35 Facts About Eugene Depasquale

Early Life and Education

Eugene DePasquale's journey began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was born into a politically active family. His early years laid the foundation for his future in public service.

1. DePasquale was born on August 3, 1971, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2. His grandfather, Eugene "Jeep" DePasquale, served on the Pittsburgh City Council from 1971 to 1989.
3. He attended Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, excelling academically.
4. DePasquale earned a bachelor's degree from the College of Wooster.
5. He later obtained an MPP (Master of Public Policy) from the University of Pittsburgh.
6. He also holds a JD (Juris Doctor) from Widener University Commonwealth Law School.

Family Background and Personal Challenges

DePasquale's family life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies, shaping his resilience and dedication to public service.

7. DePasquale is the eldest of three brothers.
8. His youngest brother died from muscular dystrophy while DePasquale was in law school.
9. Their father, a Vietnam War veteran, served a ten-and-a-half-year federal prison sentence on narcotics charges during this time.
10. DePasquale has spoken about his father's opioid addiction after returning from the Vietnam War.
11. He has also discussed the struggles his family faced in caring for his disabled brother.

Move to York and Early Career

In 1997, DePasquale moved to York, Pennsylvania, where his political career began to take shape.

12. DePasquale moved to York, Pennsylvania, in 1997.
13. He served as the director of economic development for the City of York in the early 2000s.
14. From 2003 to 2006, he was the deputy secretary for community revitalization and local government support at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

DePasquale's political career took off when he joined the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he made significant contributions.

15. In 2006, DePasquale announced his candidacy for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
16. He won the election with 58.3% of the vote against Republican nominee Karen Emenheiser.
17. DePasquale was re-elected in 2008, defeating Republican candidate Lon Emenheiser with 75.1% of the vote.
18. In 2010, he was unopposed in both his primary and general re-election bids.

State Auditor General

DePasquale's tenure as State Auditor General was marked by numerous audits and reports that brought attention to critical issues in Pennsylvania.

19. In April 2011, DePasquale announced his candidacy for State Auditor General in 2012.
20. He won the election for State Auditor General in 2012, succeeding Jack Wagner.
21. His office conducted a performance audit of the state's voter registration system in 2019.
22. DePasquale's office revealed that nearly 58,000 calls to the state's child abuse hotline went unanswered over two years.
23. His office found nearly 5,000 untested rape kits in evidence lockers of local law enforcement agencies.

Academic Roles and Congressional Run

After serving as State Auditor General, DePasquale continued to contribute to public service through academia and a congressional campaign.

24. DePasquale served as an adjunct professor at Widener University School of Law.
25. He is currently an adjunct law professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
26. In 2020, DePasquale ran against Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry in the 10th Congressional District but lost the election.

Campaign Issues and Endorsements

DePasquale's campaigns have focused on various critical issues, earning him endorsements from notable figures and organizations.

27. DePasquale has emphasized defending the state's elections and rebuffing attempts to chip away at abortion access.
28. He has pledged to prosecute hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community and crack down on businesses that violate consumer rights.
29. DePasquale has received endorsements from Democratic members of the legislature, county and local officials, and organizations like Ricky’s Pride PAC and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.

2024 Attorney General Race

DePasquale is running for Pennsylvania Attorney General in 2024, bringing his extensive experience and policy focus to the campaign.

30. DePasquale is running against Republican Dave Sunday and four third-party contenders in the 2024 Pennsylvania election for attorney general.
31. The Office of Attorney General has a budget of $144 million and a staff of 1,060 prosecutors, attorneys, investigators, and other staff.
32. Two TV debates featuring the major party candidates are scheduled for the race: one on WGAL on October 3 and another on ABC27 on October 15.

Policy Positions and Achievements

Throughout his career, DePasquale has championed various policy positions and achieved significant milestones.

33. DePasquale has been a strong advocate for minimizing government spending and posting his expenses online for transparency.
34. He made Marcellus shale drilling a central issue during his campaign for State Auditor General in 2012.
35. DePasquale's notable reports include recommendations for reducing gun violence deaths and estimating revenue from marijuana taxation.

Eugene DePasquale: A Dedicated Public Servant

Eugene DePasquale's journey in public service showcases his commitment to Pennsylvania. From his early days in Pittsburgh to his impactful roles as State Auditor General and state representative, DePasquale has consistently prioritized transparency, community development, and policy reform. His focus on issues like Marcellus shale drilling, gun violence reduction, and consumer rights highlights his dedication to addressing critical concerns. Running for attorney general in 2024, DePasquale aims to continue his work on defending elections, protecting abortion access, and prosecuting hate crimes. With endorsements from various Democratic leaders and organizations, his campaign emphasizes his ability to lead complex investigations and take on big corporations. DePasquale's extensive experience and leadership skills make him a compelling candidate for shaping Pennsylvania's legal landscape. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to public service.