Jess is a Lancaster native, Manheim Township class of ‘95 graduate, who, over the years, has worn many different hats, including former educator, radio show host, and podcaster. Most recently, she served as Councilwoman for Upper Darby Township, representing the 2nd District. She earned a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in Latin American Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, and an M.A. in Spanish from Millersville University.

Branas is trailblazing by becoming the first openly gay member to be elected to Upper Darby Township Council in 2023, flipping the seat from red to blue in 75 years. In September 2024, she made history again by introducing and unanimously passing legislation to make the largest township of PA a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ and Transgender Health Care.

Throughout her career, Jess has been a strong advocate of unions and protecting workers’ rights, public education, and healthcare. She held multiple leadership roles, including as a Mayor appointee of the Municipal Pension Fund Committee; Chair of the Law and Governance Commitee; and member of the Public Health and Environmental, Public Safety, and Community Engagement Committees.

As a former Foreign Language educator, her support for Public Education Funding and Vocational programs have been unwavering. Later, serving as the District Director for Representative Boyd, she was instrumental in informing the public of Governor Shapiro’s Public Education Funding initiative.

As the daughter of the neighborhood doctor, Branas treats healthcare with the utmost importance. Being a cancer survivor, the access to affordable healthcare and preventative care takes precedence as tech fourishes, yet environmental regulations are in question.

Jess lives in East Lampeter Township with her dog, Nacho.