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I'm married to Senator Vincent Hughes of Pennsylvania, so I always am speaking my mind. I remember, growing up, my parents were always involved in what was going on in the community, and their involvement helped me in so many different ways and other people within our community.

I was studying political science; I was adamant that I was going to follow in my father's footsteps.

My mother was a teacher, my father was a community organizer. I come from a working class background.

Since an early age I was taught to be very politically aware and knew from childhood that the process was something I wanted to contribute towards if I could.

My father worked for governments all his life as an engineer and public works director.

Even before I could vote, I was involved in the political arena. My father was an admirer of Adlai Stevenson, and he took me to the Stevenson for President headquarters, and he volunteered me. That was my introduction to electoral politics, which was exciting and fun and thrilling and very theatrical.

I came into politics because of my opposition to what a Tory Government was doing to the community I grew up in.

I've been mayor for five years. I've led a city. And directed a police department. I know how to use resources.

I had a mother who got involved in grassroot politics when I was growing up. I watched her have agency and become political in a very male-dominated world.