Rep. Neilson's Biography

Ed Neilson was elected to serve as state representative for the 174th Legislative District, Philadelphia County, in a special election on August 11, 2015. A graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School, Ed is a well-known civic leader in his native Northeast Philadelphia.

Ed is a lifelong member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 and formerly served as Deputy Secretary of Labor under the Rendell administration. In his position as Deputy Secretary, he managed a staff of 6,000 employees and worked to secure funding and other assets for the people of Northeast Philadelphia. In addition, he served as the Director of Government Affairs and Business Development for Chartwell Law Offices in Philadelphia.

In November 2011, Ed was chosen by the voters of Philadelphia to finish out the remainder of a term as state representative for the 169th Legislative District. In May 2014, he was again called upon by the people of Philadelphia to serve on Philadelphia City Council.

His legislative priorities include job creation, honoring and protecting the elderly, improving public safety, improving the city's educational climate, and effectively addressing the problem of absentee landlords.

During his tenure as a public official, Ed has been successful in securing needed funding for schools, transportation and infrastructure projects throughout the Philadelphia area and championing legislation that established the Dyslexia and Early Literacy Intervention Pilot Program.

Ed is an avid community activist and supports numerous charities in his native Northeast Philadelphia community. In the past, he has coached local sports teams and served as a leader within the Boy Scouts of America. He has also worked on pro bono projects, including the IBEW for Penn-Crisp Boys and Girls Club's gymnasium, Lighthouse Field, Glen Foerd Mansion and the Parkwood Boys Club.

Ed and his wife, Doris, are the proud parents of five sons.