Vymazal State Senate Campaign Off To Strong Start

Democrats Endorse Don C. Vymazal in 19th District Pa. Senate Race

West Chester, Pensylvania, USA – WEBWIRE – Wednesday, March 4, 2020

“I love helping people. Now, being out there as a candidate gives me a chance to put my legislative and policy experience to work for others. Our campaign is about policy – it’s about the issues.”

Do hard work, diligence and tenacity pay off?

In the case of Don Vymazal, the answer seems to be “yes!”

Just a few short weeks ago Vymazal was a trusted advisor to longtime state Senator Andy Dinniman of Chester County.

Today, he’s the endorsed Democrat in a three-way primary to replace Dinniman, D-19, who earlier this month announced plans to retire to spend more time with his wife who is recuperating from surgery.

For Vymazal, 38, of Phoenixville, the transition was characteristically brisk. As Dinniman’s Director of Policy and Government Relations, Vymazal has developed a familiarity with both the legislative halls of Harrisburg and every corner of the sprawling district.

Dinniman’s retirement announcement and endorsement quickly thrust this adept staffer into the spotlight on February 7. Less than a week later (on February 13) he handily secured the Chester County Democratic Committee (CCDC) endorsement with nearly 70 percent of the vote. And within days (by February 18), his campaign amassed 1,008 signatures (more than double the 500 needed) to get on the ballot.

Yesterday, he launched his campaign website, www.donvforsenate.com.

“We’ve come a long way in a short time, but we still have further to go,” Vymazal said. “The first 10 days was a hustle, but we set the pace and we’re staying focused. We’ve succeeded so far because we have a dedicated and organized team of volunteers, individuals, and committee people. And that’s the same way we plan to win in April and November.”

In the primary, Vymazal is facing Kyle J. Boyer, President of the West Chester NAACP and member of the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, as well as state Representative and former West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta. Comitta is running for both the state Senate Seat in the 19 th District and her current House seat in the 156th.

Vymazal surprised some by besting both in winning the CCDC endorsement. Comitta, thought to be the favorite due to her endorsement from Governor Tom Wolf, was eliminated on the first ballot with only 25 percent of the vote. Boyer took 27 percent and Vymazal 47. On the second ballot, Vymazal surged ahead – coming just three votes shy of the 65 percent needed to secure the nomination. On the final ballot, he sealed the victory with 69 percent.

“It was a very memorable night. I’m honored to have the support of the Chester County Democrats. We’ve experienced incredible growth and gains in recent years. 2020 is going to be an even bigger year. The best is yet to come,” he said.

Vymazal has spent his entire career in public service. Prior to his pivotal role with Senator Dinniman, he advised the late State Senator Michael O’Pake of Berks County. Vymazal earned a Bachelor’s in History from Gettysburg College and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from West Chester University. He is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration at West Chester University.

He has worked as an Adjunct Professor at West Chester University and has served on various civic boards and commissions, including the Board of the West Chester Downtown Foundation and the Borough of Phoenixville Planning Commission.

“I love helping people. Now, being out there as a candidate gives me a chance to put my legislative and policy experience to work for others. Our campaign is about policy – it’s about the issues,” he said. “So, yes, a lot has changed, but the issues are the same and my views and values are stronger than ever.”

"Of course, some people still can’t pronounce my last name. But it’s OK because voters are quickly learning who I am and what I stand for. I think they like what they see and hear,” he added.

Democrats Endorse Don C. Vymazal in 19th District Pa. Senate Race

_{Editor’s Note: It’s pronounced “vee-ma-zall”}