During a campaign kickoff Nov. 13, Jeanne McNeill urged everyone to vote in the Dec. 5 special election.

The special election is required to fill the 133rd Legislative District seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, which has been vacant since the Sept. 8 death of McNeill’s husband, Daniel.

She accepted the Democratic nomination in early October and said she is proud to seek the office previously held by her late husband. According to McNeill, her husband was serious about the work they embarked on and wanted it to continue through her efforts if he died in office. She received the support of many Democratic elected officials who believe she will serve the 133rd Legislative District well.

“I am humbled and honored by the overwhelming support I received [at the kickoff]. These last few months have been the hardest my family has ever known. The loss of my husband, Dan, is a void that will never be filled in our hearts. I draw strength during this time of mourning in having the opportunity to continue the work and shared vision of my husband, state Rep. Dan McNeill.

“I can assure the voters that I am more than ready to serve them, not only with the same passion and sense of community that my husband did, but with my own unique skill set and vision. I will be a champion for working families and the seniors of our community. I will continue to fight the opioid crisis taking our loved ones way too soon and as a special needs educator. I will be a champion for educational opportunities for our children, especially those who are at risk of falling through the cracks.

“I cannot thank everyone enough for the faith they have put in me to take this endeavor and ask everyone to make sure they vote Dec. 5,” McNeill said.

The kickoff was a fundraiser for her campaign.

McNeill said she will continue to hold town hall meetings on the opioid epidemic and bring awareness of its devastating consequences. She also pledged to continue tax reform efforts.

A skills trainer with Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21, McNeill said she wants to advance special education programs to help children with disabilities. She believes the children and families she works with can use all the help they can get.