Are you tired of corporate interests and special interest groups compromising candidates?

Are you tired of the same lies, over and over again, in order to scheme your vote?

Are you tired of major parties and their privileged loyalists keeping other parties off the ballot at election time?

Are you tired, yet?

Be seen being Green. Escape the two party trap.

Meet Tony Dastra, Green Party candidate for Governor of PA

Join us for this meet and greet and talk with Greens from your area. 

An informal, social meet n' greet as we discuss growing the answer to the corrupt two-party stranglehold on our community over coffee and treats.

Free and Open to the Public

Download and share the event flyer here.

DastraforPA.org 

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The Montgomery County, PA Green Party Supports the EQAT-led Actions Urging Vanguard to Divest from Fossil Fuels

The Montgomery County Green Party, is a local branch of the Green Party of Pennsylvania

Authored by Tristan H. Edited by Alexander N.

Authorized 02/16/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Montgomery County Green Party formally expressed its solidarity and support for the Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT) in their prolonged struggle to bring pressure to bear against the investment firm, Vanguard, one of the largest investors in the world in the fossil fuel industry.

Founded in 2009, the Earth Quaker Action Team has engaged in, and organized various grassroots campaigns, such as Bank Like Appalachia Matters, the fight against the Keystone XL Pipeline, and Power Local Green Jobs. These campaigns, all fighting in the interest of social and climate justice, and grassroots organizing, have had success in creating change of policy, boosting sustainable and equitable development, and raising consciousness about the most critical issues of our time.

This constant advocacy for community-based organizing, social justice, and climate justice coalesced into their ongoing partnership in the international Vanguard S.O.S. movement, starting in 2021. Today they still hold consistent and frequent meetings, trainings, and events in a continuous effort to fight against Vanguard’s destructive lust for profit. We also praise the other elements of the Vanguard S.O.S. movement for their efforts and cooperation towards that end.

As our world continues to be threatened by the ever-growing problem of climate change, its catastrophic effects, and our contrarily ineffectual governance across the world, the duty of combatting climate change has fallen onto the general populace. The question is not just what kind of future we are going to have, but whether we are going to have a future at all. That is why grassroots movements and organization are so extremely important, for only we, the working class, can apply the pressure necessary to make the changes needed for the preservation, and improvement, of our world.

Facebook: /montcogreens | Twitter: @MontcoPAGreens | Website: https://montcopagreens.com/ 

Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 6, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected] 

Green Party Women are Ready to Run

By GPPA Co-chair Colleen Schmotzer

The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics offers a course with the trademark name “Ready to Run,” for women who are considering a campaign for public office. The day-long program at Chatham University provides training and mentoring by campaign professionals and office holders.

I recently attended a Ready to Run campaign training designed for women. The day was quite informative, and I was pleased to see approximately ten women I knew from the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA). We heard from various guest speakers who detailed the different teams essential for running a successful campaign. It was interesting to learn that the size of the campaign team can vary significantly depending on the specific office being sought, and that sometimes, a modest donation of $50.00 can be enough to win a seat. The organizers provided breakfast, lunch, and a snack, which was greatly appreciated. 

The event concluded with a panel of four accomplished women. Among them was the Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Party, who emphasized the critical importance of women participating in politics. She shared an anecdote about a friend who successfully won a seat by running as an independent, highlighting that breaking traditional party lines can be a viable strategy.

One of the Green Party members who accompanied me to Ready to Run was Kat Marquez. Here’s what she thought of the training. "As a queer, non-binary person of color, the Democrats and Republicans have never had my interest in mind, and thus I can align with the beliefs of our local Green Party. It is frustrating that; 1. there was no one on the Ready to Run panel who wasn't from the two major parties, and 2. the two major parties aren't telling the full story. The Green Party of Allegheny County (GPOAC) did have a local candidate run for County Council At-Large during 2025, and one of the major parties challenged our signatures and took us off the ballot. This is exactly what is happening statewide -- this perpetuation of the duopoly that continuously shuts down true democracy of the people." 

When the floor opened for questions, I took the opportunity to ask, "What strategies can third parties, such as the Green Party, employ to effectively challenge the two-party duopoly?"  The Chair's response was direct: "Nothing. It's either you're a Democrat or Republican. That's it. You will never win being a third-party person." I chose to respond by stating assertively, "Watch! I will do it, you will see me there." This declaration was met with applause from the room, after which the question-and-answer session resumed.

Pam Bruno, another one of my Green Party sisters, told me, “After attending the learning seminar hosted by Chatham University, I feel I came out with a useful amount of newfound knowledge. For me, the most important information that could be used to promote the Green Party are the number of elected seats which remain uncontested, along with the small amount of funding it would take to win them. I'm not interested in running for an office, but with what I learned, I am now sure that I could aid in supporting a candidate's campaign.”

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA 

GPPA Co-chair Colleen Schmotzer (she/her) has been working group coordinator on the Green Party of Allegheny Steering Committee. During 2025, she was a GPPA Steering Committee member at large.

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Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 3, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected] 

Temperature of PA Green Party Returns to Normal 

By GPPA Secretary Bryarr Misner

Since the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) State Committee Meeting on January 11, I have had some time to step back and reflect on where we are as a party and the direction in which we are heading together. What stood out to me most is how quickly the overall tone and energy across the Green Party has shifted in a positive way.

We are now seeing that change show up in real ways -- more people coming to state meetings, stronger turnout and participation at the county level, and renewed engagement in places like Allegheny County's committee and assembly meetings. That does not happen overnight or by accident. It is the result of people intentionally reaching out, showing up, and doing the work to make our spaces feel welcoming again.

Since I took office as Secretary in November 2025, I have heard from many members who shared that the temperature of the Green Party feels better -- more open, more collaborative, and less intimidating. I appreciate hearing that, but I want to be clear: that shift is not about me alone. It is about a lot of people choosing to engage differently, listen more closely, and create space for others to participate. 

I want to recognize everyone -- at both the state and county level -- who have helped make that possible. Whether you're organizing meetings, onboarding new members, answering questions, or just being willing to help, it all adds up. People notice, and it matters.

It has been really enjoyable for me to work with our newly elected GPPA Steering Committee members. Tony Dastra, Elizabeth Schongar, and Wendy Keslick have each brought fresh energy, thoughtful questions, and a genuine willingness to collaborate. I am grateful to be working alongside them.

I also want to give a big thank-you to GPPA Co-chair Tim Runkle, who has put a lot of time into helping onboard both me and our newly-elected Co-chair Colleen Schmotzer. I have worked closely with Colleen through the 2024 Abandon Harris campaign, and she is also the person who first invited me into the Green Party. I know firsthand how much care and effort she brings to this work, and I am glad to be serving alongside her.

This is a moment, I believe, for new voices and new faces to learn how the Green Party works at both the statewide and county level. My goal as Secretary is to make that process less confusing and more transparent -- clearer rules, easier-to-find proposal submissions, and a better sense of how members can plug in and help.

I am proud to be part of a team which is focused on supporting issues that matter broadly to our membership, not just a select few. I am looking forward to continuing this work together and to building a Green Party that feels welcoming, accountable, and grounded in shared values.

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA 

Bryarr Misner (he/him) is a community organizer from Beaver Falls in Allegheny County. Bryarr's email address is [email protected] 

END ITEM

Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEAS
Saturday, January 17, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected] 

PA Green Party Elects 2026 Leaders

On January 11, the Green Party of Pennsylvania State Committee met virtually to elect its leaders for 2026. More than 40 elected delegates and friends of the Green Party from 14 counties participated. They elected five officers to the GPPA Steering Committee, while one co-chair and the secretary are in mid-term. GREEN STAR, the GPPA monthly newsletter, asked the 2026 Steering Committee members to introduce themselves.

Colleen Schmotzer (Allegheny) was elected to a two-year term as co-chair of GPPA. She had been a member at large of the Steering Committee during 2025. Colleen told GREEN STAR, “As the new co-chair of GPPA, my initial focus will be to revitalize our four action teams. I plan to achieve this by actively recruiting team leads and team members from within the Green Party. This will involve outreach not only to seasoned members exploring how we can rekindle their involvement, but also to new members to understand their interests and motivations. Our Communication Team manages the public image of the Green Party. The GPPA Core Team assures the smooth functioning of the party. The Finance Team will increase the value of GPPA and plan the use of its resources. The GPPA Greenwave Team will recruit and support candidates for election and expand the reach of the Green Party.”

GPPA Treasurer Jeff “J.J.” Kondrich (Westmoreland) was re-elected to a second term. J.J. told GREEN STAR, “In 2026, I plan to make sure we meet our reporting requirements and have a robust, secure, and intuitive method of record keeping. If we can organize our data and finances securely, I think the Green Party has a workable future. To help us build the Green Party, I plan to work with our Finance Team to aim fundraising efforts at sources outside of the party, lessening the implicit financial burden of party members. Hopefully a new merchandising plan will also help with this.”

Tony Dastra (Lancaster) was elected to be a Steering Committee member at large. He ran for Mayor of Lancaster City last year. Tony told GREEN STAR, “As a new leader, I plan to bring a different energy into our conversations, not just talking about the issues to be worked through within the system. After last year’s budget standoff in the PA General Assembly, I think it is time to consider a PA Constitutional Convention or amendments. In my opinion, PA needs to consider a unicameral legislature to stop this back and forth between the major parties that have gerrymandered the state capitol into gridlock. Also, the uniformity clause preventing taxes that make sense for the working class and damaging municipalities needs to go. To build the Green Party, I plan to bring new members and involvement. It is time to be more looked-to for constitutional guidance and pragmatic governance. Having pragmatic candidates and approaches, does not mean changing our strong positions as a party. It means people who do not feel like they agree with the Green Party can still approach Green Party candidates for dialogue, despite knowing that disagreement is to be expected, especially at the onset of new conversations.” 

Wendy Keslick (Chester) was also elected to be a Steering Committee member at large. Last year she was a Green Party of Chester County delegate to the GPPA State Committee. Wendy told GREEN STAR, “I am excited for the opportunity to serve the GPPA in a state-wide capacity. In 2026, we will continue to see the collective failure of the two corporate-run parties, and the Green Party will have the opportunity to become the alternative that Pennsylvanians are seeking. I look forward to working collaboratively with other Steering Committee members to ensure that the Green Party is structurally ready to grow in numbers and to lead us to a thriving and better future for our beautiful state.”

Elizabeth “Beth” Schongar (Allegheny) was elected to be a member at large of the GPPA Steering Committee. She held the same office during 2022. Beth told GREEN STAR, “On the Green Party Steering Committee I will be looking at every effort according to three criteria. First, does it reflect the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom and social justice/equal opportunity? Second, can we do it: do we have the time, people, expertise and resources? Third, will it make the public more aware of the Green Party and what it stands for?”

Two members of last year’s GPPA Steering Committee did not stand for election because their terms end in 2027. Bryarr Misner (Allegheny) will remain GPPA secretary, and Tim Runkle (Lancaster) will continue as co-chair.

Incumbent Co-chair Tim Runkle told GREEN STAR, “As I begin the second year of my co-chair term, I want to first thank Theron Gilliland, Jr. (Allegheny), Erin King (Centre) and Barbara Laxon (McKean), the outgoing Steering Committee members for their commitment and hard work. They have contributed to strengthening the Green Party of Pennsylvania. Their efforts have helped sustain the party through challenging times and laid important groundwork for what comes next. I also look forward to working with the incoming Steering Committee members and to seeing them share their knowledge, skills, and experience in ways that will strengthen our collective leadership.”

“During 2026,” Tim continued, “my focus as co-chair will be on practicing servant leadership and helping the Steering Committee continue the construction of a comprehensive, member-driven plan for the future of GPPA. I believe our success depends on meaningful engagement with our members encouraged by listening, inviting participation, and creating opportunities for Greens to lead, organize, and contribute. Rather than imposing a top-down agenda, my hope is that the new Steering Committee will advance a plan shaped by the ideas and energy of our members. When we empower more people to get involved and to take ownership of the direction, we will continue to grow the Green Party as a strong, democratic, and principled alternative in Pennsylvania politics.

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA 

END ITEM

Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, November 17, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected]

Two Green Party Candidates Reflect on 2025 Election Campaign

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) had nominated three candidates for local office during 2025. Michael Bagdes-Canning was nominated for re-election as Mayor of Cherry Valley in Butler County. Tony Dastra was nominated for two offices, Mayor and City Councilor of Lancaster City in Lancaster County. Alex Noyle was nominated for Auditor of East Norriton Township in Montgomery County.

To help them focus their answers, GREEN STAR asked our candidates four questions. Two of those candidates were kind enough to share their thoughts about the election.

GREEN STAR: Based on your campaign this year, what advice would you offer to Greens who plan to run for office in 2026 or 2027?

Michael Bagdes-Canning:
“My advice based on my campaign for Mayor in Cherry Valley would not be a one size fits all sort of thing. I think the determining factor in the success of my campaign was familiarity -- my neighbors know who I am, they know what I stand for, they know my character. That is based on living in this community for 43 years, serving on Borough Council / Mayor since 1989.

“I do think that some of that is generalizable. If you are going to mount a successful campaign, voters have to know who you are, what you stand for. They need to feel comfortable with you. Running as a Green, that is particularly true. Face it, we have been painted as spoilers, far-left tree huggers, purists. We as Greens need to counter that by showing up and genuinely engaging with our neighbors. Getting them familiar with Green values.”

Alex Noyle:
“This was our first time in a true three-way race against the duopoly, and we finished with 340 votes (6.68%). This is about 1/3 of our 1,092 votes in the 2023 two-way race. I’m confident a big chunk of that gap is Republicans who just voted Green as an anti-Democrat protest vote last time, and stuck to their own candidate this year. We did retain a small number of Republican votes, but we also discovered that our true base is primarily composed of three groups: independents, third party voters, and disillusioned Democrats. So, 340 votes is a much clearer count of people who actually share our vision -- not ‘lesser evil’ voters. That’s the base we’re going to be building on in the future.

“We strongly urge Greens running in 2026 or 2027 to operate on a primary day timetable even though our deadlines are later. You want to be ahead of any surprises, not scrambling at the end. A dependable campaign manager and treasurer are crucial to your success as a candidate, and so is the growth of your local Green Party chapter.”

GREEN STAR: Voters in your district began voting by mail-in ballot on October 1. How do you think mail-in voting affected your campaign?

Michael Bagdes-Canning:
“About 20% of the voters in Cherry Valley voted by mail-in ballot, but the affect was negligible on the result. My campaigning was done via home visits. My wife Karen and I visited every home in Cherry Valley to distribute a voters guide -- telling people how to vote for write-in candidates -- NOT ME. I DID make sure I distributed those BEFORE the mail-in ballots were sent out. Karen, who is an inspector, told me that almost every voter showed up with that piece of paper.”

Alex Noyle:

“As in 2023 we didn’t do well with mail-in voters, which was expected because we did nothing to reach them. Next time we’re sending mailers to addresses we can’t realistically canvass, especially apartments and multi-family housing.”

GREEN STAR: What effect did your volunteers at the polls have on the election outcome?

Michael Bagdes-Canning:
“The only volunteer I had at the polls was me, and I didn't spend a whole lot of time at the polls -- less than an hour. All of my campaigning was done prior to the election. Due to our screwed up election laws, in tiny communities like Cherry Valley, it is far easier for me, a Green, to get on the ballot than it is for Democrats (it is impossible for them) or Republicans (near impossible). It was important to me to elect a Borough Council (four of the five seats were up), Auditors (3), Tax Collector (1), and Judge/Inspectors (3). Without those roles being filled, the borough cannot function. I think my neighbors appreciated the time and effort I put into making that happen.”

Alex Noyle: “The scientific approach we took to this race gave us a clearer sense of what actually works. Volunteers at the polls were by far our most effective tactic, yard signs came second, and canvassing slipped to third. Very different from 2023 in the 1-on-1 with a Democrat, where canvassing was our #1 tactic.”

GREEN STAR: Do you plan to run again for office as a Green Party candidate?

Michael Bagdes-Canning:
“I am 72. I am approaching my "sell by" date. I have already run for County Commissioner, State Representative (twice), and Lieutenant Governor of PA. I learned a lot during those campaigns. 

"However, I have things that I am passionate about, things that I want to leave behind: 

• I want the generations that come after mine to have a stable environment, clean air, water, and soil. 
• I want to ensure that we have a government that serves the many, not the rich.
• I want to work to repair the damage done through manipulation -- pitting neighbor against neighbor, city dwellers against rural denizens, housed against un-housed, immigrants against citizens.

“So what that means is, I want to spend the rest of my time feeding those passions, continue the organizing work that I do in those realms through Pennsylvania Action on Climate, March on Harrisburg, and the PA Poor People's Campaign.

“Sure, if four years from now I still have the energy, I will run for Mayor of Cherry Valley again. However, I am actively trying to plant the seeds among my neighbors to make me obsolete. We have an amazing group of people in the Green Party of Pennsylvania who are better faces for a forward-looking Green Party than this grizzled geezer. I'd be happy to be a guide on the side.”

Alex Noyle:

“I plan to run with the Montco Greens again in 2027 and will be seeking endorsements from other minor parties as well. I ran out of time to approach others this year. The 2025 election season is over, but our work to turn East Norriton Green is just getting started. We are planting the seeds. Thank you, everyone, for your support, this election may be over but this campaign is certainly not. Like Sisyphus, we will keep on pushing.”

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA

END OF ITEM