is Eugene DePasquale? Biography of Pennsylvania’s New Democratic Party Chair

Pennsylvania Democrats elected Eugene DePasquale, the state’s former auditor general, as their new party chair. The vote took place in Lancaster, making him the leader responsible for fundraising, winning elections, and boosting voter registration in this key swing state.

Early Life and Family Background

Eugene DePasquale was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in a family that faced many struggles. His father, a Vietnam War veteran, battled substance abuse and mental health issues after returning from combat. Eventually, his father was convicted on felony charges and spent over a decade in federal prison.

DePasquale has often said this painful experience shaped his views on addiction, criminal justice, and the need for fairness. His younger brother was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and sadly died at the age of 20, another tragedy that left a lasting impact on him.

“I know struggle. That’s why I’ve always stood up for the people that too many politicians forget,” DePasquale said during his 2024 attorney general campaign.

Education and Career Start

DePasquale studied at Wooster College, where he also played football. He has credited the sport with teaching him teamwork and resilience. His career in politics began in 2006, when he was elected as a state representative for York County. He held the role for six years before running for auditor general.

Auditor General of Pennsylvania

From 2013 to 2021, Eugene DePasquale served as Pennsylvania’s auditor general. In this role, he:

• Investigated the backlog of rape kit testing.

• Reviewed long child abuse hotline wait times.

• Examined revenue lost by not legalizing recreational marijuana.

• Prioritized environmental protection, criticizing regulators for failing to protect drinking water near fracking sites.

His work made him a recognizable figure in Pennsylvania politics.

2024 Attorney General Race

In 2024, DePasquale won the Democratic primary for attorney general but lost to Republican Dave Sunday in the general election. The defeat came amid a Republican sweep of statewide races.

Elected as Democratic Party Chair

Now, in 2025, DePasquale has taken over as chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, succeeding Sen. Sharif Street. He has pledged to focus on core Democratic values, saying: “We have always been the party that stands up and fights for working families. To win, we need to show up, listen, and work together.”

He has also gained support from Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator John Fetterman, who both endorsed his leadership. Fetterman even donated $100,000 from his campaign funds to back DePasquale’s new role.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside politics, Eugene DePasquale is an athlete. He has completed triathlons, trained for Ironman races, and even after a broken clavicle in 2025, he remains committed to competing. He also serves as a high school football coach, continuing his lifelong love for sports.

DePasquale is 54 years old and a father of two.