Ashley Comans, a school director in Wilkinsburg, has announced her candidacy for the 34th Legislative District seat currently occupied by Abigail Salisbury (D-Allegheny).

Comans, wife of Wilkinsburg’s mayor and an ally of U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, was in the running for the Democratic nod in a special election to replace Lee but party insiders chose Salisbury.

She said she gave up her corporate career several years ago to get involved in community advocacy because she sensed a changing political climate.

Comans now works as the government and media relations coordinator for Healthy Start, a local nonprofit advocating for children and families, and also sits on several boards, including the Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project and UNITE for PA.

“I make this announcement with the immense love and pride I have for the 34th District and its people” she said on social media. “It is this connection to the community that has built my deep commitment to serving the people of our district. This campaign will center the people of the 34th District and most importantly our neighbors who still feel unseen. I will continue to listen, work together and make sure all 13 neighborhoods in the 34th District have a representative dedicated to being an advocate in Harrisburg for the people of the 34th District.”

A 2009 graduate of PennWest Clarion, Comans also served as a programs manager with Pittsburgh’s Alliance for Police Accountability as well as a campaign manager for MomsRising.org.

Salisbury easily won the special election over Republican Robert Pagane to take over the seat previously held by Lee who resigned after winning the 12th congressional district seat in Washington.