Election season is a reminder of just how little we agree on as a society these days. But no matter who you plan to cast your vote for on Nov. 3, I think we can all agree that pizza is pretty great.
Of course, who has the best pizza is a topic that’s ripe for debate—especially in a pizza-loving state like Pennsylvania. Though let’s table that debate for another day. Instead, let’s give the candidates running for office in Pennsylvania equal time to sound off on an issue we don’t think is getting enough attention ahead of the midterms: their favorite pizza.
Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Bob Brooks, Democratic candidate for US House, District 7 (Lehigh Valley)
What’s your favorite pizzeria? “Pizza Joe’s in Nazareth.”
What’s your go-to pizza order? “Mushrooms, pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese.”
If you could split a pizza with any Pennsylvanian, living or dead, who would it be? “My wife.”
State Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia)
What’s your favorite pizzeria? “Chick’s on Washington Avenue in Philly.”
What’s your go-to pizza order? “The Truffle Shuffle with a side of blue cheese.”
If you could split a pizza with any Pennsylvanian, living or dead, who would it be? “My late wife, Tiffany.”
State Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware)
What’s your favorite pizzeria? “Renato Pizza in Swarthmore, because all pizza is local.”
What’s your go-to pizza order? “Black olives and artichokes. But then again it’s hard to argue with pepperoni!”
If you could split a pizza with any Pennsylvanian, living or dead, who would it be? “Ben Franklin. Pizza is seemingly one of the few things he didn’t invent, so I can only imagine the curiosity he’d bring to that first bite— and how quickly he’d propose his own unique topping combination.”
State Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia)
What’s your favorite pizzeria? “Pete’s Pizza on 60th and Walnut.”
What’s your go-to pizza order? “Cheese pizza.”
If you could split a pizza with any Pennsylvanian, living or dead, who would it be? “My grandmother, who passed away a few years ago.”
Mark Pinsley, Democratic candidate for Pa. Senate, Bucks and Lehigh counties
What’s your favorite pizzeria? “Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings. I like it because they have outdoor seating, and they serve gluten-free pizza, so my whole family can enjoy it. Their meatballs are also really good, although I do have one complaint: I like the temperature of my food practically volcanic. So Anthony’s, if you’re listening, turn up the heat on those meatballs. I promise I can handle it.”
What’s your go-to pizza order? “Pepperoni. Nothing fancy. I’ve tried to branch out, but somehow I always end up back where I started. Apparently, when it comes to pizza toppings, I’m very boring.”
If you could split a pizza with any Pennsylvanian, living or dead, who would it be?
“Mister Rogers. I grew up watching him, but what stayed with me was how he talked about difficult subjects. He seemed to understand that you could really disagree with someone and still treat them like a person. If I could sit down with him over a pizza, I’d ask him how he would get people to see each other as neighbors again instead of enemies.”
State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny)
What’s your favorite pizzeria? “Mineo’s, a Pittsburgh classic that never gets old.”
What’s your go-to pizza order? “No frills, just pepperoni.”
If you could split a pizza with any Pennsylvanian, living or dead, who would it be? Mister Rogers.
Rick Telesz, Democratic candidate for Pa. House, Lawrence County
What’s your favorite pizzeria? “My local, Pizza Joe’s. It was started in New Castle, and now has franchises all over Pa. and Ohio. Augustine’s (frozen) Pizza from New Castle is a local classic and comes in as a close second.”
What’s your go-to pizza order? “Banana peppers and mushrooms.”
If you could split a pizza with any Pennsylvanian, living or dead, who would it be? “As a kid, I’d say Roberto Clemente. Today, I’d choose to share a pizza with my grandmother and other loved ones I’ve lost.”
State Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny)
What’s your favorite pizzeria? “Center Avenue Slice in West View. But since I’m originally from NEPA, where we take our pizza very seriously, I have to mention Colarusso’s in Avoca.”
What’s your go-to pizza order? “I’m a purist—I prefer plain pizza.”
If you could split a pizza with any Pennsylvanian, living or dead, who would it be? “(Actor/singer) Billy Porter.”
