TRUMP HOUSE

A Q&A with ‘Trump House’ creator and new state Rep. Leslie Rossi

She’s a western Pennsylvania legislator with strong ties to former President Donald Trump and his ‘America First’ policies.

By Harrison Cann

HARRISBURG WELCOMED

a new set of legislators to the Capitol following May’s special elections. One particular state representative caught the attention of the media: Leslie Rossi. Known for creating the “Trump House” in Unity, Rossi is the owner of Crystal Creek Management and a mother of eight. The “Trump House,” featuring American flag paint and a large Donald Trump cutout, gained notoriety around Westmoreland County and helped spawn Rossi’s political activism.

From promoting Trump’s reelection to starting her own campaign, Rossi is another legislator with strong ties to Trump’s agenda. She now holds the 59th District seat, vacated by Rep. Mike Reese, who died unexpectedly earlier this year. One of the newest faces in Harrisburg, she represents parts of both Westmoreland and Somerset counties. City & State PA reached out to Rossi to get to know her, learn her priorities, and understand her thoughts on the Republican Party.

Rossi declined to comment on the validity of the 2020 presidential election and the Jan. 6 insurrection in Washington, D.C. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What was your inspiration for creating the “Trump House?”

The reason I created the Trump House originally was to make sure voters were familiar and aware of what a delegate was and that they knew how it worked here in Pennsylvania, which is different from other states. In Pennsylvania, the candidate receives 17 delegate votes by winning the popular vote. But 54 of the delegate votes are unbound, so in 2016, it was really important that voters chose the correct delegates that were running that supported the primary candidate they wanted. I went to a town hall in Pittsburgh and watched delegates soliciting for votes, deceiving the voter as they did not disclose what candidate they supported. As I watched that, I couldn’t sit back and do nothing. I wanted the people in the area I live to know that their vote for delegates needed to reflect the candidate of their choice, and I did not want them going into the voter box blind. I wanted them to know and understand the process, so the Trump House was originally created for awareness of that. Then something magical happened and it turned into so much more: a grassroots movement that the people loved being a part of.

What initial reactions did you receive? What messages did you hear from people visiting the house, and did that spark your interest in running for office?

It was not all positive initially, but it did spark interest and curiosity, as people could not deny the amount of folks that were gathering there. Messages I heard from people back in 2016 were messages of desperation. I learned so much from just giving them my time and listening. They shared very deep personal stories with me and trusted me and we talked about things and ideas on how things could be better. Those relationships, friendships and connections never went away and many of the people I met kept in touch with me telling me about things happening in their lives. In 2020, I was there again. Many people came back and many were new. Many wanted to change sides and were ready to do so officially. They came there to pick up a voter registration form. They could have done it anywhere, but wanted to do it at the Trump House. It was an easy decision to run for office. I was already there for the people and communicating with them, but running for office would allow me to represent them and be their voice. They were encouraging me and cheering me on, and it was a great feeling knowing I had such strong support. deal of time in both areas talking to people, but it’s fair to say the issues are the same. Election integrity was a hot topic. Education was also a much-discussed issue. The fact that people are making too much (money) on unemployment and refusing to go back to work or find jobs was another issue people had much to say about. They can’t get the things they need because many businesses are struggling due to staff shortages. Something people in my district care about is protecting their constitutional rights, and I plan to do that.

What have you learned about the office since your election?

I am learning every day and know that the constituents are our priority, so I am working What were your other motivations on setting up the best team I can in my district for running for office? to serve them. The people are what motivate me. I have spent so much time hearing their real-life personal stories, views and opinions and have gotten What election reforms would you like to see how politics affect their daily lives, and to see implemented? And how can that has changed me forever. the legislature ensure I feel so in touch with them. I care about them and their “People are election security while not limiting Pennsylvanians’ families. I feel I can be the voice of those very people who live in the district we call home and love. looking for strong leadership constitutional right to vote? (I’d like to see) commonsense reforms: Voter ID, signature match, deceased people removed How much of an influence to get our state back on from voter rolls – along with cleaning those up. Every polling place needs to follow the same does former President Donald Trump have in the Republican Party, track to move forward.” election code.

particularly in your Do you think both area of the state? parties will continue

I feel that President Trump’s to split over internal agenda worked well in our – state Rep. Leslie Rossi politics, and how do you state and that people were see the GOP handling better off after four years of varying viewpoints his administration in office. That, in turn, within the party? has influenced conservatives to step up locally I think politics always has had different sides, and get involved, whether it be attending but the main focus has to be that we are discussion groups, running for office or working for our constituents we represent. encouraging others to run and offering up their support. People are aware, active and paying close attention. How do you see the Republican Party

adjusting its message ahead of the 2022 elections, and will Trump’s What specific issues did you hear ideas continue to be a focal point?

from Westmoreland residents that I think coming off of a lengthy shutdown that you would like to address? has crippled so many economically, people Westmoreland does not make up my entire are looking for strong leadership to get our district, so let’s keep that in mind. District 59 state back on track to move forward. Jobs, goes into Somerset, and the people there are every bit as important to me. I spent a great energy, education and constitutional rights should always be focal points. ■